italian hot chocolate recipe

This hot chocolate is like no other. It is thick, rich, and sure to provide some happiness on those cold days. We love this hot chocolate over other types because you can make more than you need, place the rest in the fridge, and the next day, it turns into the perfect chocolate mousse. Unlike powdered hot chocolate, this one has an indulgent chocolate flavour without being overly sweet! Serve it in a glass with whipped cream or have it the traditional way - In a bowl for breakfast with an Italian cornet pastry. 

Ingredients

  • Double cream (1 cup)
  • Granulated sugar (25g)
  • Dark chocolate finely chopped (118g)
  • Whipped cream (for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
  • Whole milk, divided (1 cup)
  • Cornstarch (1 tsp)

Method

  1. Grab a medium saucepan and place on medium heat; Mix 3/4 cup milk, sugar and cream. Heat and mix well until it starts to bubble around the sides. 
  2. Get a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup milk and cornstarch until they are well combined. Add this to the bubbling milk mixture and whisk until all heated together; this should take 1 minute. 
  3. Turn the heat down to low. Add in chocolate; mix until thick enough to coat the spoon. 
  4. Turn the heat off and pour the hot chocolate into cups; garnish with cream and chocolate shavings if you like. Serve straight away as the drink will thicken the longer it is left. 

Italian hot chocolate recipe (video)

Italian hot chocolate: Frequently asked questions

What's the history of Italian hot chocolate? 

Italy was among one of the first places to be introduced to hot chocolate. The first Italian version of hot chocolate was born in Turin around 1560. 

What country is the most famous for hot chocolate?

Mexico is the most popular country for hot chocolate as the mayans were the first to make a drink from chocolate. With that being said, my three favourite hot chocolates ever is Mexican, French and Italian hot chocolate.

What toppings should I put on Italian hot chocolate?

You can put any toppings you like on top of the hot chocolate, some great options include: marshmallow, grated chocolate, extra cocoa or squirty cream. You can even dunk Spanish churros into it, (don't worry we won't tell anyone!)

Is Italian hot chocolate healthy? 

Hot chocolate is a sweet treat that can satisfy your chocolate craving and chocolate can lower blood pressure and reduces your chance of blood clots, however Italian hot chocolate contains lots of cream and sugar so it should only be had as an occasional treat. If you would like you could use less sugar to make it healthier.

Can diabetics drink Italian hot chocolate 

This Italian hot chocolate recipe is not recommended for diabetics due to the high sugar and fat content. If you was to prepare the drink with an unsweetened bitter chocolate and use a sweetener it would make it more suitable however we wouldn't be able to recommend it if you do have a health condition. 

Up next: Traditional Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

Recipes

Featured products

handcrafted antares panpipes from Peru
Antares Bamboo Pan Pipes
Sale price£15.00
quena andean flute with colourful case
Quena Andean Flute
Sale price£60.00
coconut thumb piano kalimba
Kuta Thumb Piano Kalimba (7 note)
Sale priceFrom £15.00