French Hot Chocolate -This Parisian-style drink is not your typical hot chocolate. Parisian hot chocolate is guaranteed to excite the chocolate lover in your life! Five simple ingredients are all you need to create the best hot chocolate you have ever had.
Using the best quality real dark chocolate (at least %60) along with heavy cream, create the irresistible velvety texture. I absolutely love pairing this delicious hot chocolate with a buttery croissant from my favorite local French bakery, The French Kitchen! So next time you need to satisfy a chocolate craving give this French hot chocolate recipe a try!
For more decadent chocolate treats try our 6-ingredient flourless chocolate cake, dark chocolate pistachio crinkle cookies, or our fudgy dark chocolate zucchini brownies with pecans.
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Dipping a flaky buttery croissant from The French Kitchen into this velvety hot chocolate, is one of my favorite indulgences in life!
What you're Going to Need!
- Dark Chocolate - good quality chocolate is key to achieving the best results with this simple recipe. If you are local to Colorado Springs, I would recommend this 70% chocolate from The French Kitchen
- Heavy Cream - heavy whipping cream is what's needed to create that velvety texture.
- Whole Milk - provides the right amount of liquid needed to smooth out the mixture.
- Sugar - we used granulated white sugar for this recipe.
- Vanilla - we love using vanilla paste, it adds so much complex flavor. It's also available at The French Kitchen.
- Salt - sea salt has a purity that simply enhances the real dark chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar - is needed to make the very important whipped cream topping!
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe
French Hot Chocolate Recipe (Parisian Drinking Chocolate)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Over medium heat warm the milk, heavy cream, vanilla paste, sea salt, and sugar.
- Once the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar has dissolved, lower the heat and add the chocolate chips or chocolate pieces.
- Stir to prevent sticking, when the chocolate is melted remove the pan from the heat and continue stirring until its completely smooth.
- In a large bowl combine the 1 cup measurement of heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla paste and using a whisk whip until soft peaks form.
- To serve pour the warm chocolate into large mugs and scoop the fresh whipped cream on top and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!How to Make French Hot Chocolate (Classic Paris Café Style)
- Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and sea salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a slow simmer over medium heat.
- Lower the heat and add the chips or chopped chocolate.
4. Stir over low heat until the chocolate is melted and incorporated with the other ingredients. Creating a smooth creamy texture.
Chef Tip
Make certain to turn down the heat or even remove the saucepan from the heat once you have added the chips or chopped chocolate to the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously until all of the chocolate is melted and the Parisian hot chocolate has a creamy texture. If the pan is to hot the chocolate will scold.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sugar- instead of white sugar, you can substitute brown sugar, or for a lower glycemic choice try maple syrup or honey.
- Vegan - for a plant based French hot chocolate try using an extra creamy oat milk instead of the warm whole milk and heavy cream mixture.
- Holiday spice - try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a holiday season treat.
- Mocha - add some espresso powder to this French hot chocolate for the perfect treat for cozy mornings.
Storage & Helpful Hints
We don't think you will have leftover French hot chocolate. However, it's always a great idea to make a double batch and store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator until you are ready to satisfy that chocolate craving! Simply place the mixture into a heat safe bowl and place it over a medium saucepan of boiling water until warm through or place it in a mug and microwave the hot chocolate for a minute at a time stirring it in-between heating until it's warm and creamy.
One thing we highly recommend when making this French hot chocolate recipe is to use the best chocolate you can find. The quality of the chocolate makes a huge difference in the rich flavor of this velvety French hot chocolate recipe. So, whether you are using chips or a chopped chocolate bar, make certain you are using your best chocolate.
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FAQ
French hot chocolate is special due to its use of real (usually dark) chocolate, with a combination of whole milk, heavy cream, a touch of vanilla extract, and sugar. This ensures a rich, velvety French hot chocolate that's not to sweet.
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