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Rich and creamy homemade dark hot chocolate is the ultimate cold-weather spoil, hands-down! Make it with just 2 ingredients, no powder mix needed.
It’s officially cozy drink season, and I’ll be sipping on creamy dark hot chocolate, cinnamon dolce lattes, and homemade eggnog from now until spring. You can, too!
Is there anything better than cozying up with a mug of steamy hot chocolate on a chilly day? Now that hot chocolate season is upon us, I’ve been loving this dark chocolate hot chocolate that takes the indulgence to a whole new level.
It’s made from International Delight’s hot chocolate coffee creamer warmed and whisked with sweetened condensed milk. It’s ridiculously rich and creamy, like drinking a bar of dark chocolate. After one sip, you’ll never want to make hot chocolate any other way.
Why I Love This Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Festive. This dark hot chocolate gets my whole family in the holiday spirit. I make a big batch on the stovetop, and it’s the perfect partner to a cozy night in, snuggled on the couch with a Christmas movie.
- Ultra chocolatey. I can’t get over how insanely indulgent this dark hot chocolate is. Every sip feels like it melts in your mouth, just like real dark chocolate. Load up your mugs with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a chocolate drizzle and BAM. Dessert in a mug.
- Two ingredients. That’s it. This dark hot chocolate recipe is SO easy and SO affordable, with just coffee creamer and condensed milk on the shopping list. And if two-ingredient desserts are your thing, serve this two-ingredient hot chocolate with my two-ingredient mini lemon cakes!
Just 2 Ingredients!
This homemade hot chocolate is super simple to make. I’ve included some notes on the (whopping) two ingredients here. You’ll find the printable recipe card below the post with the full amounts and recipe details.
- Hot Chocolate Coffee Creamer – I use International Delight’s Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Coffee Creamer. If you can’t find it where you live, grab a quart of heavy cream and dark chocolate chips, plus the other ingredients.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Make sure it’s the sweetened kind and not evaporated milk, which is unsweetened. It can be fat-free or full-fat, it’s up to you.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
This dark hot chocolate is dreamy all on its own, but we can’t resist adding some sweet toppings in our house. If you’re the same, try these ideas:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Fudge sauce
- Mini chocolate chips
- Salted caramel sauce
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
How to Make Dark Hot Chocolate
I make my hot chocolate on the stovetop, the same way that I prepare mulled wine and hot apple cider. It’s quick and easy, all you need to do is:
- Heat the ingredients. Add your ingredients to a saucepan set over medium heat. Stir occasionally while the hot chocolate heats through, taking care that it doesn’t come to a boil.
- Serve. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, and fudge sauce. Or, enjoy it as is. Cheers!
Tips and Variations
- Don’t overheat the hot chocolate. Very important! Make sure that the hot chocolate mixture DOES NOT BOIL. Overheating can cause the dairy to split and curdle.
- Make it boozy. Give this dark hot chocolate a grown-up twist with a splash of brandy, whiskey, or liqueur, like Kahlua or Bailey’s. You might also like my spiked crockpot hot chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
I go all out topping my dark hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, and fudge sauce (see above). It’s perfect with a slice of pumpkin bread or pear cake after dinner, or I’ll fill a thermos with hot chocolate to bring along to the skating rink. Enjoy this hot chocolate with pignoli cookies or biscotti on the side for dunking!
How to Store
- Refrigerate. Once the dark hot chocolate cools to room temperature, store any leftovers covered in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat. Warm the hot chocolate in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through again.
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Dark Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 quart (carton) Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Coffee Creamer, see note
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate fudge sauce
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients. Combine hot chocolate creamer and sweetened condensed milk in a large saucepan.
- Warm it up. Set the saucepan over medium heat and heat through, stirring occasionally. DO NOT BOIL.
- Serve! Pour prepared hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and fudge sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.
- If you can’t find Hot Chocolate Coffee Creamer, substitute a quart of heavy cream and 1/2-cup dark chocolate chips instead.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
we loved this recipe it was so rich and creamy no need for marsmallows we used mint peppermint mocca creamer insted
I’m so glad you loved it! The mint peppermint mocha creamer sounds like a delicious twist! Thank YOU! 😊
we used pepperment mocca but it was still amazing
I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Why would you introduce such an unhealthy recipe. I’m disappointed and will be looking at the nutritional value of your recipes now.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This hot chocolate is meant to be a fun and indulgent treat during the holiday season when many of us enjoy a little extra cheer. That said, I strive to offer a wide variety of recipes, from wholesome, everyday meals to occasional indulgences like this one. It’s all about balance. 🙂
Best regards,
Katerina
Okay, how do you clean up drool off a keyboard? This looks fantastic.
I’ll take one of these every night after dinner, please!
This is hot chocolate perfection!
Girrrrrrllll, you know the way to my heart. <3 <3