Description
This frozen hot chocolate recipe offers a luxurious escape with rich, velvety chocolate, topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream and elegant cocoa shards. It is perfect for families or a cool, comforting sip on a warm afternoon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk, or oat milk
- 0.25 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed suggested
- 2–3 Tbsp (25–38 g) granulated sugar, adjust to taste or substitute
- 2 oz (55 g) high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chopped bar (for base)
- 2–3 cups (approx. 250–375 g) ice cubes
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract (for base)
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (for whipped cream)
- 1 Tbsp (8 g) powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 2 oz (55 g) dark chocolate, melted and chilled, then broken (for cocoa shards)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Base: In a medium saucepan, gently heat 1 cup milk, 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa, 2-3 Tbsp sugar, and 2 oz chocolate chips. Stir over medium heat until smooth and steaming (5-7 minutes); avoid boiling. Let this base cool slightly.
- Blend Frosty Drink: Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into your high-speed blender. Add 2 cups ice cubes and 0.5 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and slushy (1-2 minutes). Add more ice if too thin, or milk if too thick.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, combine 0.5 cup heavy cream, 1 Tbsp powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until soft, airy peaks form (2-3 minutes).
- Create Cocoa Shards: Melt 2 oz dark chocolate. Spread thinly onto parchment paper. Chill in freezer (5-10 minutes) until firm and snappable. Break into rustic shards.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the frozen hot chocolate into chilled glasses. Top generously with homemade whipped cream and crisp cocoa shards. Serve immediately.
Notes
If the chocolate base looks grainy, whisk vigorously until smooth. The base can be prepared ahead of time and chilled for perfect blending later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large glass (approx. 350-400 ml)
- Calories: 345 calories
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
Keywords: frozen hot chocolate, whipped cream, cocoa shards, chocolate, easy dessert, family-friendly, sweet treat, comforting drink, frosty drink, indulgent