Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is my favorite indulgent winter treat!
I make it by simmering milk and sugar, then whisking in semi-sweet chocolate and red food coloring.
The real magic happens with the cream cheese whipped cream topping. It’s like drinking a cupcake in liquid form!
Don’t worry if you’re dairy-free; almond milk works beautifully too.
Pair it with crispy snacks for the ultimate cozy night in.
The secret to perfection lies in the temperature and technique.
Ingredients
To make your hot chocolate extra special, consider adding Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for a delicious twist on flavor.
Recommended Tools
Ready to make your delicious Red Velvet Hot Chocolate? Having the right tools in your kitchen will make this cozy treat a breeze to prepare. From heating the milk to creating that delightful cream cheese topping, these kitchen essentials will help you craft the perfect cup of rich, red hot chocolate with minimal fuss. Additionally, if you’re looking for a little energy boost in the morning, consider pairing it with energizing coffee overnight oats for a complete breakfast experience.
-
- Saucepan:
A medium-sized saucepan is crucial for heating the milk and sugar mixture to the perfect temperature without scorching.
- Whisk:
Essential for incorporating the chopped chocolate into the hot milk and blending in the red food coloring smoothly.
- Electric Mixer:
Makes quick work of beating the cream cheese mixture and whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you add the precise amounts of milk, cream, sugar and other ingredients for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Measuring Spoons:
Necessary for accurately adding smaller ingredients like vanilla extract and food coloring.
- Mixing Bowls:
You’ll need at least one medium bowl for making the cream cheese whipped cream topping.
- Saucepan:
Instructions
Ready to transform your regular hot chocolate into something magical? This red velvet hot chocolate isn’t just delicious—it’s downright impressive! Let’s dive into making this cozy, crimson treat.
First, grab a medium saucepan and pour in 4 cups of whole milk. Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and heat everything until it’s gently simmering. Keep stirring to make sure all that sugar dissolves completely!
Once your milk is hot and the sugar has disappeared, take the pan off the heat. Now for the chocolate magic—add 10 ounces of chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate and whisk until it’s completely melted and silky smooth.
Here comes the fun part! Stir in 2 teaspoons of red food coloring and watch your hot chocolate transform into a gorgeous ruby-red treat. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra hint of flavor that makes everything better.
While your hot chocolate is cooling slightly, let’s make the amazing cream cheese whipped topping. In a bowl, whip 1/4 cup of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Gently fold your whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture—this creates a topping that’s to die for!
Pour your red velvet hot chocolate into mugs, top with generous dollops of your cream cheese whipped cream, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a drink that’s as Instagram-worthy as it’s delicious. Did you know that cream cheese can enhance the texture and flavor of desserts, providing a rich and creamy experience?
Go ahead—take that first sip and prepare to be amazed! Your taste buds will thank you!
Pro Tips
For a smoother, lump-free cream cheese topping, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before beating it with the sugar and salt—cold cream cheese will create stubborn lumps that are difficult to incorporate into the whipped cream. Additionally, using roasted cauliflower in your soup can enhance its creaminess and depth of flavor.</p
Substitutions & Variations
This classic Red Velvet Hot Chocolate can be customized to fit different dietary needs, preferences, or special occasions while maintaining its signature rich flavor and color.
- White Chocolate Version: Replace semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate and reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter lighter twist that still showcases the vibrant red color.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute almond or coconut milk for whole milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and cream cheese.
- Peppermint Red Velvet: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the hot chocolate mixture and garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive holiday variation.
- Boozy Adult Version: Stir in 1-2 ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps per serving after removing from heat.
- Spiced Red Velvet: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a dash of chili powder to create a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate with a subtle heat.
- Natural Color Option: Replace artificial red food coloring with 2 tablespoons of beet powder for those who prefer natural ingredients.
- Quick Snack Delight: Pair this hot chocolate with crispy air fryer snacks like shishito peppers for a delightful treat to enjoy alongside your beverage.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
While you can get creative with your Red Velvet Hot Chocolate variations, proper storage ensures you’ll enjoy every last drop without waste.
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for more, just reheat gently on the stovetop!
Keep that cream cheese topping separate—it’ll stay fresh for 3 days when refrigerated.
Sip During Holiday Celebrations
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
A decadent hot chocolate with rich red velvet flavor topped with cream cheese whipped cream.
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 10 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 2 tsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cold heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Heat milk and sugar in a saucepan until simmering, stirring to dissolve sugar.
- Remove from heat, whisk in chocolate until melted.
- Stir in red food coloring and vanilla. Pour into cups.
- To make cream cheese whipped cream: whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla until creamy.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture; refrigerate.
- Top hot chocolate with cream cheese whipped cream and serve.
