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    Home » Drinks

    Published: Feb 18, 2022 · Modified: May 16, 2023 by Bianca · 23 Comments

    Almond Hot Chocolate Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Almond Hot Chocolate recipe is inspired by a Starbucks holiday special from a few years ago. A super rich and creamy hot chocolate rounded up with a sweet almond flavor! A great drink to keep you warm during these cold winter days.

    Almond Hot Chocolate
    Jump to:
    • WHY IS THIS RECIPE SO GOOD?
    • INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE ALMOND HOT CHOCOLATE
    • TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:
    • HOW TO MAKE BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATE
    • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
    • OTHER WARMING DRINKS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Never miss a recipe!

    Treat yourself with a big cup of piping hot chocolate! Top with some torched marshmallows for some added indulgence, or serve up with a dollop of whipped cream! The perfect drink to make when the hot chocolate cravings kick in on a cold winter day.

    If you’re looking a for a sweet treat to warm you up on a dreary winter da, look no further. This post will teach you how to make rich and creamy hot chocolate with a touch of almond flavor at home.

    Keep this recipe ready to celebrate national hot chocolate day on the 31. January!

    WHY IS THIS RECIPE SO GOOD?

    This hot chocolate is inspired by a holiday edition Starbucks drink from a few years ago my brother and I absolutely loved. Unfortunately they did not bring the drink back so we had to start testing recipes to keep being able to enjoy our favorite hot chocolate.

    Now I know you may be asking yourself what’s so special about homemade hot chocolate when you could just use a pre-portioned packed cocoa powder mix. You are right, it is much faster. However, in my opinion, nothing tastes better than homemade.

    This is why you should make homemade hot chocolate:

    • Easy to make: Making super rich and creamy hot chocolate could not be any easier!
    • Very quick: All you need are a few minutes. The extra time is worth it!
    • Few ingredients: This recipe only asks for 5 ingredients to make you a cup of chocolate goodness.
    • Chocolate flavor: Forget chocolate powder! This recipe uses real chocolate melted straight into your milk which gives you a much stronger and richer chocolate flavor.
    • Copy Cat: Make a Starbucks drink at home in no time.
    • Customize: You can customize your homemade hot chocolate! Make it fit your dietary needs or flavor preference. Plus you know what is in your hot chocolate! You might want to try this Baileys hot chocolate!

    INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE ALMOND HOT CHOCOLATE

    This recipe only asks for 5 ingredients which usually are easy to get. Here is what you need:

    • Chocolate: Use a high quality chocolate bar broken into pieces or chocolate chips. It is recommended to go for the dark or semi-sweet chocolate as the almond paste usually already is very sweet from the added sugar. If you decide to go with any other chocolate like milk or white chocolate it is recommended to add less than the recipe says to reduce the sweetness.
    • Milk: Any kind of milk works for this recipe. If you go for cow milk or plant based milk does not matter.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream: To make the hot chocolate extra creamy this recipe uses heavy whipping cream.
    • Vanilla Bean: A fresh vanilla bean gives the hot chocolate more flavor and depth. Vanilla extract can be used instead.
    • Almond Paste: The almond paste is the secret ingredient for the copycat almond hot chocolate. Make sure to use pure almond paste and not marzipan. I usually get this at Coop here in Switzerland. In the US i usually get this.
    • Optional Toppings: Top off your hot chocolate with your favorite toppings. Find some suggestions below.

    TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:

    There are endless options to top off your hot chocolate! Here are some of my favorites:

    • Marshmallow
    • Grated chocolate
    • Whipped Cream
    • Frothed milk
    Almond Hot Chocolate

    HOW TO MAKE BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATE

    This easy to make hot chocolate for two only needs a few minutes of your time to be ready to get indulged . The perfect drink to make when the hot chocolate cravings kick in.

    Here is how it is done:

    1. Add the milk, heavy whipping cream and chocolate to a small pot.
    2. Make a cut in the middle of the vanilla bean to expose the seeds. Scrape out the seeds and add them to the milk mixture. Put the remaining vanilla bean into the pot too. Alternatively you can add vanilla extract after melting the chocolate.
    3. Turn the stove onto medium heat.
    4. Let simmer and stir the mixture with a whisk or a heat-proof rubber spatula till the chocolate is melted.
    5. Once melted turn down the heat to low to let the vanilla sit a bit longer and release its flavor into the hot chocolate.
    6. Add 1 generous tablespoon of almond paste and whisk till it dissolved into the hot mixture.
    7. Pour the hot chocolate into a cup and add any additional toppings you loke.
    8. Enjoy!

    Expert tip: Add a pinch of salt to your hot chocolate mix to cut trough the sweetness and give it this gourmet taste!

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

    Q: Can I make this with white chocolate?

    A: Yes you can also use white chocolate. As long as there is no filling like nuts in the chocolate you can use whatever you like. However, white chocolate is much sweeter than dark chocolate which I usually use. That is why i recommend cutting down the amount of chocolate you add when using a sweeter chocolate like the white kind.

    Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    A: Yes you can prepare the hot chocolate beforehand. Keep the mixture in the pot on the stove on low heat. If you have a "keep warm setting" on your stove even better. You can also let it completely cool down and heat the hot chocolate back up on the stove. If you let your mixture stand around for a long time the milk will form a thin layer on the surface. Simply remove that before pouring the hot chocolate into the cup so you won’t have the pieces in your drink. If you do not plan on drinking it within a few hours keep it in the fridge.

    Q: Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean for this hot chocolate recipe?

    A: Yes you can also use white chocolate. As long as there is no filling like nuts in the chocolate you can use whatever you like. However, white chocolate is much sweeter than dark chocolate which I usually use. That is why i recommend cutting down the amount of chocolate you add when using a sweeter chocolate like the white kind.

    Q: Can I make this almond hot chocolate vegan?

    A: Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk and use a vegan chocolate to make this a vegan almond hot chocolate.

    If you want to intensify the almond flavor but do not care about the creaminess then almond milk would be a great choice. To make it more creamy use a plant-based cream substitute with not to much flavor of its own. If you can not get a good substitution you can simply leave out the cream.

    If you want it to be more creamy and can not get a good cream replacement then oat milk is your way to go. Oat milk is thicker and creamier which makes it perfect for hot chocolate. Make sure to use an oat milk without a strong oat taste.

    Replacing the dairy with a plant-based option also makes this a dairy free hot chocolate recipe.

    Q: Can I use almond extract for the hot chocolate instead of almond paste?

    A: We have tested this recipe with almond extract at first and it does work. However, the flavor is a bit artificial and just not the flavor we were looking for. We do not recommend using the extract but if you do not mind the artificial flavor you can totally use the extract if you can not get the almond paste.

    Q: Is this almond hot chocolate recipe gluten free?

    A: Yes, as long as you choose a gluten free almond paste you are good to go.

    Q: Is hot chocolate healthy?

    A: Hot chocolate itself is not really what you would call healthy. However, you can make it a healthier version by using a very dark chocolate with a high % of cocoa and no sugar and use a low fat milk. You can also replace the cream with milk. The almond paste does contain sugar tough and is important for the flavor.

    OTHER WARMING DRINKS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

    • BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATE IN 5 MINUTES
    • CARAMEL APPLE HOT TODDY
    • PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE MADE AT HOME

    📖 Recipe

    Almond Hot Chocolate

    Almond Paste Hot Chocolate

    This Almond Hot Chocolate recipe is inspired by a Starbucks holiday special from a few years ago. A super rich and creamy hot chocolate rounded up with a sweet almond flavor! A great drink to keep you warm during these cold winter days.
    5 from 24 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine International
    Servings 2 cups
    Calories 455 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Whisk
    • Cup

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 100 g Chocolate Bar broken into pieces or chocolate chips*
    • 8  dl Milk *
    • 1 dl Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 1 Vanilla Bean or 1 tsp Vanilla Extract*
    • 1 tablespoon Almond Paste
    • Toppings optional*
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, chocolate, cream and vanilla bean.
    • Make a cut in the middle of the vanilla bean to expose the seeds. Scrape out the seeds and add them to the milk mixture together with the bean.
    • Whisk constantly until the the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is hot.
    • Turn down to low heat and add a generous tablespoon of the almond paste. Keep whisking until the paste has completely dissolved.
    • Pour into a mug* and top with your favorite toppings! Enjoy hot!

    Notes

    • Any kind of chocolate or chocolate chips works. It is recommended to use a dark or semi-sweet chocolate tough as the almond paste is already rather sweet. Make sure you use a high quality product.
    • Instead of a fresh vanilla bean you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end.
    • Feel free to use whatever kind of milk you want and fits into your diet!
     
    Expert tips:
    • Add a pinch of salt to your hot chocolate mix to cut trough the sweetness and give it this gourmet taste!
    • Keep the hot chocolate on the stove on low or the "keep warm" setting to keep it warm and fresh.

    US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

    Your Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2 servingsCalories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 14gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 192mgPotassium: 591mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1383IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 498mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

    Keyword drink
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      February 19, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      Hot chocolate has always been my guilty pleasure. I even drink it during the warm months. This recipe looks perfectly indulgent!

      Reply
    2. Stacy says

      February 19, 2022 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      Amazingly easy to make and so delicious. I was looking for a hot chocolate recipe that was different and this one definitely was what I was looking for

      Reply
    3. Gina Abernathy says

      February 19, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      Hot chocolate would be perfect for a night like tonight.

      Reply
    4. Giangi Townsend says

      February 19, 2022 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Mouthwatering and chocolate is my passion, love, indulgence, thus loving your recipe.
      Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    5. Evon says

      February 19, 2022 at 11:14 pm

      5 stars
      Chocolate was always my downfall, and I'm going to make one of those tonight because it looks delicious.

      Reply
    6. Shilpa says

      February 19, 2022 at 11:20 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
    7. April says

      February 19, 2022 at 11:51 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delish. I can't wait to try.

      Reply
    8. Jeannie says

      February 20, 2022 at 1:08 am

      5 stars
      I like this copycat version no need to spend so much on a pricey drink!

      Reply
    9. nancy says

      February 20, 2022 at 2:30 am

      5 stars
      i love the fragrant flavour of almond. this hot chocolate is a keeper

      Reply
    10. julie says

      February 20, 2022 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      YOu have a way with hot chocolate. Your photos are unreal, I could stand to learn a thing or two.

      Reply
      • Bianca says

        February 20, 2022 at 9:53 pm

        OMG thank you so so much Julie, you just totally made my day! I sure do love my hot chocolate! There are gonna be more recipes coming to the blog 😀

        Reply
    11. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

      February 21, 2022 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      I am searching for your special ingredient (almond paste) as I never used it before. It is not available at the moment through the link provided, but I will keep looking. It must give this chocolate an intense aroma I am so willing to try very soon!

      Reply
      • Bianca says

        February 22, 2022 at 8:31 am

        Hi Mihaela,
        I am so excited that you want to try this hot chocolate! Check out your local stores for the almond paste! I simply added the Amazon link as it is something that most countries from my audience have in common. However, I always get it at the local store. Walmart has the paste too 🙂 Really any almond paste that you would usually use for baking works, it just has to contain almonds and sugar to have the sweetness 🙂 Hope you can find some and start drinking this delicious cup of chocolate heaven!

        Reply
    12. Sam says

      February 22, 2022 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      This is absolutely delicious!! I will be making this all year because it is so good.

      Reply
    13. kate says

      February 24, 2022 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      I pinned this so i can make this year round!

      Reply
      • Bianca says

        February 24, 2022 at 4:52 pm

        Wohooo! Thank you so much Kate! Enjoy your hot choclate 😀

        Reply
    14. Gabriela Herrera says

      February 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      What an absolute treat you gave us with this recipe. I made this hot chocolate for my family last night and they were over the moon of how luscious and smooth it came out.

      Reply
      • Bianca says

        February 24, 2022 at 4:51 pm

        Hi Gabriela,
        Thank you so so much for trying this hot chocolate! It makes me so happy to hear that you and your family loved it 🙂

        Reply
    15. Deb says

      March 01, 2022 at 5:59 am

      5 stars
      The addition of almond paste is pure genius! Can't wait for the weather to cool down so I can enjoy a big ol' cuppa of this 🙂

      Reply
    16. ted says

      March 01, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      simpke and satisfying

      Reply
    17. Lisa says

      April 07, 2022 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      This sounds ah-mazing!

      Reply
    18. Mallory says

      May 11, 2022 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      This hot chocolate recipe is amazing!!! Thanks so much for sharing (:

      Reply
    19. dave says

      May 26, 2022 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      this was the perfect evening wind down - great recipe

      Reply

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