Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe

This is the best gluten free hot chocolate recipe you will ever taste! You will literally be drinking chocolate and it is glorious. Prepare to be transported to Paris with the first sip.

Creamy Hot Chocolate

When we lived in Oregon, especially in the winter months, we would buy Valrhona chocolate from Chocosphere for hot chocolate and other desserts. We got turned onto Valrhona chocolate because of Pierre Herme who this recipe is adapted from. Now we live in South Florida so having chocolate shipped to us is not really an option (it’s too hot!). Thankfully we can buy Guittard chocolate locally which is still good quality and guaranteed gluten-free.

What You Need

Here are the ingredients you need to make hot chocolate.

• Milk – I used 2% milk because it was on hand but any milk will work. I have not tried non-dairy milk but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. From a flavor standpoint, almond milk would probably taste the best.
• Sugar – we add sugar to balance the bitter taste of dark chocolate. I don’t like my hot chocolate to be overly sweet. It is definitely not as sweet as what you get in US coffee shops. I have not tried other sugars but coconut sugar would taste great.
• Chocolate – I use Guittard chocolate because it is delicious and manufactured in a gluten-free facility. Don’t worry if your grocery store does not carry Guittard chocolate just buy the best quality chocolate available. America’s Test Kitchen recommends Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate which is widely known and easy to find.

How to Make Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate

The chocolate needs to be melted before you add it to the hot milk and there are two ways to do this; double boiler or microwave. I recommend using a microwave because it’s fast and easy. Also, you don’t have any risk of getting water in the chocolate. Water and chocolate are a bad combination! Here’s how you melt chocolate in the microwave.

1. Set the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. If it’s not all melted, microwave again for 30 seconds at 50% power. Please do not use 100% power. Once the chocolate is melted move on to the milk.
2. Add the milk, water, and sugar to a medium saucepan. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat. Stir often with a spatula to avoid burning the bottom of the pan. It’s really easy to do with milk.
3. Once the milk is between scalding and simmering remove it from the heat and add the melted chocolate. Whisk the milk and chocolate until combined.
4. Use an immersion blender or a blender to further combine and froth the hot chocolate. Blend the hot chocolate for 1 minute.

If you are using an immersion blender make sure you tilt the pan as you blend so it doesn’t splatter everywhere.

If you are using a blender make sure you remove the feeder cap on the lid and use a clean kitchen towel in place of the cap. The hot liquid can pressurize inside the blender and pop off the lid. The kitchen towel will allow air to flow.

Pour the hot chocolate into 2 mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or your favorite toppings.

Variations on Hot Chocolate

There are many delicious additions you can add to your hot chocolate. But don’t limit yourself to this list! Experiment and let us know how it turned out!

• Espresso: Add 1 shot of espresso during Step 2. Add the espresso after you combine the chocolate with the milk mixture. Try 2 shots if one isn’t enough.
• Peppermint: Add 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract during Step 2. Stir in the extract after you combine the chocolate with the milk mixture.
• Booze: Add an ounce or 2 of your favorite liquor. Here are some ideas: Rum, Bourbon, or Baileys Irish Cream.
• Dairy Free Hot Chocolate: Substitute non-dairy milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. In my opinion, almond milk or oat milk would taste the best.

Other Chocolate Recipes

Gluten Free Chocolate Cheesecake

If you’re into chocolate then this chocolate cheesecake is perfect for you. It has a gluten free chocolate crust and a creamy chocolate filling. Perfect for any occasion.

Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate

Jeffrey

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine French

Servings 2

Equipment

• 1 2 quart saucepan
• 1 Blender or immerision blender

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 ounces chocolate chips melted, Guittard 63% Extra Dark Chocolate recommended
• Whipped Cream slightly sweetened

Instructions

 

• Bring the milk, water, and sugar to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from burning on the bottom of the pan.
• Remove the pan from the heat, pour the melted chocolate, and whisk until combined. Use an immersion blender or blender to combine for 1 minute.
• Divide among two large cups and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently. When you see the first bubble just before it simmers pull from the heat. Pour in the blender or use an immersion blender. 

Keyword gluten free hot chocolate

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