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The Best Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Recipe for Parties

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This rich and creamy hot cocoa gets its deep caramel flavor from sweetened condensed milk and dark chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a showstopper for parties and surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for finishing)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
  • Extra flaky sea salt (for garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
  • Optional: Cinnamon sticks or star anise (for stirrers)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Heat until steaming, about 3-4 minutes, but do not let it boil.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and fine sea salt until fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add the chopped dark chocolate and whisk constantly until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor if desired.
  5. In a small bowl, stir together the caramel sauce and flaky sea salt to make the salted caramel swirl. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs, filling about 3/4 full. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the salted caramel mixture over each mug. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a party, make the cocoa base up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently. Keep warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk and dairy-free sweetened condensed coconut milk. The caramel swirl can be made a week in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel hot cocoa, hot chocolate, party drink, winter beverage, chocolate drink, caramel hot cocoa

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/the-best-salted-caramel-hot-cocoa-recipe-for-parties/