The Ultimate Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Rich & Creamy!)
Imagine the most decadent, soul-warming drink you can dream of: a rich, velvety hot chocolate, impossibly creamy, with luxurious ribbons of sweet caramel and a surprising, delightful hint of sea salt. That, my friends, is the pure, liquid bliss of this homemade Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. It is, without a doubt, the most indulgent and…
Imagine the most decadent, soul-warming drink you can dream of: a rich, velvety hot chocolate, impossibly creamy, with luxurious ribbons of sweet caramel and a surprising, delightful hint of sea salt. That, my friends, is the pure, liquid bliss of this homemade Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. It is, without a doubt, the most indulgent and comforting mug you will wrap your hands around all winter.
Here’s the thing about true hot chocolate: the powdered stuff just can’t compare. I created this recipe for those moments that demand pure, unadulterated comfort. It’s my go-to for cozying up on a chilly movie night, for serving after a festive dinner, or for simply treating myself to something truly special. It’s a restaurant-quality experience made with simple ingredients in your own kitchen.
I promise you, there is no greater feeling than taking that first sip of rich, molten chocolate, perfectly balanced by sweet caramel and a touch of salt that makes all the flavors sing. Made on the stovetop in minutes or left to gently meld in the crock pot, it’s both an easy treat and a luxurious indulgence. It is a hug in a mug.
Get ready to master the art of homemade hot chocolate and create a drink so delicious, you’ll never look at a packet of mix again.
Why This Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is Pure Bliss!
You are going to be completely obsessed with how easy it is to make this incredibly decadent drink. It’s a recipe that feels special every single time. Here’s why:
- Unbelievably Rich and Creamy: Made with real milk chocolate chips, whole milk, and heavy cream, the texture is luxuriously smooth, velvety, and a world away from powdered mixes.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The classic combination of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of sea salt is perfectly balanced and utterly addictive.
- Two Easy Ways to Make It: This recipe is wonderfully versatile, with simple instructions for a quick stovetop version or a hands-off crock pot method perfect for parties.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: This is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from kids to adults. It’s the perfect special treat for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy snow day.
- Simple, Indulgent Ingredients: You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this incredibly impressive and delicious hot chocolate.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 3 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 13 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | ~650 kcal per serving |
| Course | Drink |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop, Crock Pot |
Your Shopping List for This Decadent Drink
Quality ingredients are the key to the best hot chocolate. Here’s the short and sweet list:
→ For the Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips → Use a good quality brand for the best melting and richest flavor.
- 3 cups whole milk → The creamy foundation of our drink.
- 2 cups heavy cream → This is the secret to an unbelievably rich and velvety texture.
- ¼ cup caramel sauce → A thick, jarred caramel sauce works perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt → To create that perfect salted caramel balance.
→ For the Toppings
- Whipped cream → A generous dollop is a must!
- Caramel sauce → For that final, beautiful drizzle.
- Extra sea salt or chocolate shavings → Optional, for an extra decadent finish.
Let’s Get Cozy! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you need it fast or want it waiting for you, there’s an easy method for you. Let’s make some magic!
Part 1: The Quick Stovetop Method
- Combine and Heat: Place the milk chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and sea salt into a medium saucepan or pot.
- Whisk and Simmer: Place the pan over medium heat. Whisk the mixture constantly as it heats up to help the chocolate melt and prevent it from scorching on the bottom. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and just beginning to simmer. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
- Serve and Garnish: Once smooth and hot, it’s ready! Ladle the salted caramel hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel sauce.
Part 2: The Hands-Off Crock Pot Method
- Combine in Crock Pot: Place all the ingredients (milk chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and sea salt) into your crock pot.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for about 2 hours, or until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is hot.
- Whisk and Serve: Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Set the crock pot to the “warm” setting to keep it ready for serving at a party. Serve in mugs with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate
These simple secrets will ensure your hot chocolate is luxuriously creamy and flavorful every single time.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate. The flavor of your hot chocolate is entirely dependent on the chocolate you use. Choose a good quality brand of chocolate chips or even a chopped chocolate bar that you love to eat on its own.
- Whisk Constantly. When using the stovetop method, continuous whisking is key. It prevents the milk from scalding and ensures the chocolate melts evenly into a perfectly smooth, emulsified drink.
- Gentle Heat is Your Friend. Never boil your hot chocolate, especially after the cream is in. A gentle simmer is all you need to melt everything together. Boiling can cause the dairy to separate and the chocolate to become grainy.
- Salt to Taste. The amount of salt can depend on the saltiness of your caramel sauce. Start with the ½ teaspoon, and after it’s all melted, give it a taste. You can always add another pinch if you want to enhance that “salted caramel” flavor.
- Don’t Substitute the Dairy (Unless Necessary). The combination of whole milk and heavy cream is what creates that incredibly rich, decadent texture. While you can use lower-fat milk, it will result in a thinner, less luxurious hot chocolate.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place all ingredients (chocolate chips, milk, heavy cream, caramel sauce, sea salt) into a saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to simmer, is creamy, smooth, and the chocolate is completely melted. Do not boil.
- Serve immediately in your favorite mug, topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Place all ingredients into the crock-pot and cook on LOW for about 2 hours or until the chocolate is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk well until smooth. Turn to the ‘warm’ setting to keep hot for a party. Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
Keep It Warm! Storing Your Hot Chocolate
This is a fantastic recipe to make ahead of time for a party or to enjoy over a couple of days.
- Refrigerator: Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then store it in an airtight container (like a large mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. A skin may form on top; just skim it off or whisk it back in.
- Reheating: Reheat the hot chocolate gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it’s hot. Do not let it boil. You can also reheat individual mugs in the microwave.
FAQs: Your Hot Chocolate Questions, Answered!
Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base. For a richer, less sweet version, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. For an even sweeter, creamier version, you could use white chocolate chips, though you may want to reduce the caramel sauce slightly.
What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
A thick, high-quality jarred caramel sauce (the kind you’d use for an ice cream topping) works perfectly for this recipe. You can use a salted caramel sauce, but if you do, you may want to reduce the amount of extra sea salt you add to the pot.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can make a delicious dairy-free version! Use your favorite creamy plant-based milk (like oat milk or cashew milk) in place of the whole milk, full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative in place of the heavy cream, and be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan caramel sauce.
The crock pot method is great for parties. How do I serve it?
Once the hot chocolate is ready, turn your crock pot to the “warm” setting. Set up a “hot chocolate bar” next to it with mugs, a ladle, a can of whipped cream, a bottle of caramel sauce, and small bowls of extra toppings like mini chocolate chips, sea salt, or marshmallows for guests to serve themselves.
Final Thoughts: A Mug of Liquid Gold
There is nothing more comforting than a warm mug of truly decadent hot chocolate. This Salted Caramel version is a celebration of simple, luxurious flavors, and it’s the perfect way to treat yourself and the ones you love. I hope this easy recipe brings a little bit of warmth and sweetness to your day. Happy sipping!
