Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe
Indulge in a rich and creamy Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, a decadent twist on the classic winter favorite. This recipe combines the smoothness of dark chocolate with the nutty flavor of peanut butter and a hint of sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Finished with a luscious peanut butter whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, this cozy beverage is perfect for warming up on chilly days and impressing guests with its unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 people
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups milk (whole or coconut milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream or coconut milk/cream (for dairy free option)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt, plus more for topping
Toppings
- Mini marshmallows, for serving
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Heat the Liquid Base: Place the water, milk, and cream in a saucepan over low heat. Warm gently until bubbles appear around the edges, but do not bring to a boil.
- Dissolve Sugar and Cocoa: Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder until fully dissolved to create a smooth chocolate base.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Add the chopped dark chocolate and peanut butter to the saucepan. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon over low heat until both are completely melted and incorporated.
- Add Sea Salt: Stir in ¼ teaspoon flaked sea salt to enhance the flavors with a subtle salty contrast.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined and fluffy.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the hot chocolate evenly between mugs. Top each serving with a generous dollop of peanut butter whipped cream and a handful of mini marshmallows. Finish with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for the best depth of flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute all dairy milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream respectively.
- Adjust the sugar amount according to your sweetness preference.
- Whipped cream can be sweetened slightly if desired, but the peanut butter adds richness.
- Serve immediately as this hot chocolate is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
