No hot cocoa mixes required here. Just a combination of real milk (or a dairy free alternative if that's your preference) and real dark chocolate and you get the most flavorsome dark hot chocolate you have experienced to date. Plus it comes together in a flash! Make it a little more fun by adding 1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla, coconut, orange or peppermint extract.
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The Best Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe
No cocoa required here, this Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe uses only a handful of real ingredients to make the ultimate indulgence in drink form:
- Dark chocolate (either dark chocolate chips or a good quality chocolate bar broken up);
- Milk of choice (I use almond milk but full cream cow's milk works great as well)
- To change things up add a drop of peppermint, orange or vanilla essential oils.
This gourmet hot chocolate comes together in one jug all thanks to the new Vitamix Aer Disc Container.
But don't worry, I have instructions for you if you only have a regular high speed blender or even if you have no blender at all (and it is still super easy).
Making A Dark Hot Chocolate In The Vitamix Aer Disc Container
If you have been hanging around Whole Food Bellies at all then you are well aware that I am a HUGE Vitamix fan and use mine pretty much every day.
I love making hot chocolates in the Vitamix because it gives them such a great consistency.
I have been using the regular ol' container for years for my hot chocolates using real chocolate and they have always turned out great, except that I can't get the foam you would get in a cafe style drink without having to pull out the milk frother as well.
And more dishes at this time of year is really not what I need.
Using the Aer disc container I got an amazing amount of froth without having to do anything more than putting all the ingredients in one jug and turn up the speed. Amazing.
How To Make A Dark Hot Chocolate On The Stovetop
My kids and I love nothing better than snuggling on the sofa enjoying hot chocolates and watching Christmas movies while the rain pours outside.
It's something I look forward to every year.
If you don't have the Aer Disc container to get your hot chocolate fix, don't worry, you can still get great results on the stove top. This is how I used to do it in Uni.
Simply:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop until it starts to bubble
- Add finely chopped dark chocolate (here it is best to use a dark chocolate bar as is it easier to chop than chocolate chips) and whisk briskly until fully incorporated (optional: melt the chocolate fully before adding for a guaranteed super smooth result)
- If you have a milk frother then froth some milk and pour on top of the hot chocolate before serving.
Voila, dark hot chocolate on the stovetop without any hassle.
Make It A Gourmet Hot Chocolate
Use a good quality dark chocolate for the best results. I go for about 72% cocoa so no further sweetener is required.
If you like it sweeter you might want to add a little bit of raw sugar.
If you are wondering how to make your hot chocolate with a chocolate bar, simply chop it up or break it up into small chunks before adding to the blender. If you are making it on the stovetop then you want to make sure the chop is super fine.
For the ultimate hot chocolate we love to add in some fun flavors:
- 1/2 tsp coconut extract;
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract;
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil (great for a Christmas time feel);
- 1 drop of wild orange essential oil
- 1 drop of turmeric essential oil.
Use your imagination for the best hot chocolate experience!
If you enjoyed this recipe then you might want to try these:
- Turmeric Infused Healthy Hot Chocolate
- White Matcha Hot Chocolate
- Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
- Low Carb Keto Hot Chocolate
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I would love to hear what you think. I have been having such fun with mine and would love some more ideas to try out so let me know your favourites in the comments.
The Best Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe Using Real Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of choice (I used whole milk)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (I used 72% cacao)
- 1/2 tsp coconut, vanilla, peppermint or orange extract optional
Instructions
Using the Vitamix Aer Disc Container
- Place all ingredients into the Aer Disc Container in the order listed and secure the lid.
- Select the lowest setting. Start the machine and slowly increase to its highest speed. Run for 6 minutes. Turn off the machine and serve the hot chocolates.
Using Another High Speed Blender
- Place all ingredients into your blender in the order listed and secure the lid.
- Select the lowest setting. Start the machine and slowly increase to its highest speed. Run for 6 minutes or until hot. Turn off the machine and serve the hot chocolates. If you do not have any froth on the mixture then froth some extra milk in a milk frother and serve on top of the drink.
On The Stovetop
- Heat the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop until it starts to bubble
- Add finely chopped dark chocolate (here it is best to use a chocolate bar as is it easier to chop than chocolate chips) and whisk briskly until fully incorporated (optional: melt the chocolate fully before adding for a guaranteed super smooth result)
- If you have a milk frother then froth some milk and pour on top of the hot chocolate before serving.
Nutrition
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If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it. I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @wholefoodbellies so I can share it <3
Chibuike Okeke says
Nice....love this
Krista Price says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I almost grabbed a box of powdered hot chocolate packets earlier today, but then I read the ingredients anddd nope, nutritional nightmare. This recipe is simple and clean, as it should be! Looking forward to making this!
Amanda says
I've never made a hot chocolate with real chocolate before! And I'm a dark chocolate fan, so I'm sold. But the extracts you mentioned...ok YUM! What an amazing addition! I am going to have to try the orange and almond!! Fabulous post and fabulous recipe!! So inspired to make this!
Leslie says
I love hot chocolate so freaking much. I have to use dairy free milk, and my personal favorite is cashew milk, but that won't make this any less delicious!
Donna says
I made it with some macadamia milk the other night for the kids and it actually tasted better because it gave it such a different flavor!!
Anne says
I love this! So simple and delicious. Perfect for the winter!
Marisa Franca says
What a great winter treat! I haven't had honest to goodness hot chocolate in ages. I usually go with hot tea or coffee. But looking at your hot chocolate recipe I realize I've been missing out on a lot. I'm trying it as soon as I get the ingredients.
Donna says
I went off hot choccies for a while too, but once I started making them with real chocolate I got hooked all over again. Especially over the Holidays 🙂
Nicoletta says
We don't have a Vitamix, but this would make wish we did 🙂 . Thanks for giving the option to make it with another blender.
Donna says
No worries 🙂
Dana says
I love making homemade hot chocolate- It definitely beats the storebought version! It's cold and rainy here today, I think I will make some for the kids!
Donna says
Hope they enjoy it 🙂
Jessica Robinson says
Hot chocolate is a staple in our house during the winter! Loving this version of homemade hot chocolate!
Donna says
Ours too, especially over the Holidays!!
Analida says
Absolute favorite of winter treats! I have never tried making it from scratch, I always imagined it separating. Thanks for making it easy peasy. Love it.
Donna says
Couldn't be easier 🙂
Aleta says
Delicious! My kids would absolutely love this, especially with real chocolate! Also, I love the photo with one of your kids holding the hot chocolate.. it makes me feel so excited for her/him!
Donna says
Haha, yes she was super excited to be my assistant in that one. More excited than when I shoot soups 🙂
Veena says
This looks so good! I love hot chocolate and its almost a staple in winter. The kids love having it every day. Love that you used read chocolate. yum
Donna says
Mine would have it every day if I let them too! Now that they have discovered the version using real chocolate there is no going back though!
Sherri says
Nothing says winter like hot chocolate! Love how quickly this comes together! I will have to check out this new Vitamix product! It sounds like an awesome tool to have! Cant wait to try your recipe! 🙂
Donna says
It's the best was to get that comfy feeling on a cold day! You will love the Aer disc container, it is so fun and so versatile!
Adrianne says
This Hot Chocolate look warm and comforting and perfect for a cold day!!