Spicy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Spicy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream, as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
To make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten all the sugar. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the syrup turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Carefully and slowly pour the warmed heavy cream into the hot caramel while whisking constantly. Be extremely cautious as the mixture will bubble up vigorously. Continue to whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the butter pieces and sea salt until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
To make the hot chocolate: In a separate large saucepan, whisk together the milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until the sugar and cocoa are fully dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust cayenne pepper if you prefer more spice.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
To assemble: Pour the hot chocolate into four mugs. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared salted caramel sauce into each mug. Stir gently to combine some of the caramel, leaving some swirled on top.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream, as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
To make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to moisten all the sugar. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the syrup turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Carefully and slowly pour the warmed heavy cream into the hot caramel while whisking constantly. Be extremely cautious as the mixture will bubble up vigorously. Continue to whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the butter pieces and sea salt until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
To make the hot chocolate: In a separate large saucepan, whisk together the milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until the sugar and cocoa are fully dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust cayenne pepper if you prefer more spice.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
To assemble: Pour the hot chocolate into four mugs. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared salted caramel sauce into each mug. Stir gently to combine some of the caramel, leaving some swirled on top.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 min