Chocolate Caliente Spanish Hot Chocolate
Experience the rich, velvety decadence of *Chocolate Caliente*, an authentic Spanish hot chocolate that’s as indulgent as it is comforting. This traditional recipe combines creamy whole milk, premium dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), and a touch of cornstarch to create a luxuriously thick and smooth drink, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Sweetened to taste with granulated sugar and optionally dusted with fragrant ground cinnamon, this luscious treat is a true homage to Spain’s iconic café culture. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crispy churros for dipping, this quick and easy recipe—ready in just 15 minutes—invites you to savor every rich sip of this European classic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 120 grams dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Begin by chopping the dark chocolate into small, even pieces to help it melt more easily.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the milk until fully dissolved and smooth. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved, tasting to adjust the sweetness as desired.
6. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while stirring constantly. Allow the hot chocolate to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Spanish hot chocolate is traditionally thick, but you can adjust this by adding a splash of milk if needed.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the hot chocolate into cups or mugs.
8. (Optional) Dust the top with ground cinnamon for a hint of warm spice.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy, ideally with a plate of freshly made churros for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1144 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.8 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.5 g | 192% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 59 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 211 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.0 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 77.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.4 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 701 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 1596 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
