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- 4 cups milk (whole, almond, oat, or any dairy alternative) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish To measure liquids, use a clear cup with markings. Pour slowly to avoid spills. For dry ingredients, use a dry measuring cup. Scoop the ingredient and level it off with a knife. This keeps your amounts accurate. If you want dairy-free hot chocolate, use almond or oat milk. For a lower sugar option, try a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also skip the heavy cream for a lighter drink. These swaps still keep the taste rich and tasty. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by pouring 4 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into your Instant Pot. Select the Sauté function. This warms the milk mixture. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking. You want it warm but not boiling. Once warm, turn off the Sauté function. This step is crucial to avoid overheating the milk. Next, get a mixing bowl. Sift together 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Sifting is key here. It helps blend the dry ingredients well. This way, your hot chocolate will be smooth. If you skip this step, you might find clumps in your drink. Now, whisk the dry mixture into the warm milk and cream. Stir continuously as you add it. This avoids clumps and creates a velvety texture. Once combined, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate melts. After that, secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer for 5 minutes. When cooking is done, perform a quick release. Move the valve to the venting position. Be careful; steam will escape. Once the pressure is gone, open the lid and stir the hot chocolate. Taste it and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if you like. Finally, pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your rich and creamy creation! To avoid clumps in your hot chocolate, mix your dry ingredients well. Sift the cocoa powder and sugar together. This step breaks up any lumps. After mixing, add the dry mix slowly to the warm milk and cream. Whisk continuously as you pour in the dry mix. This method helps blend the ingredients smoothly. If you see any clumps, keep whisking until the mix is velvety and smooth. You can add more flavor to your hot chocolate. Try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice. A few drops of peppermint extract can give a refreshing twist. You can also add a splash of brewed coffee for a mocha flavor. For an extra rich taste, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Each of these additions can take your hot chocolate to new heights. For a beautiful presentation, pour your hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows on top. You can also use candy canes for a festive touch. Serve with a side of cookies or a slice of cake for a cozy treat. This way, your hot chocolate will not just taste great but also look inviting. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor and smoother texture in your hot chocolate. Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sugar and gradually add more to suit your taste preferences, ensuring your hot chocolate is just right. Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of peppermint extract for a delightful twist on traditional hot chocolate. Garnish Creatively: Get creative with toppings like marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your hot chocolate. Here are some fun ideas: - Mint: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a cool twist. - Caramel: Stir in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. - Spicy: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for warmth. These flavors transform your drink into a new treat each time. You can adjust the ingredients for different diets. For a vegan version, use almond or oat milk and skip the heavy cream. For keto, replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol. To make it low-fat, use skim milk and reduce the cream. Each option still gives a tasty hot chocolate experience. Scaling the recipe is simple. To make two servings, cut all the ingredients in half. For eight servings, double the amounts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. This way, you can enjoy hot chocolate for any occasion, big or small! To store your leftover hot chocolate, let it cool first. Pour it into a clean container. Use a jar or a sealed bowl. Cover it tightly with a lid. Place it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for about three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat. The best way to reheat hot chocolate is on the stove. Pour the hot chocolate into a pot. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, about 30 seconds. Stir in between bursts. This keeps the texture creamy and smooth. You can freeze hot chocolate if you want to save some for later. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. Leave some space in the containers. Liquid expands when it freezes. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave. Just be careful to stir well after thawing. You can make this hot chocolate ahead of time! Just prepare it and let it cool. Pour it into a container with a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the Instant Pot or on the stove. Stir it well to mix any settled ingredients. Homemade hot chocolate stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just pour it into an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. If your hot chocolate is too thick, add more milk or cream. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, you can thicken it by cooking it a bit longer. You can also add a small amount of cocoa powder for more depth. Adjust to your taste! Yes, you can use this recipe on the stovetop! Start by warming the milk and cream in a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then whisk them into the warm milk. Add chocolate chips and vanilla, stirring until melted. Enjoy your stovetop version! In this blog post, we explored the best hot chocolate recipe and its key ingredients. I shared tips for measuring and substituting, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat. The step-by-step instructions simplify the cooking process, and helpful tips enhance flavor and consistency. Plus, we discussed variations and storage tips. Hot chocolate can be a special moment, bringing joy to anyone. You can tailor it to your taste and share it with loved ones. Enjoy creating your perfect cup!

Creamy Dreamy Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

A rich and creamy hot chocolate made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups milk (whole, almond, oat, or any preferred dairy alternative)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 serving whipped cream for garnish
  • 1 serving chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by pouring 4 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into your Instant Pot. Select the Sauté function and let it warm for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Once the milk and cream mixture is warm (but not boiling), turn off the Sauté function to prevent overheating.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, sift together 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well enhances the flavor and ensures even distribution in the hot chocolate.
  • Gradually whisk the dry cocoa mixture into the warm milk and cream mixture, stirring continuously to avoid clumps, until you achieve a smooth and velvety consistency.
  • Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the pot. Stir well until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is rich and creamy.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting, then set the timer for 5 minutes.
  • When the cooking time concludes, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully moving the valve to the venting position. Exercise caution as steam will escape. Open the lid after the pressure has fully released, and give the hot chocolate a good stir. Taste it and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
  • Pour the indulgent hot chocolate into mugs and elevate your presentation by topping each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkling chocolate shavings on top. Enjoy your decadent treat!

Notes

Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sugar.
Keyword dessert, hot chocolate, Instant Pot