Polar Express Hot Chocolate
User Reviews
5
Polar Express Hot Chocolate
Description
The Polar Express Hot Chocolate combines creamy almond milk and heavy cream as a base, sweetened with maple syrup. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate melting wafers are melted into the hot mixture, while a pinch of sea salt and optional espresso powder deepen the flavor profile. Vanilla extract adds a subtle aromatic touch, resulting in a smooth and luscious chocolate beverage.
Prepared on the stovetop by heating and whisking until hot and thick, the drink is finished by dividing into mugs and garnishing with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint sticks, and a drizzle of melted chocolate. These garnishes introduce texture and seasonal notes, complementing the chocolate's richness with a fresh, minty accent.
This hot chocolate suits intimate gatherings or quiet evenings, providing warmth and indulgence from carefully balanced flavors. The presence of maple syrup offers a distinctive sweetness alternative to traditional sugar. Leftovers can be stored and reheated gently to preserve the creamy consistency.
The original notes recommend storing extras in a mason jar for reheating in microwave or stovetop, and suggest scaling the recipe up for large groups, keeping it warm in a crockpot for serving over time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond milk vanilla
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder Hershey's Specialty Dark
- ½ tsp espresso powder optional
- ¼ cup dark chocolate melting wafers Ghirardelli
- pinch salt sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp mini marshmallows
- peppermint stick for garnish, crushed peppermint sticks, melted chocolate
- chocolate for garnish, crushed peppermint sticks, melted chocolate
Instructions
- Heat a sauce pan to medium heat. Pour in almond milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup.
- Once hot, add in the cocoa powder and espresso powder and whisk until it’s all dissolved.
- Then, add in a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and chocolate melting wafers. Continue to whisk as the chocolate needs to melt.
- Keep whisking until the mixture is hot and boiling. It should be a luscious, silky chocolate texture.
- Divide between 2-4 mugs and garnish with mini marshmallows, bits of crushed candy canes, and melted chocolate drizzle. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave to maintain texture.
- For serving larger groups, double or triple the ingredients and keep warm in a crockpot for hours to accommodate guests.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 412 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving | |
| Calories | 412kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 323mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 267mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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