Ingredients
- 500ml Full Fat Milk
- 50g 70% Dark Chocolate Chopped
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- A Pinch of Salt
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- Whipped Cream, Marshmallows and Grated Chocolate for Garnish
Method
Step 1: Melt Chocolate
Place the chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it at 50% power for about 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat to avoid burning the chocolate.
- If you decide to use milk or white chocolate in particular, then be really careful with your timings. White chocolate will quickly seize if it is heated for too long.
Step 2: Prepare Base
In a separate large microwave-safe jug or bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add about 100ml of milk and whisk until you have a smooth paste.
Add the melted dark chocolate to the cocoa mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Remaining Milk and Heat
Gradually mix in the remaining milk until smooth. Microwave the mixture for about 1 to 1.5 minutes or until it is hot. Stir halfway through heating to avoid cold spots.
- This is based on a 900w microwave. It will obviously differ for higher and lower wattages. If you have a lower-wattage microwave, you’ll want to heat it for at least 1.5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
Stir in the vanilla extract after the mixture is heated.
Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Now is the time to make it ultra decadent by adding your toppings. Things like a generous dollop of whipped cream, a few marshmallows, and a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate work really well.
Tweaks
- Add Coffee A small pinch of espresso powder will not only give the hot chocolate a subtle coffee flavour but will also enhance the chocolate flavour.
- Give It Some Zest Balance out the richness with some freshness and acidity by adding a pinch of orange, lime, lemon, or even grapefruit zest.
- Infuse With Spice Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mixed spice, ground ginger or star anise would all work well in this hot chocolate.
Substitutes
- Use Different Chocolate You could milk or white chocolate as a simple swap. Another way to easily add a twist is to use a flavoured chocolate such as orange, mint or chilli chocolate.
- Go Full FULL Fat Swap the milk out for double cream. This is the ultimate in unhealthy hot chocolate.
- Replace the Vanilla Add a different background flavour by swapping out the vanilla extract for almond essence.
Tips
Use a Whisk: When combining your cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, use a whisk to help dissolve the powders more effectively, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Taste Before Serving: Before serving, taste your hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or intensity of the chocolate if necessary. Remember, it’s easier to add more sugar or chocolate than to take it away.
Add Vanilla at the End: Add the vanilla extract after you’ve heated the milk to preserve its delicate flavors. High heat can diminish the nuanced notes of vanilla.
Preheat the Mugs: Warm your serving mugs before pouring the hot chocolate into them. This keeps your drink warmer for longer and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Decadent Microwave Hot Chocolate
Course: DrinksCuisine: InternationalDifficulty: Easy2
servings4
minutes3
minutes7
minutesThe richest, most indulgent hot chocolate you’ll have ever had (and it’s made in the microwave)
Ingredients
500 ml 500 Full Fat Milk
50 g 50 70% Dark Chocolate, Chopped
2 tbsp 2 Cocoa Powder
2 tbsp 2 Sugar
A Pinch of Salt
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Whipped Cream, Marshmallows and Grated Chocolate, for Garnish
Directions
- Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, and salt with 100ml of milk to create a smooth paste. Stir in the melted chocolate.
- Gradually add the remaining milk, blending until smooth. Microwave for 1 to 1.5 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot. Adjust time based on microwave wattage.
- Stir in vanilla extract, pour into mugs, and add toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and grated chocolate for serving.
