Authentic French Hot Chocolate
🟢 Difficulty Level: Beginner
⏱️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes prep + 10 minutes cook = 20 minutes total
Indulge in this rich and velvety French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud), made with real dark chocolate and topped with homemade vanilla whipped cream. A cozy, authentic Parisian treat perfect for cold days and special moments.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 9 oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped (use high-quality chocolate for best flavor)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- A very small pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Cream (Topping):
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1–2 vanilla beans (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Optional for Serving: Fresh croissants (perfect for dipping!)
🍳 Used Equipment
- Medium saucepan :
- Whisk :
- Mixing bowl :
- Piping bag with a star tip (for whipped cream) :
- Serving mugs or cups :
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping chocolate) :
👨🍳 Steps and Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for quicker melting.
- If using vanilla beans, split them lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife.
2. Make the Vanilla Whipped Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the vanilla seeds (or extract).
Whip using a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip and refrigerate until serving.
3. Prepare the Hot Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar over medium-low heat.
Whisk gently and heat until steamy (do not boil).
Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and a tiny pinch of salt.
Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Pipe a tall swirl of vanilla whipped cream into each cup or bowl.
Pour the hot chocolate alongside or directly into the cup.
Serve immediately, with warm croissants on the side for dipping.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use quality chocolate: The flavor of your hot chocolate depends on it. Opt for 70% dark chocolate with a smooth, rich profile.
- Avoid boiling: Heating the milk mixture too much can alter the texture. Keep it hot but not boiling.
- Infuse the cream: For extra vanilla depth, you can infuse the cream with vanilla beans by heating them together and letting them cool before whipping.
- Chill your tools: A cold mixing bowl and whisk can help cream whip faster and hold peaks longer.
- Serving tip: Serve in ceramic mugs or small demitasse cups for a cozy, luxurious presentation.
🍽️ Plating and Serving Suggestions
Present the hot chocolate in a classic white mug topped with a tall swirl of vanilla whipped cream. Dust with shaved chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch. Serve with a warm croissant on the side, ideal for dipping into the rich, velvety drink. Perfect for winter mornings or a romantic dessert.