Castilian (Spanish) Hot Chocolate Recipe
This authentic Castilian (Spanish) Hot Chocolate recipe delivers a rich, thick, and intensely chocolatey drink, perfect as a comforting treat or a decadent breakfast accompaniment. Made with unsweetened cocoa, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk, it simmers to a glossy, pudding-like consistency that is distinctive of traditional Spanish hot chocolate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp cornstarch
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: In a pan, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar together thoroughly to ensure even flavor throughout the drink.
- Dissolve Cornstarch: Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup of water until smooth, then add this mixture to the pan with the cocoa and sugar. Stir constantly to create a smooth paste without lumps.
- Add Milk and Heat: Using a whisk, slowly pour in the 4 cups of whole milk into the pan while stirring to combine evenly. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently to prevent scorching.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to whisk and cook until the hot chocolate thickens significantly, becoming glossy and deepening in color to achieve a rich, pudding-like texture.
- Serve: Once thickened, pour the hot chocolate into large mugs and serve immediately for a luscious and traditional Spanish treat.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the best creamy texture; lower fat milks may result in a thinner consistency.
- Whisking constantly prevents lumps and helps develop the smooth, glossy finish characteristic of Castilian hot chocolate.
- This hot chocolate is thicker than typical hot cocoa; it can also be enjoyed as a dessert with churros.
- For an extra touch, serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Keywords: Castilian hot chocolate, Spanish hot chocolate, thick hot chocolate, traditional hot chocolate, cocoa drink, warm drinks
