Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
User Reviews
5
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Description
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate combines the richness of dark or white chocolate with the subtle warmth of pumpkin and traditional fall spices. This recipe prepares a hot drink by whisking milk with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until heated, then melting chocolate into the mixture until smooth and thickened. The spices provide a cozy aromatic backdrop while the chocolate creates a creamy texture. The beverage is served hot, best enjoyed immediately with an optional topping of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The hot chocolate can vary in intensity; using dark chocolate results in a richer, more drinking chocolate-like experience, while white chocolate gives a sweeter, milder flavor. Adjusting the amount of pumpkin and brown sugar lets you control the richness and sweetness. This drink is suited for sipping during cool weather or as a seasonal treat. The whipped cream topping adds a soft, creamy contrast to the spicy cocoa.
Enhance the drink by stirring in a tablespoon of bourbon just before serving if desired. The whipped cream can be made in advance by whipping chilled heavy cream with light brown sugar to soft peaks. Leftover hot chocolate is best consumed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dark Chocolate
- 1-1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% for best results)
- 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin depending on how rich you like it, puree
- 1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch cloves ground
- pinch kosher salt or sea salt
- 3 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped (or about 1/2 cup chips)
White Chocolate
- brown sugar omit
- 2 ounces white chocolate finely chopped (or about 1/3 cup chips), instead of semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- In a small pot, whisk together all ingredients except for the chocolate you're using. Heat over medium low flame until bubbles start to form around the side of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, add chocolate, and stir or whisk until melted, glossy, and thickened slightly, 1-2 minutes.
- Pour into a mug and top with lightly-sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve immediately. (Instructions for Brown Sugar Whipped Cream and bourbon spike in the recipe notes.)
Notes
- For a less intense dark chocolate flavor, reduce the amount of dark chocolate used to 2 ounces.
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be prepared by whipping 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the hot chocolate just before serving for an optional warm alcoholic kick.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1large or 2 small mugs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 711 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 711kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 119mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 897mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 57g | 114% |
| Vitamin A | 7400IU | 148% |
| Vitamin C | 1.9mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 340mg | 34% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
