This Raspberry White Hot Chocolate is a sweet and fun treat! It blends creamy white chocolate with tart raspberry, giving you a warm hug in a mug.
Honestly, it feels like sipping on a dessert! I like to top mine with whipped cream and extra raspberries for a splash of color. It’s perfect for cozy days! 🍓☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: I love using whole milk for its creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer! Almond milk, oat milk, or even low-fat milk work well. Just keep in mind that different milks may slightly alter the creaminess.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries give a bright flavor, but frozen are a great option too! If you’re out of raspberries, you could swap in another berry like strawberries or blueberries, or try a raspberry syrup for sweetness.
White Chocolate: Good quality white chocolate melts smoothly and adds sweetness. If you want a lower sugar version, use sugar-free white chocolate or even a white chocolate-flavored protein powder. Just adjust the amount of milk as needed.
Whipped Cream: While I love homemade whipped cream, you can use store-bought if you’re short on time. For a lighter option, consider coconut whipped cream for a fun twist.
How Do I Infuse Raspberries into the Milk?
The key to a rich raspberry flavor lies in properly infusing the milk with raspberries. Here’s how to do it:
- Warm the milk slowly—don’t let it boil! This helps bring out the raspberry flavor.
- Mash the raspberries gently in the milk; this is where the magic happens. Let them simmer, as this draws out their juicy goodness.
- Strain the mixture to remove seeds, ensuring your hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
This infusion process makes all the difference in getting that lovely raspberry flavor into your drink. Enjoy making this cozy treat!
Raspberry White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Freeze-dried raspberry powder or crushed freeze-dried raspberries, for garnish
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Raspberry White Hot Chocolate can be made in about 15 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking, with just a bit of patience as the flavors come together. Perfect for a cozy evening or a sweet weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk:
Start by pouring your milk of choice into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warm, but make sure it doesn’t boil. We want it to be cozy warm, just perfect for melting that delicious white chocolate!
2. Infuse with Raspberries:
Next, toss in the fresh or frozen raspberries. Using a spoon or a whisk, gently mash them while they simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This will help their sweet tartness infuse beautifully into the milk. Make sure to keep an eye on it; you want it warm and flavorful!
3. Strain the Milk:
After the raspberries have had a chance to work their magic, take the saucepan off the heat. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the milk into a clean bowl or another saucepan to remove any pesky raspberry seeds. You’ll be left with smooth, pink-filled milk that’s full of flavor!
4. Melt the White Chocolate:
Put the strained milk back on low heat, and add in the chopped white chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until everything melts together, creating a delightful, creamy mixture. It should be smooth and inviting!
5. Pour and Garnish:
Now, pour your raspberry white hot chocolate into mugs. Top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream—because why not make it extra special? Then, sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberry powder or crushed raspberries for a fun pop of color. If you have fresh raspberries handy, feel free to add them around the mug for a nice touch!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Raspberry White Hot Chocolate is ready to serve! Enjoy it warm, savoring every delicious sip. It’s the perfect cozy treat for any time of the day.
This recipe yields a creamy, subtly tart, and sweet hot chocolate that has a beautiful light pink color, making it ideal for a special occasion or a delightful everyday indulgence.
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! Whole milk gives a rich creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that plant-based milks may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still work beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to combine.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply use a plant-based milk and substitute the white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate or a vegan chocolate alternative. This will keep the flavors intact while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What If I Don’t Have Freeze-Dried Raspberries?
No worries! If you can’t find freeze-dried raspberries, you can simply omit them or use crushed regular raspberries as a garnish. You could also drizzle some raspberry syrup over the whipped cream for a nice touch!
