Name: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste; 6 tablespoons Salted Butter; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Fleur de Sel, or to taste; 2 teaspoons Cornstarch; 3 1/2 cups Whole Milk; 1 Vanilla Bean; 6 ounces Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao), chopped; 4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste; 1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar; Dark Chocolate Shavings, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 74 reviews

If you are dreaming of a decadent treat that’s cozy, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, then you absolutely need to try this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe. It brings together velvety dark chocolate and luscious salted caramel in a cup that’s pure magic, delivering warmth and indulgence with every sip. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or impressing friends with a comforting homemade delight, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms a simple drink into an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a small metal saucepan filled with smooth, dark brown chocolate sauce with a few small bubbles on the surface. The saucepan has a shiny metal handle that extends downward, placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the rich texture of the chocolate sauce inside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe is how the ingredients come together in such a simple but essential way. Each element plays its own crucial role, from the rich dark chocolate lending depth, to the creamy milk and butter creating luscious texture, and the vanilla bean paste enhancing that irresistible aroma. Let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to create this dreamy drink.

1 cup Granulated Sugar: This is the foundation for making the beautifully caramelized base that’s key to that signature flavor.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds a natural vanilla essence that complements the chocolate and caramel perfectly.
6 tablespoons Salted Butter: Creates a smooth, rich mouthfeel and balances the sweetness with a subtle saltiness.
1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel sauce irresistibly silky and creamy.
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Fleur de Sel, or to taste: This sea salt variation layers in delicate salty notes that highlight the caramel.
2 teaspoons Cornstarch: Helps thicken the milk mixture for a perfectly velvety hot chocolate.
3 1/2 cups Whole Milk: Provides the creamy base for the hot chocolate itself.
1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess and to make whipped cream topping that melts in your mouth.
1 Vanilla Bean: Infuses the milk with fragrant vanilla pods for natural flavor depth.
6 ounces Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao), chopped: The star ingredient for indulgently rich and intense chocolate flavor.
4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the hot chocolate to just the right degree, balancing bitterness.
1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting on the whipped cream to add a gentle sweetness.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: A decorative and flavorful garnish to finish off the drink beautifully.

How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Sugar

Begin by adding the granulated sugar to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. This is where the magic starts – watch closely as the sugar slowly melts and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Stir occasionally but be gentle, because caramelization happens fast and this step develops the rich caramel notes that make your drink unforgettable.

Step 2: Add Butter and Vanilla Bean Paste

Once your sugar has melted completely, carefully add the salted butter and vanilla bean paste. Whisk vigorously until the butter melts fully and combines with the caramel. Prepare yourself, as the mixture will bubble and puff up – this is perfectly normal! The butter adds a luscious smoothness while the vanilla deepens the flavor complexity.

Step 3: Incorporate Heavy Cream and Sea Salt

Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to blend everything into a smooth, shiny caramel sauce. The mixture will bubble again, so take your time. Finally, stir in the vanilla fleur de sel to bring out the essential contrast between sweet and salty that defines this recipe.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla-Infused Milk

In another saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and whole milk until smooth and lump-free. Split open your vanilla bean and add it to the milk. Gently bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Then reduce to low heat and allow the vanilla bean to steep in the milk for 15 minutes. This step infuses the milk with a delicate floral vanilla essence which elevates the entire drink.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Sugar

Once your vanilla-infused milk is ready, remove the vanilla bean pod. Add the chopped dark chocolate and sugar directly to the warm milk mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir over low heat until the chocolate has fully melted and all sugar crystals dissolve, giving you a silky smooth hot chocolate base.

Step 6: Mix in Caramel Sauce

Stir in 4 tablespoons of the caramel sauce you made earlier into the hot chocolate, folding it in gently. Reserve the remaining caramel for drizzling on top later. This addition infuses your hot chocolate with that iconic salted caramel flavor in every velvety sip.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip together the cold heavy cream and vanilla bean paste until the cream holds loose peaks. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and keep whisking until soft peaks form – the cream should be perfectly fluffy, giving your hot chocolate a light and airy topping that contrasts beautifully with the rich drink below.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Pour your hot chocolate into glasses or mugs, then crown each with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an elegant and irresistible finish.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe

A clear glass mug filled with a rich brown hot chocolate sits on a white marbled surface. It has three visible layers: the bottom thick hot chocolate, a middle layer of fluffy white whipped cream piled high above the rim, and a top layer of caramel sauce being drizzled slowly from a silver spoon held by a woman's hand above. There are small chocolate sprinkles on the whipped cream. In the background, there are two glass bottles filled with milk, a jar of caramel sauce with some spilled on the surface, another glass mug with whipped cream and chocolate, and a cup of hot chocolate on the white marbled surface. A soft cloth napkin is placed on the right side near the cup photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are where your Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe truly shines visually and flavor-wise. Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and dark chocolate shavings provide that perfect harmony of textures and tastes. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt or a cinnamon stick for an extra special touch that invites you to savor every sip.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with light pastries that won’t overpower its richness. Consider buttery shortbread cookies, almond biscotti, or even a simple croissant. The sweetness and saltiness of your hot chocolate will complement these treats perfectly, making your snack time feel like a small celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving your Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe in clear glass mugs to showcase the layers of whipped cream and drizzle. You might also rim the glasses with crushed pretzels or caramelized sugar for an extra crunch. Adding a decorative paper straw or a cinnamon stick stirrer makes it feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover salted caramel sauce or hot chocolate base, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The caramel can last up to a week, while the hot chocolate base should be consumed within 2-3 days for best flavor. Keeping them separate helps maintain their perfect textures.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh, the caramel sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently. The hot chocolate base is less suited for freezing as it may separate upon thawing, so enjoy that fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the hot chocolate base gently on the stove over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. Reheat the caramel sauce slowly as well, whisking to bring back its smooth consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power which can easily ruin the texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk alternatives in this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives the creamiest texture, almond, oat, or coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version, but the richness will vary slightly. Adjust sweetness as needed depending on the milk alternative’s flavor.

What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

For the most decadent and authentic flavor, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. This balances the sweetness of the caramel and adds depth. Avoid chocolate chips, as they often contain stabilizers and won’t melt as smoothly.

Is the salted caramel sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s surprisingly simple as long as you watch the sugar closely when caramelizing and add the butter and cream carefully. Patience and attention make all the difference for a silky sauce that elevates your hot chocolate.

Can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. Just scale the ingredients up proportionally and keep an eye on simmering times. Using a larger pot makes it easier to stir and maintain even heat, ensuring every cup is deliciously consistent.

How should I store leftover whipped cream?

Whipped cream is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. After that, it tends to lose volume and texture, so try to topping your hot chocolate just before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about wrapping your hands around a warm cup filled with the perfect Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe. This recipe brings together the right balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors, making every sip feel like a little moment of joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how comforting and indulgent hot chocolate can be when made with love and the best ingredients.