This Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is a delicious twist on your favorite winter drink! With its rich cocoa flavor and a hint of creamy red velvet cake, it’s perfectly cozy.
Why have plain hot chocolate when you can have this festive treat? I love to top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa for a little extra fun. It’s like dessert in a mug! ☕❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk if you want a lighter version. Each milk has its own unique flavor!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key! If you’re in a pinch, you might use Dutch-process cocoa for a different taste, but remember it gives a less intense chocolate flavor.
White Chocolate: White chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have them, try using sweetened condensed milk for a rich flavor.
Red Food Coloring: This is what makes it “red velvet.” If you’re avoiding food coloring, using beet juice is a great natural alternative, with a subtle earthy taste.
Crumble Topping: Crumbled red velvet cake adds a fun garnish! Leftover cake, store-bought red velvet crumbs, or even crushed cookies can work if you don’t have cake on hand.
How Do I Make This Hot Chocolate Extra Creamy?
Making a creamy hot chocolate is all about layering flavors and textures. Start with heating the milk gently to avoid scorching. Whisk continuously to fully blend the cocoa and sugar.
- Heat your saucepan on medium to avoid burning.
- Add cocoa and sugar to the milk and whisk until mixed in.
- Make sure the white chocolate is fully melted before removing from heat.
- Beat in vanilla and almond extracts to elevate the flavor profile.
For those who love texture, consider adding more whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cake crumbs to create a fun eating experience. Enjoy your cozy drink!
How to Make Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (adjust for desired color)
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crumpled red velvet cake crumbs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Red Velvet Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend just a few minutes whisking and heating the ingredients, then it’s ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk Mixture:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved. Heat the mixture until it is warmed through but not boiling. Keep stirring!
2. Add White Chocolate:
Once the milk is hot, add the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate into the saucepan. Stir the mixture until the chocolate is melted and you have a smooth blend. It should look creamy and delicious!
3. Mix in Flavors and Color:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, optional almond extract for added richness, and your red food coloring. Mix well until you have a beautiful, even red color.
4. Pour and Serve:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into mugs, filling them up with this festive drink. It’s time to make it beautiful!
5. Top with Whipped Cream:
Top your Red Velvet Hot Chocolate with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Don’t be shy—this is a treat!
6. Garnish for Extra Fun:
If you want to get fancy, garnish with crumbled red velvet cake crumbs or red velvet-flavored sprinkles. This adds a fun touch and really brings out the dessert feel!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Red Velvet Hot Chocolate immediately and enjoy its rich, creamy flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk will work just fine. Just be mindful of the flavor; each type will slightly alter the taste of your hot chocolate!
How Do I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the hot chocolate mix and refrigerate it. Just remember to reheat it gently and consider adding a little extra milk to help restore its creamy consistency when warming it up.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more sugar or an alternative sweetener like honey or maple syrup to taste. Just mix a little in at a time until you reach your desired sweetness!
