Ecuadorian Style Homemade Hot Chocolate

This homemade hot chocolate recipe is made the Ecuadorian way, with real chocolate melted into whole milk and heavy cream. A little cocoa powder, cinnamon, and vanilla make it rich, creamy, and cozy. Ready in 15 minutes in one pot, it’s perfect with warm toast or a grilled cheese for dipping. Ingredients

Course Main Course

Cuisine Latin

Keyword Chocolate, Easy Recipes, Easy to Make, fall recipe, holiday, Homemade, Quick and Easy Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 588kcal

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
7 oz quality chocolate chopped
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream or marshmallows optional, for topping

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Once smooth, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 more minutes, whisking frequently.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Chocolate: Use a good quality dark or semisweet chocolate bar and chop it finely so it melts evenly. Ecuadorian chocolate is my favorite if you can find it.
Whisk often: Frequent whisking keeps the cocoa powder from clumping and stops the milk from sticking to the pan.
Watch the boil: Milk and cream can foam up quickly, so lower the heat as soon as it starts to bubble.
Sweetness: Use less sugar with a sweeter chocolate, or add a little more with a very dark bar. Taste before serving.
Lighter version: Swap the heavy cream for more whole milk.
Dairy-free: Use oat milk, coconut cream, and dairy free chocolate.
Serving size: Makes about 5 cups, or 6 servings of a little under 1 cup each.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Whisk and reheat gently on the stove until steaming hot.

Nutrition