Every season comes with its own cravings and some must-try food items and beverages. Winter, for example, is all about warm and comforting treats like Italian hot chocolate.
While I enjoy hot chocolate in any form, Cioccolata Calda, also known as Italian hot chocolate, is so good it makes me forget every other kind even exists. Thick and full of creamy deliciousness, this one comes with an almost pudding-like thick texture- and you guys know I have a serious soft spot for treats like this!
Unlike regular hot chocolate that’s made with pre-mixed packets or simple cocoa powder, Cioccolata Calda uses dark chocolate(my favorite kind!) that intensifies the taste. With just a dash of added sugar, this hot beverage really lets the delicious flavor of the chocolate shine through while the sweetness takes a back seat!
Still wondering if it’s worth a try?
Take a leap of faith in this Italian classic, and with just one sip, you will realize it’s not just a hot drink- it’s a rich and delicious dessert in a cup!
Topping Ideas For Making Italian Hot Chocolate
Apart from whipped cream and chocolate shavings that are used in today’s recipe, there are plenty of other toppings available for elevating your Cioccolata Calda! Here are a few of the toppings you can experiment with:
Marshmallows
Want more texture in your hot chocolate? Mini marshmallows were invented just for this reason!
Marshmallows bring a chewy and slightly sweet flavor to your hot chocolate drink. For an extra treat, try toasting the marshmallows before adding them on top of your chocolate drink.
Crushed Cookies
Crushed cookies or biscotti are a fantastic addition to the Italian hot chocolate. The crunch of the biscuits or cookies pairs nicely with hot chocolate and adds a delicious texture to every sip!
Nuts
Another crunchy addition is crushed nuts like almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios. These varieties are perfect for complementing the rich and intense flavor of dark chocolate used in this drink, balancing the creaminess with a nutty flavor in every sip!
Caramel Drizzle
There’s hardly anything better than a dark chocolate and caramel pairing, if you ask me!
You can drizzle hot caramel sauce over the whipped cream in your chocolate drink or swirl it directly into the drink for a sweet, buttery finish. For a salted caramel version, sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel and enjoy a delicious combination of sweet, bitter, and salty!
Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)
Ingredients
For Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tbsp / 8 g Cornstarch
- ¼ cup / 60 ml Milk
For Hot Chocolate Base
- ½ cup / 60 g Semi-Sweet Dark Chocolate
- 1 cup / 237 ml Milk
- 3 tbsp / 18 g Cocoa Powder
- 2 tbsp / 25 g Sugar
- â…› tsp / â…› tsp Salt
For Garnish
- Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings
Equipments
- Milk Pan
Instructions
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
- Take a small mixing bowl and add 1 tbsp of cornstarch to it.
- Pour ¼ cup of milk into the bowl with the cornstarch.
- Use a spoon to stir the mixture well until the cornstarch dissolves. Set the bowl aside for later use.
Chop The Chocolate
- Place a semi-sweet dark chocolate bar on a chopping board.
- Using a sharp knife, chop the chocolate bar into small pieces to get about ½ cup of chopped chocolate.
- Transfer the chopped chocolate to a small bowl to use later.
Heat Milk and Cocoa
- Place a cooking pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Pour 1 cup of whole milk into the pot.
- Sift 3 tbsp of cocoa powder through a sieve into the milk. Use the back of the spoon to gently press down on the cocoa powder to make sure it sifts smoothly.
Add Sugar, Salt and Mix
- Add 2 tbsp of sugar and â…› tsp of salt into the mixture.
- Use a whisk to stir all the ingredients together until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved.
Melt Chocolate and Thicken The Mixture
- Add the dark chocolate you chopped earlier into the saucepan. Whisk the mixture until the chocolate fully melts.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot to thicken the chocolate mixture and stir continuously until it’s smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish, Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the hot chocolate is thick and creamy, remove the pot from the heat and pour it into a mug.
- Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings over the cream as garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious Italian hot chocolate with your favorite cookies!
Video
Bet you are surprised at how easy it was to make! Even though this Italian hot chocolate tastes so rich and delicious, the preparation is quite simple and straightforward. With just a few basic ingredients like sugar, milk, cornstarch, and dark chocolate – you will have an Italian classic drink in your cup!
I hope you have enjoyed this delicious hot chocolate recipe and that it becomes the newest addition to your drink menu this winter.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Cocoa Powder Instead Of Dark Chocolate?
While you certainly can use cocoa powder, dark chocolate gives the drink its signature rich and bold taste that will be missing if you try any alternatives.
Can I Serve Italian Hot Chocolate Chilled?
That’s actually not a bad idea! With the creamy and thick texture of the Italian hot chocolate, it will make a delicious treat even when served cold!
How Can I Reheat My Creamy Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe?
You can reheat the leftovers in a saucepan on low heat on the stove or microwave it for a few seconds.
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