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To create the perfect salted caramel hot chocolate, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping) - Whipped cream for garnish These ingredients work together to give you a rich and creamy drink. You can make your salted caramel hot chocolate even better with these tasty toppings: - Crushed candy canes for a minty twist - Chocolate shavings for extra chocolate flavor - A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth - Toasted nuts for crunch Feel free to mix and match these toppings based on your taste. For the best flavor, I recommend these brands: - Milk: Organic Valley for whole milk - Cream: Horizon Organic for heavy cream - Chocolate chips: Ghirardelli for semi-sweet chocolate chips - Cocoa powder: Hershey's for unsweetened cocoa powder - Caramel sauce: Smucker's for caramel sauce Using quality ingredients will elevate your drink and make it truly special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by pouring 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into a medium saucepan. 2. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Watch it closely until it’s about to simmer. Do not let it boil. 3. Next, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. 4. Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts and the mix is smooth. 5. Stir in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. 6. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and hot. 7. Taste your hot chocolate. If you want it sweeter, add more caramel. 8. Once ready, take it off the heat and pour it into mugs. 9. Top each mug with a big dollop of whipped cream. 10. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. To make sure the chocolate melts well, use semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt smoothly when heated. Always whisk the mixture while it heats. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and avoids clumps. If you notice any lumps, keep whisking until the mix is smooth. Removing it from heat as soon as it melts is key. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture. The sweetness of your hot chocolate can be adjusted easily. Start with the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce. After mixing, taste the drink. If it’s not sweet enough, add more caramel sauce a little at a time. This way, you control the sweetness. Remember, the whipped cream and caramel drizzle on top add extra sweetness, too. Thus, taste as you go for the perfect balance. To get a creamy texture in your salted caramel hot chocolate, use whole milk and heavy cream. Their fat content makes your drink rich. Heat the milk and cream gently. Stir often to avoid burning. Whisk in the chocolate chips and cocoa powder until smooth. This helps blend the flavors well. One common mistake is boiling the milk. Boiling can change the flavor and texture. Always heat it until it simmers. Another mistake is not whisking enough. Whisking helps melt the chocolate evenly. If you skip this step, lumps may form. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your hot chocolate. Adjust the sweetness by adding more caramel if needed. You can customize your drink easily! For a minty twist, add peppermint extract. For a mocha flavor, mix in a shot of espresso. If you like spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also swap the milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Get creative and make it your own! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer and more intense chocolate flavor in your hot chocolate. Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving and feel free to add more caramel sauce if you prefer a sweeter drink. Whip Your Cream: For a fluffier whipped cream, whip it just until soft peaks form; this will give your hot chocolate a delightful texture. Presentation Matters: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt over the whipped cream for an eye-catching presentation that enhances flavor. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your salted caramel hot chocolate. For a minty twist, stir in peppermint extract. Start with just a drop, then taste and add more if needed. This gives your drink a fresh, festive feel. If you love coffee, add a shot of espresso for a mocha flavor. Mix it in after you heat the milk and cream. This will give your hot chocolate a rich, bold taste. You can easily make this drink dairy-free. Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of whole milk and cream. These options still taste great and keep the drink creamy. For the caramel sauce, check for brands that are vegan. Some use coconut cream or other plant-based ingredients. Make sure to read the labels. As the seasons change, so can your hot chocolate. In fall, try adding pumpkin spice. Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice with your cocoa powder. This gives a warm, cozy flavor that screams autumn. In winter, consider adding chai spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can make your drink feel like a warm hug. You can also top it with crushed gingerbread cookies for extra holiday cheer. To store leftover salted caramel hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Seal it tight and place it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, just follow the reheating instructions below. To reheat your hot chocolate, pour it into a saucepan. Heat on low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid any burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe cup for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between until it’s warm enough. - Whole milk: Use within 5-7 days after opening. - Heavy cream: Lasts about 1-2 weeks after opening. - Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Good for several months if stored in a cool place. - Unsweetened cocoa powder: Stays fresh for up to 2-3 years if stored properly. - Caramel sauce: Check the label, but it often lasts for months when opened. - Vanilla extract: Lasts indefinitely if kept in a cool, dark place. - Sea salt: Does not expire, but it’s best to keep it dry. You can use any plant-based milk. Almond, oat, or coconut milk work well. Each type brings its own taste. If you want creaminess, try using a mix of plant milk and coconut cream. This will give you a rich texture. Yes, homemade caramel sauce is a great choice! It adds a personal touch. Just make sure it is smooth and not too thick. If it is too thick, warm it up slightly before adding it. This helps it mix well into your hot chocolate. To make this drink healthier, you can reduce the sugar. Use less caramel sauce or choose a sugar-free version. You can also use low-fat milk and cream. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance flavor without extra calories. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. We listed all the main ingredients and great toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions and cooking tips for perfect results. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Finally, I answered common questions to help you succeed. Enjoy crafting your drink and making it your own! You're now ready to impress with this cozy treat.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

A rich and creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping)
  • to taste whipped cream for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it is just about to simmer, but do not boil.
  • Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder, whisking continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt, continuing to whisk until everything is well incorporated and heated through.
  • Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness by adding more caramel if desired.
  • Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
  • Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  • Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top as a garnish.

Notes

Adjust sweetness by adding more caramel if desired.
Keyword caramel, dessert, hot chocolate