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Decadent Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe with Homemade Caramel Sauce

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A cozy and indulgent salted caramel hot chocolate made with a rich homemade caramel sauce, perfect for warming up winter evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed (for caramel sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra sea salt flakes, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramel Sauce (about 15 minutes): In a medium saucepan over medium heat, pour in 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula as the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the sugar is melted and golden, carefully add 6 tablespoons (85 g) softened unsalted butter, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
  3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm heavy cream while stirring. The caramel will bubble up again; keep stirring until smooth and glossy.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes. Taste and adjust saltiness if needed. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare the Hot Chocolate Base (about 10 minutes): In a separate saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk and 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Warm over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  7. Slowly whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk and cream. Continue whisking until fully combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  8. Combine and Serve: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade caramel sauce into each mug. Ladle the hot chocolate over the top and gently stir to mix.
  9. Add optional toppings like whipped cream, extra sea salt flakes, or chocolate shavings.
  10. Enjoy slowly, savoring the balance of rich chocolate and buttery caramel with a subtle salt kiss.

Notes

Watch the sugar closely when making caramel to avoid burning. Use room temperature butter and warm cream to prevent caramel from seizing. Whisk cocoa powder with sugar first to avoid clumps. Heat milk and cream slowly to prevent skin or scorching. Salt is key to balancing sweetness. If caramel crystallizes, gently reheat with stirring until smooth. Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel hot chocolate, homemade caramel sauce, winter drink, cozy beverage, hot cocoa, easy hot chocolate recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/decadent-salted-caramel-hot-chocolate-recipe-with-homemade-caramel-sauce-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/