Description
This Thick Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) is rich, creamy, and velvety—like drinking warm chocolate pudding. Made with real dark chocolate and cocoa powder, it’s a cozy and indulgent treat perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), finely chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold milk until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not boil.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring nonstop, until the hot chocolate thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or other plant-based milk.
- Add cinnamon or cayenne for a spiced variation.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
