No hot cocoa mixes are 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 a splash of vanilla, coconut, orange, or peppermint extract.
Once you have that hot chocolate ready to go you are going to need some cookies for dunking, right? Why not try these Easy Chocolate Peppermint Almond Flour Cookies or these Crispy Gingersnap Cookies Without Molasses.
The Best Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe
No premade cocoa mix is required here, this Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe uses only a handful of real ingredients to make the ultimate indulgence in drink form.
You will need:
- Dark chocolate (either dark chocolate chips or a good quality dark chocolate bar broken up into smaller pieces);
- Milk of choice (I use almond milk but full cream cow's milk works great as well);
- Optional extras: if you feel like getting a bit fancy then you might want to try adding a drop of peppermint, orange or vanilla essential oils or extract.
You will also benefit from having a high-speed blender if you want to get a good froth on the hot chocolate without an extra step of frothing up the milk.
But don't worry, I have instructions for you if you only have a regular blender or even if you have no blender at all (and it is still super easy).
Making A Dark Hot Chocolate In A High Speed Blender
When I say high-speed blender I mean a blender like the Vitamix.
With a machine with this much power, we can heat the hot chocolate in the jug without any extra steps (this is even better if you have the Aer disc attachment as you will get a lot more froth - but it is definitely not necessary).
It is as simple as adding the ingredients, turning the machine up to high, and waiting until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is warm.
I do have one major tip though:
Use small chocolate chips or a bar of dark chocolate broken up into smaller bits. This will allow the chocolate to melt a lot more quickly, which means it will be incorporated into the milk without everything overheating.
How To Make A Dark Hot Chocolate On The Stovetop
If you don't have a high-speed blender don't worry, you will still be able to get your hot chocolate fix!
In fact, if you take your time and have a little bit of patience you can still get great results on the stove top.
This is how I used to do it in Uni when good quality electrical appliances were a thing of dreams.
Simply:
- Gently heat the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop until it starts to bubble. It should be warm, but not scalding;
- Add in some finely chopped dark chocolate. Here is best to use a dark chocolate bar that you have chopped up extra finely or even grated. We want it to melt really quickly, so the smaller the chocolate the better.
- Whisk the milk and chocolate together briskly until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is fully incorporated. You can always cheat and melt the chocolate in the microwave before adding to the milk for a guaranteed super smooth result.
- Optional extra depending on supplies. If you have a milk frother then froth some milk and pour it 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 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 or use a bar of milk chocolate instead.
You know what you like!
Optional Add-Ins and Add-Ons
You can always add a swirl of melted dark chocolate or some whipped cream to the top of your hot chocolate for some extra indulgence.
For the ultimate hot chocolate experience, we love to add in some fun flavors.
Try these:
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract;
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract;
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract;
- add a big dollop of Nutella (why not try this homemade Nutella) to the mixture when blending or heating;
- 1 drop of food grade peppermint essential oil (great for a Christmas time feel);
- 1 drop of food grade wild orange essential oil;
- 1 drop of food grade turmeric essential oil or some ground turmeric;
- top with some whipped cream, melted chocolate drizzle or some fun sprinkles.
Use your imagination for the best hot chocolate experience!
Need Some More Hot Chocolate Recipes
Cold and rainy days are just perfect for enjoying hot chocolate at home.
Why not try one of these combinations next time the urge hits:
- Turmeric Infused Healthy Hot Chocolate;
- White Matcha Hot Chocolate;
- Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate;
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate;
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate;
- Low Carb Keto Hot Chocolate.
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 favorites in the comments.
Happy Drinking.
xx
Recipe
The Best Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe Using Real Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of choice (I used whole milk)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks (I used 72% cacao)
- ½ teaspoon 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
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Gina says
So chocolaty and decadent, won't ever consider a mix again!
Michelle Goth says
This was great! I used the 2% milk we had in the fridge and a bit of peppermint extract. Everyone enjoyed, will definitely make again!
Lisa says
I will never use a mix again. This drink was quick and easy and tasted much better than a mix.
Shelby says
I love that this hot chocolate is made with real chocolate, it's so much more rich!
Healing Tomato says
I am a person who lives in Florida and still consumes hot chocolate every day! So, whenever I see hot chocolate recipes, I make them immediately. Your recipe was simple to make and tasted really. I tried it with both almond milk and whole milk. Delicious!
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!!