My husband is obsessed with red velvet cake. And carrot cake. But mostly red velvet cake.
Which is why I was determined to figure out how to make a red velvet hot chocolate to surprise him with after we went sledding this past weekend.
And Y’all. Not to brag or anything, but I seriously knocked this one out of the park.
It tastes just like red velvet cake…that rich dark chocolate with just a hint of sweet and cream (yes, I realize the cream is the frosting, Y’all).
The boys weren’t too sure about calling this “red velvet.” So I told them it was Santa’s favorite hot chocolate and that seemed to be good enough for them to drink it down and ask for more.
The best part is that this makes a batch big enough for all four of us (2 adults and 2 very hungry caterpillars boys). Then if you have more little ones you could easily double or triple the recipe without much fuss.
This is an awesome treat after sledding, on a weekend morning! We have even enjoyed as a nice mid-day treat on a snow day (or over the Christmas break).
Making a large batch doesn’t take much more time than making individual cocoa packets. But you will want to plan for about 10 minutes of preparation and cooling before this is ready to consume.
My children have no patience so I just tell them it’s going to be done “later” and make sure they’re occupied while I get this ready.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups full-fat milk (whole milk or coconut milk works really well)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 10 ounces mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
(you could also use a 10-ounce semi-sweet bar, chopped into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 drops red gel food coloring
Gather your ingredients, and combine the milk and sugar in a large soup pot
Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. Or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the milk is heated through, stirring constantly.
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red food coloring. Stir
Remove the cocoa from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.
Allow the hot chocolate to cool for a few minutes if you have little ones.
Serve in individual mugs, topped with whipped cream (you can also add white chocolate 
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups full-fat milk whole milk or coconut milk works really well
- ¼ cup sugar
- 10 ounces mini semi-sweet chocolate chips you could also use a 10-ounce semi-sweet bar, chopped into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 drops red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients, and combine the milk and sugar in a large soup pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the milk and sugar begin to simmer.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the milk is heated through, stirring constantly.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red food coloring. Stir the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes more, just until the chocolate is melted.
- Remove the cocoa from the heat, and stir in the vanilla. Allow the hot chocolate to cool for a few minutes if you have little ones.
- Serve in individual mugs, topped with whipped cream (you can also add white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts if you're feeling super fancy). Serve with my vegan chocolate cupcakes for a home run dessert and drink.
