Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Italian Hot Chocolate, also known as Cioccolata Calda, is a classic recipe for a delicious hot cocoa that's thick and sweet. One spoonful and you'll agree that this is the best hot chocolate recipe out there!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Italian Hot Chocolate

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 292kcal

Author Angela Allison

Equipment

small saucepan

Ingredients

1 ½ cups milk, divided (2% or whole milk)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (about 70% cacao)
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
2 tablespoons sugar
whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions

Pour 1 ¼ cups of milk into a small saucepan. Place the remaining ¼ milk into a small bowl and whisk in the cornstarch, set aside.
Heat the milk over medium-low heat and whisk in the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. Continue mixing until mixture comes to a low simmer.
While whisking, add in the cornstarch mixture and continue to mix until the hot chocolate thickens and returns to a low simmer.
Immediately pour the Italian hot chocolate into your serving cups (I recommend using small cups). Top with whipped cream if using and serve with a spoon.

Notes

A little bit of this Italian Hot Chocolate goes a long way! I recommend serving it in an espresso cup with a spoon on the side.
This recipe is best served immediately. If your hot chocolate starts to form a film on top, just whisk it in.
To make this a boozy hot chocolate, whisk in a bit of Irish Cream or brandy.

Nutrition