Chocolat Chaud (French Hot Chocolate)
Local name: Chocolat chaud
In short: Thick, velvety hot chocolate made with real dark chocolate melted into whole milk and a splash of cream, served in small cups. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
French hot chocolate is closer to liquid ganache than to the cocoa powder drink many people know. Dark chocolate is melted into hot milk with a little cream and just enough sugar, and whisked until the surface is glossy and the texture is velvety. It is served in small cups at cafés and at home in winter, often with a crisp biscuit or buttered bread to dip. Chocolate quality is everything here.
Instructions
- Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming and small bubbles form at the edge. Do not let it boil.
- Take the pan off the heat, add the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute to soften.
- Whisk steadily until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the sugar, salt and vanilla, if using.
- Return the pan to low heat for 2 minutes, whisking, until the drink is hot and slightly thickened. Do not let it boil.
- Pour into warm cups and serve right away, with a crisp biscuit or buttered bread for dipping.
Tips
- Choose good chocolate bars rather than chips, which contain stabilizers and melt less smoothly. Chop the bar finely so it melts at once.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, a strip of orange zest or a drop of chili for variety. For a thicker drink, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of cold milk.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between French hot chocolate and cocoa?
French hot chocolate is made from melted dark chocolate, so it is richer and thicker. Cocoa is made from cocoa powder and is thinner and less sweet.
Can I make French hot chocolate dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the milk and cream with oat milk, or with almond milk and coconut cream, and check that the chocolate has no milk solids.
Can I make hot chocolate ahead of time?
Yes. Make a batch, cool it and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently while whisking, since it thickens in the fridge.
How long does it take to make Chocolat Chaud (French Hot Chocolate)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chocolat Chaud (French Hot Chocolate)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
