Spanish Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente)

 

About This Recipe

From SoYummySoEasy.com

Spanish Hot Chocolate — known as chocolate caliente — is a thick, rich, deeply flavored hot drink that is a world apart from ordinary cocoa. What makes it special is the combination of real dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and cornstarch, which gives it a slow, velvety texture that coats the mouth with every sip. No cream is needed — the cornstarch does all the work of building that signature thick body while keeping the drink clean and smooth. It's vegetarian, kid-friendly, and ready in just 15 minutes. In Spain, this drink is traditionally served alongside churros or toast for dipping.

Tips:

• Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for faster, more even melting.
• Mix the cornstarch with cold milk first before adding it to the pot — this prevents lumps.
• Whisk continuously after adding the cornstarch mixture; don't stop or the drink may clump.
• After turning off the heat, keep whisking for 2 minutes to maintain a silky smooth texture.
• To reheat leftovers, warm on low heat and stir constantly, adding a splash of milk if it's too thick.
• Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Serving suggestions: Pair with toast, bread, cookies, sweet rolls, or churros for a classic Spanish-style breakfast or afternoon treat.

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Recipe

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk (720 ml)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar (38–50 g), adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (10 g)
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (225 g)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch (16–24 g)
• 2 pinches salt
• Whipped cream, as needed
• Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, for topping

Instructions

1. Prep the chocolate — Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and set aside.
2. Mix the cornstarch — Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of the milk into a bowl. Add the cornstarch and whisk until fully smooth with no lumps.
3. Build the base — Pour the remaining 2 cups of milk into a small pot. Add the sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and chopped dark chocolate.
4. Heat and melt — Warm over medium heat, stirring until the chocolate melts completely and the milk begins to steam.
5. Thicken — Lower the heat. Pour in the cornstarch-milk mixture and whisk continuously without stopping.
6. Cook until thick — Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking constantly, until the drink reaches a thick, flowing consistency.
7. Finish — Turn off the heat and whisk for another 2 minutes to keep the texture smooth and glossy.
8. Serve — Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Serving Size	200g
Calories	400
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	160mg
Total Carbohydrate	42g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	34g
Protein	10g
Calcium	280mg
Iron	5mg
Potassium	520mg

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Thick, warming, and deeply chocolatey — this is the kind of drink that turns a cold morning or quiet evening into something special!