As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as curling up with a warm mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate. This cozy, indulgent drink is a delightful blend of rich cocoa, creamy pumpkin, and aromatic spices that will fill your kitchen with the scents of fall and transport you to a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Get ready to savor the flavors of the season with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
This pumpkin spice hot chocolate is the ultimate comfort beverage for the fall and winter seasons. The combination of velvety smooth chocolate, warm pumpkin puree, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s both familiar and delightfully unique. The addition of fluffy whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of creaminess and indulgence, making this the perfect treat to enjoy by the fireplace or while curled up with a good book. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in just a few simple steps, so you can satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings anytime.
Ingredients
To make this pumpkin spice hot chocolate, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients: milk, cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. For the finishing touch, top it off with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
- 4 cups (960 ml) – Whole milk
- 1/4 cup (30 g) – Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120 g) – Pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup (50 g) – Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.2 g) – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) – Ground ginger
Ingredient Substitutions
- Spices: If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice or use a blend of your favorite fall spices.
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can also be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
To create this cozy, comforting pumpkin spice hot chocolate, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk the mixture together until well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the hot chocolate simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sugar has dissolved completely.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the hot chocolate is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Ladle the pumpkin spice hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with a generous dollop of the freshly whipped cream.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra festive touch, you can garnish the whipped cream with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Adult Twist: Add a shot of espresso or a splash of rum or brandy for an adult twist on this pumpkin spice hot chocolate.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or cashew milk to create a dairy-free version of this cozy beverage.
- Richer Texture: For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk.
- Extra Spice: Feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your personal taste preferences.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Freshly whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or crushed graham crackers.
Storage: The hot chocolate base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: When ready to serve, simply reheat the hot chocolate over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The hot chocolate base can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve, topping with fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
This pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a cozy, indulgent treat that provides a balance of comfort and nutrition. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein. The pumpkin puree and spices add a boost of antioxidants and fall-inspired flavors, while the whipped cream provides a creamy, satisfying texture. Enjoy this warm, comforting beverage as a special treat or a satisfying pick-me-up on a chilly day.
- Serving Size: 1 mug (8 oz/240 ml)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is the easiest and most convenient option for this pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sweeteners and spices.
Can I make this hot chocolate vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly. Simply use plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or cashew milk, and opt for a dairy-free whipped topping, such as coconut whipped cream or a cashew-based whipped cream.
Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?
Yes, the hot chocolate base can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the hot chocolate over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Then top with the freshly whipped cream.
Can I add alcohol to this pumpkin spice hot chocolate?
Absolutely! For an adult twist, you can add a shot of espresso, rum, brandy, or your favorite liqueur to the hot chocolate base. This will create a delightful, boozy version of this cozy, comforting drink.
How can I make this hot chocolate extra thick and creamy?
To achieve an even richer, creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the hot chocolate base to help thicken it up.
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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a cozy and indulgent drink perfect for fall. Rich chocolate combined with pumpkin puree and warm spices gives you the ultimate comfort drink.
Ingredients
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
– Whipped cream for topping
– Optional: chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, sugar, and pumpkin spice. Whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to heat until hot, but not boiling.
4. Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
5. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level to your taste. This recipe can also be made dairy-free by substituting with almond or oat milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, hot chocolate, fall, comfort drink