Italian Hot Chocolate Cioccolato Caldo
Indulge in the luxurious, velvety embrace of Italian Hot Chocolate, or Cioccolato Caldo, a decadent treat that redefines comfort in a cup. This authentic recipe pairs rich dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) with whole milk, a touch of cornstarch for thickness, and a hint of sugar for balance, creating a luscious beverage that's irresistibly thick and creamy. Unlike traditional hot chocolates, this Italian classic boasts a pudding-like consistency that feels utterly indulgent. Made in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect warming dessert or cozy afternoon indulgence. Topped with optional whipped cream and infused with a whisper of vanilla, each sip is a velvety masterpiece. Treat yourself to this café-style experience at home—rich, smooth, and authentically Italian!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 ml Whole milk
- 100 g Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 30 g Granulated sugar
- 10 g Cornstarch
- 10 g Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Finely chop the dark chocolate and set it aside.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the milk and stir until a smooth paste forms.
In a medium saucepan, pour the remaining milk and set it over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cook until the milk is hot but not boiling.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually add the cocoa-cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan and whisk continuously until it has melted and is fully incorporated.
Continue to cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes or until the hot chocolate thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, Italian hot chocolate is meant to be thick and velvety.
If using vanilla extract, stir it in now and remove the saucepan from the heat.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve immediately. Optionally, top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
579 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.2 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 35 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 124 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.8 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 341 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 769 mg | 16% | |
*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.
