Black Forest Hot Chocolate

Black Forest Hot Chocolate combines rich cocoa with sweet cherry for a decadent twist on traditional hot chocolate.

Whole milk, cocoa powder, cherry juice and dark chocolate create a velvety base.

The drink is topped with whipped cream, an Amarena cherry and chocolate curls for that classic Black Forest cake experience in a mug.

It’s perfect for cozy winter evenings or special occasions.

For an adult version, a splash of kirsch takes this treat to new heights.

Contents show

Ingredients

This hot chocolate recipe can be enhanced with a touch of creamy texture for an even more indulgent experience, similar to the richness found in many delicious soup recipes.

Recommended Tools

Whipping up a delicious Black Forest Hot Chocolate is easier when you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials make the process smoother and ensure your hot chocolate turns out perfectly rich, creamy and decadent every time.

Medium Saucepan:
Essential for heating the milk mixture and melting chocolate without scorching or burning.
Whisk:
Helps combine the cocoa powder with liquid ingredients smoothly and prevents clumping while melting chocolate.
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Ensures you add the perfect amount of each ingredient for balanced flavor and consistency.
Kitchen Knife:
Needed for chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces so it melts quickly and evenly.
Mugs:
Heat-resistant mugs make serving your hot chocolate both practical and visually appealing.
Whipped Cream Dispenser:
Creates beautiful swirls of whipped cream for topping your Black Forest Hot Chocolate like a pro.

For an extra twist, consider adding coconut banana overnight oats on the side for a delightful breakfast pairing that complements the richness of your hot chocolate.

Instructions

Let’s get started on this amazing treat! First, grab your favorite saucepan and add 2 cups of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Pour in 1/3 cup of cherry juice (the liquid from those delicious Amarena or maraschino cherries), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and just a tiny pinch of salt.

Place your saucepan over medium heat and whisk everything together – get those muscles working! Keep whisking until the mixture starts to simmer and gets all steamy. This is where the magic happens!

Now for the best part – add 3 ounces of chopped dark chocolate and whisk it in until it’s completely melted. Watch as your hot chocolate transforms into a velvety, rich dream! It should take about a minute for the mixture to thicken slightly.

Careful now – this liquid happiness is hot! Pour it into your favorite mugs and get ready for the finishing touches.

Crown each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream (because why not?), place an Amarena cherry right on top like a jewel, and sprinkle with chocolate curls for that extra wow factor.

Pro Tips

For a more intense cherry flavor without watering down your Black Forest Hot Chocolate, freeze some of the cherry juice in an ice cube tray beforehand, then use these cherry ice cubes to cool down an overly hot drink while simultaneously enhancing the fruity notes as they melt. Additionally, pairing your drink with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip can create a delightful contrast between the rich chocolate and the creamy, spiced flavors.

Substitutions & Variations

While the classic Black Forest Hot Chocolate delivers deep chocolate notes with cherry undertones, you can easily transform this cozy drink with simple ingredient swaps that maintain its indulgent character but introduce exciting new flavor profiles.

White Forest Version: Substitute white chocolate for dark chocolate and use a splash of almond extract with the cherry juice for a lighter, creamier variation.
Boozy Black Forest: Add 1 oz of kirsch (cherry brandy) or amaretto to the finished hot chocolate for an adult version perfect for cold evenings.
Vegan Black Forest: Replace whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or oat milk and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips with coconut whipped cream on top.
Spiced Black Forest: Incorporate a cinnamon stick, star anise and a pinch of cayenne while heating the milk for a warming spiced version with depth.
Mocha Black Forest: Add 1 shot of espresso or 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder to create a caffeinated version with coffee undertones.
Frozen Black Forest: Blend the prepared hot chocolate with ice and freeze for 30 minutes for a slushy texture, perfect for warmer days.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Though you mightn’t have leftovers of this decadent treat very often, properly storing your Black Forest Hot Chocolate can preserve its rich flavors for later enjoyment.

Pour any extra hot chocolate into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready for another cozy sip, just reheat gently on the stove—never microwave it! The chocolate might separate, but a quick whisk will restore its velvety magic.

Try With Kirsch Added