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This homemade French hot chocolate is as thick and decadent as the ones served in Parisian cafes! Only 6 ingredients, no heavy cream needed.
If you think you know your hot chocolate recipes, this chocolate chaud may have you questioning why you ever thought a long list of ingredients was necessary to make a truly great cup of drinking chocolate.
This classic French hot chocolate recipe creates a rich, velvety dark chocolate drink by melting high-quality chocolate directly into hot milk. The only downside? Once you’ve tried it, it’ll be hard to go back to cocoa powder.
It’s incredibly decadent! I’d argue this French drinking chocolate is basically dessert in a cup.
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This European-style drinking chocolate would make an excellent companion to a hot chocolate charcuterie board (yes, charcuterie boards are not just for meats and cheeses)
But if you want something you can easily store, I can vouch for my homemade hot chocolate mix!
Why You’ll Love This French Hot Chocolate Recipe
- This is the best French hot chocolate recipe for enjoying gourmet hot chocolate at home. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit your budget.
- This French sipping chocolate comes out naturally thick without needing cornstarch or heavy cream. The result is a richer-tasting hot chocolate that’s amazingly silky and creamy.
- Because you’re making this fancy hot chocolate at home, you can give it your own twist or adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Whole milk – Learn how to make Parisian hot chocolate as close as possible to the way it’s served in Parisian cafes. That means skipping the heavy cream and using full-fat milk instead!
Dark chocolate – The most important ingredient when making French drinking chocolate. Use 70% dark chocolate to really get those rich cacao notes!
Brown sugar – Just a small amount to complement the bitter dark chocolate. You’re not aiming to make the hot chocolate as sweet as milk chocolate.
Vanilla extract – I used vanilla extract because it’s already in my pantry. Still, for a closer flavor to traditional French hot chocolate, you can skip the sugar and rely on the sweet, floral flavor of vanilla seeds, scraped from the pod.
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings – These are optional for presentation. They just make the cup feel more like “something you deserve” after a long day!
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For French Drinking Chocolate
Oat milk
If you want a lighter alternative to dairy milk, you can use oat milk to replicate its richness and creaminess.
Flaky Sea Salt
Salt is my favorite addition to any drinking chocolate recipe! It just makes the chocolate flavor pop.
Spices
Besides vanilla, you can definitely experiment with different additions to this French sipping chocolate.
Of course, you’ll be straying from a true classic French hot chocolate, but life is too short to be overly strict with your homemade recipes! A pinch of nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper, would go so well with the rich, dark chocolate.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Use High-Quality Chocolate
For the best French hot chocolate, use high-quality dark or bittersweet chocolate bars. Avoid chocolate chips, and choose chocolate with a high cocoa content—ideally around 65% cocoa solids.
Don’t Let the Milk Boil or Burn
Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat to speed things up. Let your hot chocolate simmer gently so it can thicken properly.
Don’t Fear the Skin
If your chocolate chaud forms a skin, just whisk it back into the mixture. You can also just scoop it out if it’s too thick to whisk back in.
Best French Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
What is French hot chocolate?
French hot chocolate is a delightfully thick drinking chocolate made by melting dark chocolate into whole milk. Unlike hot cocoa, which is made with cocoa powder and typically served in a large mug, French drinking chocolate is richer, denser, and traditionally served in a small cup because a little goes a long way.
How can I fix grainy or separated hot chocolate?
If your homemade French hot chocolate ends up grainy, remove the pan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve. Then return it to the heat and gently whisk again until smooth. To avoid this next time, use high-quality chocolate and don’t let the milk come to a full boil.
What kind of chocolate is best for hot chocolate recipes?
Any chocolate with 65–70% cocoa solids works well for hot chocolate. For this Parisian hot chocolate, I recommend 70% chocolate from brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard. Although, if you prefer a sweeter drinking chocolate, feel free to use any high-quality milk chocolate instead.
Why is my French hot chocolate not thick enough?
Your French drinking chocolate won’t be thick enough if you don’t use enough chocolate. A good starting point is a ratio of 1 part chocolate to 2 parts milk. Also, make sure to simmer and whisk the hot chocolate long enough for it to thicken.
Can you make French hot chocolate without heavy cream?
Absolutely! This French hot chocolate is made with just whole milk, but it’s still rich and thick.
More Delicious Chocolate Recipes
- Mousse
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies
- TikTok Strawberry Chocolate
- Fizzy Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
I found this recipe for Pistachio White Hot Chocolate that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
French Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 40 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, optional topping
- Chocolate shavings, optional topping
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. Heat slowly, whisking occasionally. Do not let the milk come to a full boil.
- After 4 to 6 minutes, or once steam begins rising from the surface, remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the chopped chocolate to the hot milk, stirring continuously until completely melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Return the pan to medium heat and bring the hot chocolate to a gentle simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, whisking continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Turn off the heat, then stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour into a glass or cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best French hot chocolate, use high-quality dark or bittersweet chocolate bars. Avoid chocolate chips, and choose chocolate with a high cocoa content—ideally around 65% cocoa solids.
- Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat to speed things up. Let your hot chocolate simmer gently so it can thicken properly.
- If your chocolate chaud forms a skin, just whisk it back into the mixture. You can also just scoop it out if it’s too thick to whisk back in.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
