Strawberry Hot Chocolate is a creamy, decadent drink that combines the rich flavors of white chocolate with the sweet, fruity essence of strawberries. This vibrant pink beverage is perfect for cozy evenings, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you’re in the mood for a warm and indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique twist on classic hot chocolate with a fruity flavor.
- Perfect for romantic occasions, parties, or family treats.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Beautiful presentation with a pink hue and optional toppings.
- Kid-friendly and can be customized to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen strawberries
- Milk (whole milk or a dairy-free alternative)
- White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- Sugar (optional, to adjust sweetness)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries are soft and syrupy.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Heat the Milk:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the white chocolate to the warm milk, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the prepared strawberry puree and mix well. Taste and add sugar if needed for additional sweetness.
- Serve:
- Pour the strawberry hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or sprinkles for garnish.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and savor the creamy, fruity flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3 mugs
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and dairy-free white chocolate.
- Strawberry Syrup Shortcut: Substitute homemade puree with store-bought strawberry syrup for convenience.
- Extra Fruity: Stir in a splash of strawberry extract for enhanced flavor.
- Iced Version: Let the mixture cool, then pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.
2. What type of white chocolate is best?
Use high-quality white chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor and creaminess.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the strawberry puree and store it separately. Combine with milk and chocolate when ready to serve.
4. Is this recipe overly sweet?
It’s naturally sweet from the strawberries and chocolate, but you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
5. Can I use strawberry-flavored milk?
Yes, strawberry milk can replace plain milk for an even stronger strawberry flavor.
6. How do I make it thicker?
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or more chocolate to thicken the drink.
7. Can I add whipped cream directly to the hot chocolate?
Yes, whipped cream adds a creamy texture and enhances the richness.
8. What garnishes work well for this drink?
Try marshmallows, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
9. Can I make a larger batch for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients and keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker.
10. Can I spike this drink for adults?
Yes, add a splash of strawberry liqueur, white chocolate liqueur, or even vodka for an indulgent twist.
Conclusion
Strawberry Hot Chocolate is the ultimate comfort drink for chocolate and strawberry lovers. Its creamy texture, delightful flavor, and gorgeous presentation make it a standout treat for any occasion. Whip up a batch and enjoy a cup of warmth and sweetness!
Print
Strawberry Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Hot Chocolate is a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic hot chocolate. Made with real strawberries and white chocolate, it’s perfect for cozy nights, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want a fruity and decadent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry slices
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- In a blender, blend the strawberries and sugar until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.
- Heat the Milk:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream (if using). Heat until warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Add the White Chocolate:
- Stir in the white chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Strawberry Puree:
- Add the strawberry puree to the saucepan and whisk until combined. Heat for another 2–3 minutes, but do not let it boil. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve:
- Pour the strawberry hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and omit the heavy cream, or use coconut cream.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or white chocolate to taste.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with strawberry jam (about 3 tbsp) for a quicker version.