Description
Indulge in the luxurious taste of Paris with this French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud). Unlike standard hot cocoa made with powder, this rich drinking chocolate is made by melting high-quality dark chocolate directly into hot milk. It is thick, velvety, and intensely chocolatey. This version is completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a decadent treat everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups dairy-free milk (full-fat canned coconut milk creates the thickest texture, or use almond/oat milk)
5 oz (140g) high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional, depending on chocolate sweetness)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (crucial to enhance the chocolate flavor)
Coconut whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat Milk: Pour the dairy-free milk into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat until it is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges, but do not let it come to a rolling boil.
2. Melt Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Whisk continuously and vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Season: Remove from heat. Whisk in the vanilla extract and the pinch of sea salt. Taste carefully—if your dark chocolate is very bitter, add the maple syrup or sugar now and whisk until dissolved.
4. Serve: Pour immediately into small cups (it is very rich, so small servings are best). Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Chocolate Quality: Since this recipe has few ingredients, use the best quality gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate bar you can find. Do not use chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting.
Thickness: For an authentic thick French texture, use at least half canned coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
Spiced Version: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the heating step for a warming kick.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking constantly to re-emulsify.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0