Can I use bittersweet chocolate for this recipe?

It's not recommended. Bittersweet chocolate has a very strong flavor. It can easily overpower the gentle fall flavors in pumpkin pie spice.

The secret to the best hot chocolate?

To achieve a beautiful, creamy, European-style beverage, it's important to use high-quality solid chocolate. NOT cocoa powder. It'll give the hot cocoa a smooth texture that's not grainy. Always add a pinch of salt. It greatly enhances the flavor of chocolate. It makes a huge difference.

Recipe add-ins for pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

Add a tiny bit of espresso powder to the hot mixture. Just like with tiramisu , it brings out and intensifies the flavor of chocolate. To give the drink a hot spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

What toppings for pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, dark chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, Oreo cookie crumbles, and soft candy sprinkles. Or make the drink a hot chocolate float. Rim the glass with thick hot fudge and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate | Decadent and Delicious!

Name: PUMPKIN SPICE HOT CHOCOLATE
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 ounces (high-quality) solid semi-sweet chocolate*; 1 pinch sea salt; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; OPTIONAL: Mini marshmallows or whipped cream

Description

Make a delicious mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Enjoy the most celebrated flavors of the season! Assemble this easy recipe in 15 minutes. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 ounces (high-quality) solid semi-sweet chocolate*
1 pinch sea salt
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
OPTIONAL: Mini marshmallows or whipped cream

*SOLID CHOCOLATE BAR: A bar of baking chocolate like Guittard, Ghirardelli, or Baker’s premium baking semi-sweet chocolate.

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Instructions

RECIPE PREP: Gather ingredients together. Pull out a liquid measuring cup and measuring spoons. Roughly chop or snap the semi-sweet chocolate bar into small chunks.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and cream to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally.
Once the milk starts to bubble, add in chocolate pieces and a pinch of salt. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Remove pan from heat.
Add maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Stir briefly to combine.
Pour pumpkin spice hot chocolate into a coffee mug. If desired, top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Garnish with a light sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

How to make this a vegan recipe: Use non-dairy milk instead of cow’s milk and cream. Select a chocolate bar that doesn’t contain milk. A popular choice is Trader Joe’s “Pound Plus” 72% Dark Chocolate.

How to ramp up the flavor: Add a bit of espresso. It’s an easy way to enhance the flavor of chocolate. Or drizzle this creamy beverage with thick chocolate syrup!

How to make this hot chocolate an adult beverage: Add a shot of Baileys Irish Cream, dark rum, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, bourbon, or chocolate liqueur.

How to balance the flavor of overly-sweet hot cocoa: Offset the sweetness with a pinch of salt. It’s an easy way to balance out flavors and tamp things down. It also enhances the flavor of chocolate.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American