This velvety Italian hot chocolate comes together in around five minutes and straddles the line between a warming beverage and a full-on dessert — arguably the finest cup of cocoa on the planet.
Dense, velvety-smooth, and extraordinarily satisfying, Italian hot chocolate stands unrivaled among hot cocoa varieties. It bears no resemblance to the thin, disappointing cups typically dispensed at cafés and canteens worldwide.
I've sampled hot chocolate across Japan, France, Germany, Britain, and numerous other destinations, yet none came close to matching the lavish richness of the Italian take.
The single most unforgettable cup I've encountered was at Caffè Rivoire, situated directly across from Florence's iconic Piazza della Signoria. If your travels take you there, skipping it would be a genuine mistake.
Luxurious Italian Hot Chocolate — Ready in 10 Minutes Using Just 5 Ingredients READ MORE Boost Your Love Life With These Autumn-Winter Superfoods!
What Goes Into Italian Hot Chocolate
This Italian hot chocolate requires roughly 10 minutes from start to finish and relies on merely five straightforward ingredients: fresh organic milk (whole or partially skimmed both work), premium cocoa powder (Madagascar is my preferred choice), 70% high-grade organic dark chocolate, sugar, and cornstarch.
Cornstarch is the hidden gem responsible for the drink's luxurious thickness, yet its presence goes entirely unnoticed on the tongue.
To unlock the deepest chocolate fragrance, opt for the finest dark chocolate you can source — the upgrade is enormous. Brands I frequently turn to include Pascha Chocolate and Alter Eco. Plenty of excellent options exist; just remember quality chocolate should list cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar as its core components (vanilla is sometimes included too).
Optional Flavor Boosters for Italian Hot Chocolate
Consider stirring in a hint of pure vanilla extract, a splash of your preferred spirit (Baileys, rum, and Grand Marnier top my list), or warming things up with a dash of ground cinnamon.
Finish with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra dusting of cocoa, mini marshmallows, a ribbon of salted caramel or dulce de leche, crushed roasted hazelnuts, or whatever your heart desires.
Warming, dense, and utterly sinful, Italian hot chocolate is the pinnacle of cozy chocolate experiences.
Video Guide: Crafting Italian Hot Chocolate
Have You Tried This Recipe?
I'd love to hear your verdict! Drop a comment below and post a photo on Instagram tagged #thepetitecook! Seeing your creations always brings a grin to my face and works up quite an appetite!
Italian Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate delivers a luscious, silky, and deeply indulgent experience. Straddling the boundary between drink and dessert, it's the most exquisite method to chase away winter's chill.
Ingredients
- 500 ml fresh whole (or semi-skimmed) milk, warmed 17.5 fl oz
- 4 tsp cornstarch (20 g)
- 5 tsp premium organic cocoa powder (25 g)
- 4 tsp white or demerara sugar (20 g)
- 120 gr 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped (4oz)
- whipped cream, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Transfer the warmed milk into a sizable saucepan. Incorporate the sifted cornstarch, cocoa, and sugar with a whisk.
- Heat the blend over medium-low flame, stirring periodically to prevent any clumps from forming.
- Allow the cocoa mixture to approach a gentle simmer, then dial the heat down and gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate.
- Continue whisking the hot chocolate until it achieves a thick, creamy consistency, sweetening further if desired.
- Pour the Italian hot chocolate into two mugs, garnish with whipped cream, and present immediately.
Recipe Video
Post originally published in December 2015 and updated with more info on
thepetitecook.com.
READ Sweet Tooth or 7 Strategies to Overcome Sugar Cravings
