Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe
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Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe
Description
The Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe blends heavy cream and whole milk with sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. The preparation involves first whisking cocoa powder into half the heavy cream, then gradually adding the remaining cream and other ingredients. Cooking on low heat in a slow cooker for several hours melts the chocolate thoroughly and allows flavors to meld. The result is a thick, creamy hot chocolate with a rich chocolate presence, thicker than typical powdered mixes.
Preparation requires stirring every 20 minutes to avoid burning and ensure even mixing. The recipe suggests serving the hot chocolate with traditional toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or candy canes for added texture and flavor. If the hot chocolate thickens over time, adding more milk adjusts its consistency to preference.
For those without a slow cooker, a stovetop method uses a large pot over low heat to achieve similar results by melting chocolate and stirring frequently. Good quality chocolate is recommended to improve melting and flavor. Leftovers store well in the fridge and can be gently reheated on the stove or in a microwave.
Ingredients
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 4 cups milk whole
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped, baking bar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- marshmallow for topping, etc
- Whipped Cream
- chocolate syrup
- candy cane
Instructions
- Add half of the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa powder until combined. This step will require a few minutes of whisking to incorporate the powder thoroughly into the cream.
- Add the remaining cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low heat for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes or so until the chocolate is melted and fully combined. Keep on the warm setting for up to 3 hours for serving. If the hot chocolate gets too thick while it sits, you can stir in more milk to your desired thickness.
- Serve with your desired toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy canes!
Notes
- Add the cocoa powder into half of the heavy cream first for better mixing and to prevent clumping.
- Stir the hot chocolate every 20 minutes while cooking to avoid chocolate sticking and burning.
- For a thinner hot chocolate, reduce heavy cream and compensate with milk or 2% milk to suit your desired consistency.
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate or chips for better melting and flavor.
- Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently on stove or microwave.
- To make without a slow cooker, melt ingredients slowly over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 602 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 602kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 28g | 140% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 111mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 488mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 1400IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 258mg | 26% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.