Ingredients
Scale
- FOR THE HOT CHOCOLATE:
- 4 cups whole milk (or preferred dairy/non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- FOR THE BUTTERBEER CREAM TOPPING:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the Butterbeer Cream Topping. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar has fully dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a medium-sized bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to chill, or until ready to whip.
- While the cream chills, start on the hot chocolate. In a large saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. This helps prevent clumps.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the dry ingredients in the saucepan. Continue whisking until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the hot chocolate, stirring frequently, until it's hot and steaming but not boiling. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Retrieve the chilled butterbeer cream. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease), whip the cream mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip it into butter.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top generously with the whipped butterbeer cream. Serve immediately and enjoy your magical creation!
Notes
For an extra frothy topping, you can use a hand frother on the butterbeer cream after it’s chilled and before whipping. Adjust the sugar in the hot chocolate to your preference; some like it sweeter, some less. This recipe can be made ahead: store the hot chocolate and butterbeer cream separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the hot chocolate gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Re-whip the cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering and Whisking
- Cuisine: Fantasy-Inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg