Description
Creamy and comforting Pumpkin Hot Chocolate! Made with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, it’s the perfect cozy drink for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, I prefer oat milk!)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 2–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, extra pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Add the Milk Gradually: Pour in about 1/4 cup of the milk and whisk until you form a smooth paste.
- Incorporate the Remaining Milk: Slowly pour in the remaining milk, whisking constantly to ensure everything is well combined.
- Add the Pumpkin Puree and Vanilla: Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Heat Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently.
- Bring to a Gentle Simmer: Heat the mixture until it’s steaming and just beginning to simmer. Do not boil!
- Adjust Sweetness and Spices: Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
- Simmer for a Creamier Texture (Optional): For an even richer and creamier hot chocolate, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into Mugs: Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Top with your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade pumpkin hot chocolate!
Notes
- Milk Options: Experiment with different types of milk (almond, coconut, whole) to find your favorite.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan chocolate chips to make it vegan.
- Boozy: Add a shot of your favorite liqueur for an adult twist.
- Make Ahead: The base can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute: Combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice.
- Adjust Pumpkin Flavor: Adjust the amount of pumpkin puree to your taste.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Slow Cooker: Make it in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Frother: Use a milk frother for an extra frothy hot chocolate.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder for a different twist.
- Cinnamon Stick: Add a cinnamon stick for a subtle cinnamon flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Garnish with graham cracker crumbs for a fun and festive touch.
- Iced: Enjoy it iced by letting it cool completely and pouring it over ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes