Description
Thick, creamy, and intensely chocolatey, this Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) offers a rich, pudding-like texture that’s deeply comforting and perfect for cold days. Made with real dark chocolate and whole milk, it’s a luxurious treat that’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
Pinch of salt
Optional: whipped cream or shaved chocolate for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the milk to create a smooth slurry.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk the remaining milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat.
- Once the mixture is warm but not boiling, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Continue whisking for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and whisk until it melts completely and the drink is smooth and thick.
- Remove from heat, pour into mugs, and top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) for best flavor.
To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove while whisking to maintain texture.
Add extra cornstarch for an ultra-thick version.
Customize sweetness by adjusting the sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
