French Hot Chocolate
French hot chocolate, also known as Parisian hot chocolate or le chocolat chaud, is rich and decadent hot chocolate, nothing like the hot chocolate we know here in the States. This French hot chocolate recipe is easy to make and makes a delicious treat perfect for chilly winter days and the holiday season!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (see notes for dairy-free options)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (see notes for dairy-free options)
- 2-6 tsp sugar, more or less to taste I like to use cane sugar for this recipe, but you can also white sugar, brown sugar, and even powdered sugar!
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder optional
- 8 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate for the best results, be sure to use good chocolate, splurge a little, and good a bar of fancy chocolate! You can also order top-quality chocolate online!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For serving
- chocolate shavings
- lots of whipped cream Be sure to see the notes for my quick and easy homemade whipped cream recipe!
Instructions
- Chop the bittersweet chocolate into small pieces, roughly 1/4-1/2 -inch. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder if using.
- Continue whisking the mixture, until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan, this means the mixture is hot. You can also dip the tip of your pinky finger carefully into the mixture to make sure it is hot. Be sure to watch the mixture closely to ensure that the milk doesn't scald!
- Remove the pan from the heat, and add the chopped chocolate, whisk gently until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Pour the finished hot chocolate into 2 large mugs or 4 small mugs. Top with lots of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
- Enjoy!
Notes
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free! You can use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free option you like to replace the whole milk and heavy cream!
To make my super easy homemade whipped cream, simply combine, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsps powdered sugar, and 3 tsp vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Enjoy!
You can also top homemade French hot chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper! Feel free to add marshmallows, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or any of your favorite hot chocolate toppings!
Be sure to use actual chocolate for this recipe. To get the best hot chocolate, you are going to want to use the best chocolate you can find. Make sure to avoid chocolate-flavored bars, cheap milk chocolate, and semisweet chocolate for this recipe. Bittersweet or good dark chocolate will give you the best results!
Any leftover French hot chocolate can be cooled down and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. But personally, I find this recipe is best served and enjoyed immediately.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!