Brazilian Chocolate Quente Cremoso
The winter months are in full swing here in the northern hemisphere, which means many of us are scrambling to stay warm or just pass the time on these short days. A cup of something cheerful seems in order, and there is nothing cozier (or more decadent) than a mug of steaming hot chocolate. It’s just the thing when you’re curled up with a good book, watching your favorite show, or just enjoying the winter scenery through your window. Of course, today we are offering a Brazilian spin on this classic beverage: hot chocolate with condensed milk–a must have ingredient for virtually anything sweet in Brazil.
Is Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk Thick?
Well, yes. Hot chocolate with condensed milk will naturally be thicker than if you had made it with just milk. It is still perfectly sippable and, in our opinion, that extra thickness only lends to the velvety texture and rich taste.
That being said, if you prefer your hot chocolate a little thinner, you can always lessen the amount of condensed milk that you use. Much of the sweetness in this recipe is derived from the condensed milk, however, so you may need to add a little sugar or more semisweet chocolate to make up for it.
Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, hot chocolate and hot cocoa are not the same thing. Both use a base of milk or sometimes water, but hot chocolate uses melted chocolate morsels or chopped bars, and hot cocoa uses cocoa powder.
This recipe for hot chocolate with condensed milk is, technically, a hybrid. We are using both bittersweet chocolate bits and a little cocoa powder. In our opinion, the blend reins in the texture and keeps the taste from being too cloying.
Can You Use Water in Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk?
Sure. You can replace the whole milk in this recipe with water if you want a healthier option. But then again, it’s hot chocolate–it’s meant to be indulgent! We strongly suggest going no leaner than 2% milk in this recipe. Water simply doesn’t have the same creamy, slightly sweet profile as milk.
What Spices/Toppings for Hot Chocolate?
You don’t need to add anything to this recipe, but if you want to spice up your hot chocolate with condensed milk, there are plenty of options. A dash of cinnamon never goes amiss. You could also add a smidge of peppermint extract or even orange, if you like that combo. Have fun with it. Some other fun toppings and additions might include:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes/peppermint
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows or a dollop of marshmallow cream
- Peppermint schnapps for the adults
- Bailey’s or other coffee liqueur
- A splash of spiced rum or aged cachaca
Recipe for Creamy Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk
Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (one can)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4.5 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
½ tsp Vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, heat the milk and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat. When it begins to slowly simmer, stir in the cocoa powder. Next, add in the chocolate a little bit at the time, stirring in between each addition to allow it to melt.
- Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat until all of the chocolate has melted and you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Remove your Brazilian hot chocolate from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve hot in mugs with your favorite toppings and garnish.
