Description
Rich and creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate with real pumpkin puree and warming spices. The perfect fall treat! Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk (any kind, whole milk preferred)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Mini marshmallows, for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Heat and Combine: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through and almost simmering (small bubbles around the edges). Do not boil.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk well to combine.
- Add Cream (Optional): If using, stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer and Infuse: Continue to simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed. Add more sugar for sweetness or pumpkin pie spice for more flavor. Add a splash of milk to thin if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Pour into mugs.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. You can also use a non-dairy whipped cream for topping.
- Spiked: For an adult version, add a shot of rum, bourbon, or coffee liqueur to each mug.
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Add a few tablespoons of the pumpkin hot chocolate base to your coffee for a delicious pumpkin spice latte.
- Make it Ahead: You can make the pumpkin hot chocolate base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Slow Cooker: For a large batch, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Intensity: For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also add a few squares of dark chocolate to the saucepan while simmering.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, start with less sugar and add more as needed. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol.
- Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will make the hot chocolate too sweet and overpowering.
- Whipped Cream Alternatives: If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use a dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Lumpy Hot Chocolate: If your hot chocolate is lumpy, it’s likely due to the cocoa powder not being fully dissolved. Try whisking the cocoa powder with a small amount of milk before adding the rest of the milk. You can also strain the hot chocolate through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Scorched Milk: If the milk scorches on the bottom of the pan, immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into a clean saucepan. Be careful not to scrape the bottom of the pan, as this will transfer the burnt flavor to the hot chocolate.
- Too Thick Hot Chocolate: If the hot chocolate is too thick, add a splash more milk to thin it out. You can also add a little water, but this will dilute the flavor.
- Too Thin Hot Chocolate: If the hot chocolate is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the milk to scorch.
- Not Enough Pumpkin Flavor: If you want more pumpkin flavor, add a little more pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a few drops of pumpkin extract.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes