Wondering how the Italians make their distinctively delicious hot chocolate, that's so thick your spoon can stand upright in it? It's easier than you might think, and can be made to your liking.
Read on for recipes and tips for making the perfect cup of Italian hot chocolate.
Key Takeaways
- Thick hot chocolate has thousand-year-old roots, as the Mayans drank their chocolate thick and frothy.
- Europeans adjusted the traditional recipe, making it sweet, creamy, and hot.
- In Italy, hot chocolate (or cioccolata calda) is made thick with simple, high-quality ingredients.
- The most basic recipe requires only solid chocolate and milk, which are heated and combined.
- Many recipes also use cornstarch to thicken hot chocolate, as well as cocoa powder and a topping of whipped cream.
- If you like, you can personalize your thick hot chocolate, making it sugar-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, or functional.
See Related: Is Hot Chocolate Good For a Sore Throat?
What Is Thick Hot Chocolate?
Thick hot chocolate is exactly what you think it is. Imagine your favorite drink (hot chocolate, of course) but even more rich and delectable.
When made right, thick hot chocolate feels almost like drinking liquid chocolate.
Actually, some thick hot chocolate recipes are basically just that. With some high-quality chocolate, hot milk, and a little elbow grease, you can whip up a delicious thick hot chocolate in minutes.
That's just the beginning. We've compiled some of the best thick hot chocolate recipes to help you make your ideal cup of creamy hot chocolate, whether that be dairy-free, sugar-free, keto-friendly, or packed with functional ingredients to help you be your best.
But first, we need to answer a seemingly simple question. Who came up with this wonderful drink?
Italian Hot Chocolate
The answer lies in Italy. But to get there, we need to go back a thousand years to the Mayan culture. The Mayans, living in what is now called Central America, were among the first to transform cocoa into hot chocolate.¹
Except they didn't actually serve the drink hot. Instead, it was served cold, probably mixed with water and spices, and poured between cups until it was thick and frothy.
When Europeans discovered the Americas, they brought back this strange and wonderful drink with them. In Spain, the upper classes adjusted the recipe to their taste, making it sweet and hot.²
By the 1700s, the British had substituted milk for water, making hot chocolate more creamy than before. And it was apparently the Austrians who first added thickening ingredients.³
Meanwhile, we can thank the US for the addition of whipped cream on top of hot chocolate.⁴
All these countries, and we haven't even made it to Italy yet! That doesn't mean hot chocolate wasn't popular in Italy. Quite the opposite.
Over the centuries, hot chocolate became increasingly popular in Italy. It was especially treasured in the north, which gets very cold in winter.
No wonder, then, that Italians preferred the thick, creamy variant of hot chocolate. In some areas, it became a staple, enjoyed regularly every afternoon.⁵
So what does this cioccolata calda, as the Italians call thick hot chocolate, look like?
Imagine a cup of hot chocolate that's so thick it seems almost more like mousse. In fact, the hot chocolate might be thick enough to support your spoon standing upright in the cup!
Then top that with some whipped cream and maybe some chocolate flakes, and you've got a delicious cup of Italian hot chocolate.⁶
Traditional Thick Hot Chocolate Recipe
So, how do you make this delicacy?
There are a few different methods. In general, the process takes a little longer than making hot chocolate from a cocoa mixture.
That's because each recipe includes melting actual chocolate. This process takes time. Too much heat, and your chocolate (and milk) could scald or even burn.
Two-Ingredient Recipe
The most basic traditional recipe uses just two ingredients: milk and chocolate.⁷ You could opt for supermarket chocolate bars, but make sure they're decent. After all, they will provide much of the chocolatey flavor of your drink.
Recipes generally recommend melting chocolate between 60% and 80% cocoa. Too little, and your drink will likely be too sweet. Too much, and it could be bitter.
Similarly, recipes usually call for whole milk or full-fat milk. This is to make the drink rich and creamy.
For one drink, combine two ounces of chocolate with 1/2 a cup of milk.
Of course, you can choose whatever type of chocolate and milk you prefer! These are just suggestions.
The actual cooking process is simple. Heat your milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Don't let it boil, though.
Chop up your chocolate and add it to your warm milk. Whisk it frequently until it's all melted. Then continue cooking until it's as thick as you like.
When it's done, serve immediately. Just make sure not to burn yourself!
Recipe With Thickening Ingredient
That might be the most basic recipe, but it's far from the only one. Many recipes add a thickening ingredient, usually cornstarch.⁸
All you have to do is add a little cornstarch to a small portion of your milk. Make sure to mix it all together thoroughly. Keep that to the side; you'll add it to your chocolate-milk mix after it's fully heated.
Other Recipes
Though most recipes call for real chocolate and whole milk, some have their own unique twists.
For example, one recipe calls for adding a little salt to the mix. The salt complements the sweetness of the chocolate.⁹
Other recipes call for a little vanilla.¹⁰
Bonus: Can Drinking Hot Cocoa Help With a Cold?
How to Make Thick Hot Chocolate With Cocoa Powder
Like traditional American hot chocolate, thick hot chocolate is endlessly adaptable. You can even make it with your favorite cocoa powder!
In fact, plenty of recipes specifically call for cocoa powder, in combination with real chocolate.¹¹
So let's explore some yummy options. You might not find them in an Italian cafe, but that doesn't make them any less delicious.
Dairy-Free Thick Hot Chocolate
Full-fat milk might make for a wonderfully creamy cup of hot chocolate, but it's not everyone's cup of tea (pun intended).
You could try using skim milk, but that isn't ideal. Instead, consider a non-dairy milk alternative.
There are plenty of options. Some people consider oat milk to be the creamiest.¹² Others insist coconut milk to be the fattiest and therefore closest substitution.¹³
Other options include almond milk and soy milk.
Then you'll need dairy-free organic cocoa mix and chocolate. Oh, and don't forget the cornstarch.
From here, the process is generally the same as before. Mix some of the milk with the cornstarch while warming the rest of the milk. You can add sugar and salt to your cocoa powder, if you want.
Whisk together your milk and cocoa mixture, then add your cornflour mixture, then your chocolate. Mix it all together thoroughly, add some toppings, and voila.
Keto-Friendly Thick Hot Chocolate
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to give up hot chocolate. Dark chocolate, ideally with a cocoa content over 70% and with little or no added sugar, is generally considered keto-friendly.¹⁴
Cow's milk contains a lot of carbs (in the form of lactose), so might not be ideal for those following a keto diet. Fortunately, you can substitute it for a plant-based milk like almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk.¹⁵
Finally, opt for a Keto Mix. Ours has 10g of collagen peptides and 5g of organic MCT oil powder per serving to help support your skin and provide sustained energy levels.
From here, the process is the same as above.
Sugar-Free Thick Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate might be a rich treat, but does it have to be so sugary? No!
Plenty of high-cocoa chocolates have no added sugar. Others are naturally sweetened with other ingredients, like stevia.
Some manufacturers even offer zero-sugar cow's milk! Unsweetened plant-based milks may also be suitable.
Combine all that with our favorite evening-time cocoa mix, and you'll have yourself a delicious, low-sugar, thick hot chocolate.
Thick Hot Chocolate For Sleep
Italians drink their hot chocolate in the late afternoon for a reason. It's the perfect drink to help you wind down after a long day.
For maximum relaxation, consider swapping your cocoa mix for Mindful Evening Cocoa Mix. It contains L-Theanine, GABA, and melatonin for a great night's sleep.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate
Traditionally, Italian hot chocolate is served with whipped cream. It's sometimes dusted with a little cocoa powder or topped with chocolate flakes.
If you're making it yourself, feel free to experiment. Marshmallows are one popular addition; as they melt they can make your cup even thicker and richer.
Just make sure to serve your Italian hot chocolate immediately.
Potential Health Benefits of Thick Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate is truly a special treat. No, really. It isn't just delicious, it might provide multiple potential health benefits.
Mood
We all know chocolate can make us feel happy. But did you know research has shown that chocolate can actually boost your mood?
For example, one study from 2022 found that people who ate 85% cocoa chocolate every day reported a better mood. They also had a more diverse gut microbiome.¹⁶
Relaxation
Similarly, hot chocolate is a classic treat to help us wind down. But research also shows that chocolate can help us cope with normal stress.
For example, one study found people's stress reduced after they ate dark chocolate or milk chocolate.¹⁷
Antioxidants
Cocoa is a great source of antioxidants. These powerful molecules help protect your body against free radicals, which can cause damage. This damage is referred to as oxidative stress, and it's no good.¹⁸
Conclusion
Italian hot chocolate or thick hot chocolate is a truly wonderful treat. It's rich, creamy, and delicious, whether you make it traditionally or with your own twist.
Even better, it may provide potential health benefits. What's not to love?
Keep Reading: What Are Cocoa Nibs and What Can I Do With Them?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make Thick Hot Chocolate?
To make traditional thick hot chocolate, melt high-quality dark chocolate into hot milk and whisk thoroughly. That's the simplest method.
Other methods call for adding cornstarch. Mix a little cornstarch with part of your milk, then add that mixture into your warm milk and melted chocolate. Again, make sure everything is well-combined.
Many recipes also use cocoa powder to take your drink to the next level. If you use cocoa, you can generally use less solid chocolate.
What to Add to Hot Chocolate to Make It Thicker?
The secret ingredient for thickening is cornstarch. It can help thicken your hot chocolate.
You don't want to just add it straight to your cup, though. Whisk it into a little milk, then add that slurry to the rest of your milk while heating.
How do Italians Make Their Hot Chocolate So Thick?
Different places have their own recipes, of course, but in general the secret lies with high-quality ingredients and patience.
Solid chocolate, creamy milk, and cornstarch all contribute to the thickness of hot chocolate. You have to combine all the ingredients thoroughly and carefully over moderate heat.
The result is worth the effort, though.
Sources
- History of Hot Chocolate | Institute of Culinary Education
- An Abridged History of Hot Chocolate
- Italian curiosities: the true story of Italian hot chocolate | L'Italo-Americano
- Cooking Up History: Hot Chocolate (1917) | Wisconsin Historical Society
- Italian curiosities: the true story of Italian hot chocolate | L'Italo-Americano
- The History of Hot Chocolate in Italy: The Secret Behind Their Success in Every Cup
- Thick Hot Chocolate - Homemade In The Kitchen
- Thick Hot Chocolate - Everything Marina
- Incredibly Thick and Creamy Italian Hot Chocolate - Familystyle Food
- Thick Hot Chocolate - Every Little Crumb 3 ingredients, 5 minutes-Every Little Crumb
- Incredibly Thick and Creamy Italian Hot Chocolate - Familystyle Food
- The Plant Milk Guide: How Vegan Milk Compares To Dairy
- Top High-Fat Plant Milks: Coconut, Oat & Cashew | Z Natural Foods
- Can You Eat Chocolate On the Keto Diet?
- What Milks Are Allowed and OK on a Keto Diet?
- Consumption of 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial - ScienceDirect
- Effects of chocolate intake on Perceived Stress; a Controlled Clinical Study - PMC
- Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease - PMC
--
Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
--
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.
