Easy Hot Cocoa for a Crowd
Looking for a warm and comforting drink to cozy up with on a chilly day? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-make hot cocoa recipe. Made with a combination of Nido powdered milk, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of vanilla extract (optional), this recipe produces a rich and creamy hot cocoa that's sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Combine the ingredients in a pot on the stove, heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, and enjoy a comforting and indulgent drink in no time.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g (1.5 cups) Nido powdered milk
- 50 g (½ cup) 100% cocoa powder
- 1 (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ liter ( about 6 ⅜ cups) of water
- 200 g ( 1 cup) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract , optional
- Sugar , to taste
Instructions
- In a blender, blend ½ liter of water, condensed milk, and cocoa until smooth. Add remaining water to a large saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Whisk the Condensed milk mixture and powdered milk into the water until the powdered milk dissolves completely.
- Cook, stirring constantly until smooth, and bring to a simmer, do not boil! Turn off the heat; add the chopped chocolate, and pure vanilla extract, and whisk until the chocolate is melted and fully combined, (there will still be particles of chocolate throughout).
- Taste and adjust sweetness, if needed. Pour into mugs and garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy !
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: leftover hot cocoa for a crowd, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to three days.
To reheat: When ready, pour the desired amount of hot cocoa into a saucepan and heat over low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the hot cocoa in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated to your desired temperature.
Note that the hot cocoa for a crowd may thicken or develop a skin on top as it cools, but this is normal and can be easily remedied by whisking or stirring until smooth. So enjoy your cozy and delicious hot cocoa for a crowd whenever you're in the mood for a sweet and indulgent treat!
Make-Ahead
This hot cocoa for a crowd recipe can easily be made ahead of time for parties or gatherings. Prepare the hot cocoa as directed, let it cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. The hot cocoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, pour the desired amount of hot cocoa into a saucepan or microwave-safe container and heat over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
If the hot cocoa for a crowd has thickened or developed a skin on top, whisk or stir until smooth. By making the hot cocoa ahead of time, you'll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering, and your guests can enjoy a cozy and delicious drink whenever they like.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Hot Cocoa for a Crowd
Amount per Serving
Calories
230
% Daily Value*
Fat
14
g
22
%
Saturated Fat
8
g
50
%
Trans Fat
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Cholesterol
21
mg
7
%
Sodium
85
mg
4
%
Potassium
458
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
21
g
7
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
15
g
17
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
197
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
206
mg
21
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* 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.
