Hot chocolate isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, especially when it’s thick, creamy, and indulgent, just like the one you’d find at your favorite restaurant.
The good news? You can recreate this Restaurant-Style Hot Chocolate at HOME: Thick & Dreamy! In this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make this luscious treat using simple ingredients and techniques.
This recipe, brought to you by BintGhade Recipes, will make your chilly evenings warmer and your taste buds happier.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick & Creamy Texture: Achieved with the perfect blend of cornstarch and coconut milk.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness or toppings to your preference.
- Restaurant-style indulgence: A luxurious treat that feels fancy without leaving home.
The Secret to Thick Hot Chocolate
The real magic behind this restaurant-style hot chocolate lies in two key ingredients: cornstarch and high-quality cocoa powder. The cornstarch acts as a natural thickener, giving you that luxurious mouthfeel you’d expect from a high-end café, while the cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor without any graininess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Restaurant-Style Hot Chocolate:
- 250ml coconut milk (full-fat works best)
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch-processed for best results)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch powder
- A pinch of salt (this enhances the chocolate flavor!)
- 2 dark chocolate bars, shredded or chopped
- Honey to taste
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Extra cocoa powder for dusting
- 1 teaspoon honey drizzle
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Dry Mix First, combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a small bowl. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your final drink.
- Create Your Base Pour your coconut milk into a separate bowl and gradually whisk in the dry ingredients. Keep whisking until completely smooth – this is crucial for that perfect texture!
- Heat and Thicken
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan
- Place over medium heat
- Stir continuously (this is important!) for about 2 minutes
- Watch as the mixture starts to thicken slightly
- Add the Chocolate
- Add your shredded dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- Keep stirring until completely melted
- The mixture should be glossy and smooth
- Sweeten to Taste Add honey gradually, tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
- Serve in Style
- Pour into your favorite mug
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream
- Dust with cocoa powder
- Drizzle with honey
- Add chocolate shavings if desired
Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate
- Use room-temperature coconut milk for smoother blending
- Don’t skip the salt – it balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor
- Continuous stirring prevents the mixture from sticking to the bottom
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa content works great)
- Warm your mug beforehand for longer-lasting warmth
Variations to Try
- Mint: Add a drop of peppermint extract
- Spiced: Include a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne
- Orange: Add a few drops of orange extract
- Mocha: Mix in a shot of espresso
Storage Tips
This hot chocolate is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and creamy. If you need to reheat it, gently stir it on the stovetop to maintain the smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes! While coconut milk gives it a unique richness, any milk works well.
Why did my hot chocolate get too thick?
This usually happens if it’s cooked too long. Add a splash of warm milk to thin it out.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Replace honey with your favorite sugar-free sweetener.
