Easy Cherry Hot Chocolate
by Camila Benitez
Surprise your family or friends with this Cherry Hot Chocolate recipe! With its delicious taste and fragrant smell, you won't regret making it. We're willing to bet you'll get a second cup! Our recipe combines the rich, creamy taste of chocolate with maraschino cherry juice and a touch of almond and vanilla extract. Then, for the finishing touch, we top it with cherry whipped cream. We guarantee it will become your new favorite!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 233 kcal
For the Cherry Hot Chocolate:
For the Cherry Whipped Cream:
For the Cherry Whipped cream:
Place the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sugar, syrup, vanilla and almond extract and beat medium-high until it forms soft peaks.
For the Cherry Hot Chocolate:
Whisk together the milk, evaporated milk, syrup, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan until well combined. Bring to just below a boil over medium-high heat, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond extract and vanilla. Serve with whipped cream in each cup. Enjoy our Cherry Hot Chocolate!
How to Store & Re-Heat
- To store: Refrigerate the Cherry Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: In a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
Make-Ahead
Cherry Hot Chocolate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated, but do not boil it. Then, top it with the Cherry Whipped Cream and any additional toppings you desire, such as white chocolate shavings or cut-up maraschino cherries.
How to Freeze
While Cherry Hot Chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it is not recommended to freeze it because it contains dairy and whipped cream, which can affect its texture and taste. Freezing may cause the liquid to separate, and the whipped cream may become watery and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the Cherry Whipped Cream separately for up to a month in an airtight container. Then, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it to top the hot chocolate. This ensures that the whipped cream maintains its texture and taste.
Notes:
- You can use any milk or non-dairy you want. However, full-fat dairy makes it a richer and creamier Cherry Hot Chocolate.
- This recipe also works well with any chocolate powder mix.
- Topping Ideas: Whipped cream, marshmallows, white chocolate shavings or chocolate chunks, peppermint, cut-up maraschino cherry, etc.
- Refrigerate the Cherry Hot Chocolate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until thoroughly heated; do not boil. After that, remove it quickly to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Cherry Hot Chocolate
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.