Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) Recipe
This authentic Italian Hot Chocolate recipe, also known as Cioccolata Calda, creates a thick, velvety drink that feels like pure chocolate indulgence in a cup. Made with real dark chocolate, milk, and cream, it’s a cozy café-style treat you can whip up at home in minutes.
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Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 340kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan Heavy-bottomed preferred to prevent scorching
- 1 Whisk For smooth blending
- 1 Mixing bowl To combine chocolate base
- 1 Measuring Cups For milk and cream
- 1 Spoon For stirring
- 2 Serving mugs Traditional small cups for cioccolata calda
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) Finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder Sifted for smoothness
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For thick consistency
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar Adjust to taste
- 2 cups Whole milk Creates creamy texture
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream Adds richness
- 1 pinch Sea salt Enhances chocolate flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional but recommended
- Whipped cream For topping
- Biscotti or berries For serving
Instructions
- Combine dark chocolate, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar in a bowl.
- Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Temper with a small amount of hot milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Gradually add remaining milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Return to heat; simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or serve with biscotti.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Serving: 240g | Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 2.5mg