TGIF Everyone! Weeks after Holidays are always the longest right? This week has been hectic, busy and fun and I’m glad it’s almost over. The highlight was last night when I got to see my dear friend Laura in Opening Night of her new Broadway Show Bonnie and Clyde!!! It was an outstanding show, she was sensational and it was a lovely NYC night. (Uncle Jesse AND Mr. Big in the audience what?)
All I want to do is crawl into a ball and hibernate for a few days, but before I do, I have to leave you with this wonderful recipe. Have you had the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at Starbucks? When I discovered it last year I was in love, and have wanted to find a way to recreate it ever since. There were a few recipes around the web for various versions, but nothing seemed quite right to me. I didn’t want to use flavor syrup, I wanted REAL caramels and REAL chocolate. This concoction pairs both of those- and in my option it’s the perfect warm drink to cozy up with on a cold wintery day!
**Since the combo is rich enough as is, I decided to use mostly skim milk, but you can use whatever you have!
- 12 Caramels unwrapped (I used Kraft brand.)
- 4 oz chopped Dark Chocolate
- 1¾ cup Milk
- ¼ cup Half & Half
- 1 tsp. Sea Salt
- Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings
- Caramel Drizzle
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine caramels and half and half. Stir until caramel are melted and smooth. Add chocolate and milk and whisk together until chocolate is melted and mixture is warmed and smooth. Whisk in sea salt.
- Serve immediately and garnish with whipped cream, caramel, chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Julia Mestas says
Amazingly delicious!!!! And one time, I added a few shots of espresso to it, wow, sugary caffiene-y deliciousness!
Grubarazzi says
The salted caramel makes all the difference!
Parsley Sage says
Mmm…this looks incredible! While I’ve never had the original, something tells me yours is better :) And how fabulous is it to see your friend on Broadway. Awesome!
Buzzed
Erin says
This recipe does not surprise me at all :) you and your salted caramel creations lately! This seems perfect for after playing out in the snow!
Katrina says
I loooove this! Can’t wait to try it :)
kelly says
This looks divine! I absolutely love the Starbucks version but we all know homemade is better. ;)
KimBee says
This is such a lovely hot chocolate recipe. I love the toppings on it. I could drink hot chocolate all day every day in the winter. Glad your friends show went well.
Krissy's Creations says
Great recipe Audra! I could use a cup right now :)
Emily @ Life on Food says
I had many wonderful hot chocolates at Starbucks last year. Who knew it could be so easy to recreate at home? Lovely!
Audra (Baker Chick) says
Ha! I am becoming predictable aren’t I? I just love it SO much!
Kiri W. says
I love salted caramel, and I would never have thought to combine it with a hot chocolate, but sounds like I’d be in heaven after a few sips :)
mividaenundulce says
Hot chocolate is a traditional drink for Christmas in Peru, and it is strange because it is Summer for us, so drink it make everybody to start melting, but it doesn’t matter, it’s a tradition and you cannot avoid it…we must have it…
Vicki @ WITK says
This past week did feel really long after the short three-day week before! Thanks for working out the recipe for this drink, I love it!
Erin says
Oh my goodness I want a cup of this every hour of the day
Jen says
That looks amazing.
Miranda says
This is absolutely delicious, but is it possible to serve it without the sea salt and still savor the rich, chocolate taste?
TheBakerChick says
Absolutely! It’s just a little something extra!
Grace Sheese says
Just found this recipe and as a Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate addict, I’m so excited! I used unsweetened almond milk for the caramel and chocolate almond milk for the hot chocolate part (it’s what we had in the house) and it turned out great! Thanks so much.
guest says
a little too rich for me, even using mostly milk … and too salty as well. Going to modify this a bit next time. Thanks for the idea though