Sinfully Delicious Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
This Italian hot chocolate is a decadent, velvety beverage that’s much thicker and richer than typical hot cocoa. Made with high-quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder, it’s a luxurious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3.5 ounces (100 g) dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:Â In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the milk. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside.
- Heat the Milk Mixture:Â In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk continuously until the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the Chocolate:Â Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Thicken the Hot Chocolate:Â Whisk the cornstarch slurry again to ensure it’s smooth, then slowly pour it into the hot chocolate mixture, stirring continuously. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the hot chocolate thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add Vanilla Extract:Â Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Serve:Â Pour the hot chocolate into small cups or mugs. Due to its richness, smaller servings are ideal. Enjoy it as is, or top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your preferred non-dairy milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar according to your taste.
- If the hot chocolate becomes too thick, you can thin it by adding a little more milk until the desired consistency is reached.