Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo)
User Reviews
4.7
Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo)
Description
Italian Hot Chocolate, known as Cioccolato Caldo, blends dark chocolate and cocoa powder with milk and sugar to create a thick, creamy drink. This recipe uses cornstarch as a thickening agent, giving the beverage a pudding-like consistency that stands out from typical thin hot chocolates. Cooking slowly over medium-low heat, the mixture is blended and stirred to fully melt the chocolate and activate the thickener. The result is a smooth, luxurious drink with a rich chocolate taste and a slight sweetness balanced by a pinch of salt.
Traditionally served in small cups due to its intense richness, this hot chocolate can be enjoyed plain or garnished with chocolate shavings or whipped cream for added texture and flavor contrast. It pairs nicely with light pastries or biscotti for a satisfying treat.
After cooking, the drink thickens further as it cools. To enjoy later, reheat gently over low heat, stirring to maintain smoothness. The recipe suggests small serving cups to appreciate the dense, velvety texture without overwhelming the palate.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces dark chocolate 70-74%, chopped small
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups milk 2%
- chocolate optional, shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Make a slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the milk.
- Warm the remaining milk: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of milk to a simmer (watch for bubbles forming around the edges).
- Add the dry ingredients to the milk: Dump the dry ingredients into the simmering milk and stir with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 4 minutes.
- Add the slurry: Whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until the chocolate has thickened, about 1 minute.
- Let cool: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. If any skin starts to appear on the surface, whisk the mixture.
- Serve: Pour into heat-proof cups. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This hot chocolate thickens as it cools; reheat gently over low heat when served later.
- Due to its richness, serving portions should be small and cups should be heat-resistant.
- Optional garnishes include chocolate shavings or whipped cream to add texture and sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2267 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 226.7kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.3g | 7% |
| Protein | 5.5g | 11% |
| Fat | 14.1g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4.2g | 21% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 7.1mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 43.5mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 363.6mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 4.3g | 17% |
| Sugar | 12.2g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 91.3IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 119.4mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3.9mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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