Rich, velvety, and sweet, hot chocolate with pumpkin spice is the ultimate fall treat! It’s simple to make with real pumpkin and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Smooth rich chocolate complimented with spiced pumpkin
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 2 people
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, spices
- 👩🍳 Tip: The combination of chocolate chips and cocoa powder make this drink extra smooth and rich.
Goodbye Powdered Hot Chocolate, Hello Pumpkin Perfection
I’ve always said I don’t like hot chocolate, but that’s not really true. I just don’t like the store-bought powdered stuff; it never tasted quite right to me. (And if you take a look at the ingredients, you may never want to drink it again either!)
Anything with pumpkin is my favorite from pumpkin energy balls to glazed pumpkin cookies and I’m always in the mood for chocolate (don’t even get me started on these gluten-free chocolate cupcakes). This homemade pumpkin hot chocolate is my idea of the ultimate combination – incredible flavor and the perfect treat for my family’s healthy lifestyle.
What Makes this Hot Chocolate Special?
- Simple ingredients so you don’t have to make another grocery run.
- Indulgent fall flavor you’ll want to sip all season long!
- Healthier than store-bought so you can enjoy guilt-free.
Ingredients
This recipe also calls for salt and you don’t want to skip it! It does the perfect job of bringing out all the subtle flavors.
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together all of the ingredients. Since the ingredients are cold, they won’t dissolve together yet, but you want to get the process started.
Step 2: Then heat the mixture on the stovetop on medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate chips have melted, all the ingredients have dissolved, and the hot chocolate is hot.
Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
Step 1: Using an electric hand mixer, beat together the whipping cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices until stiff peaks are just starting to form.
Step 2: Then gently beat in the pumpkin puree until it’s combined. Make sure not to over-beat!
Step 3: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!
If you’re looking for recipes to use up the rest of a can of pumpkin puree, check out my pumpkin oat pancakes and gluten-free pumpkin muffins!
Toppings for Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream – This is by far the best option, and instructions to make it are included with this recipe.
Regular whipped cream – Dairy or non-dairy. If I’m making a big batch, I like to make food processor whipped cream.
Chocolate shavings
Mini chocolate chips
Marshmallows – If possible, it’s best to find a brand made without corn syrup and dyes. Dandies marshmallows are a popular healthier option.
Tips for Success
Use fresh spices – As spices get older, they lose some of their flavor, so make sure to use fresh spices for the ultimate pumpkin spice treat!
Whole milk is best – While you can use any type of milk (even non-dairy milk), whole milk will give this hot chocolate the richest flavor.
Don’t rush – Heat the mixture slowly to avoid burning it.
Whisk frequently while heating – For smooth, velvety hot chocolate, make sure to fully dissolve all of the ingredients into the milk.
FAQs
You can store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container or sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat on the stove whisking frequently.
Yes, pumpkin spice is delicious in hot chocolate and adds the perfect fall twist.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Hot chocolate with pumpkin spice is the perfect easy treat! Arrange a mini hot chocolate bar with lots of topping options for a unique fall dessert.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Hot Chocolate with Pumpkin Spice
Equipment
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips semisweet
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 1 pinch cloves
- 1 pinch salt
Whipped Cream
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/8 t vanilla
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch ginger
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch cloves
Instructions
Hot Chocolate
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together all of the hot chocolate ingredients.2 cups milk, 1/3 cup chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, 1 pinch cloves, 1 pinch salt
- Heat the mixture on the stovetop on medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate chips have melted, all the ingredients have dissolved, and the hot chocolate is hot.
Whipped Cream
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat together the whipping cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices until stiff peaks form.1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup, 1/8 t vanilla, 1 pinch cinnamon, 1 pinch ginger, 1 pinch nutmeg, 1 pinch cloves
- Then gently beat in the pumpkin puree until it's combined, making sure not to over-beat.1 teaspoon pumpkin purée
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredient Notes
- I recommend using whole milk for the richest flavor, but any type of milk (including non-dairy milk) will still work great.
- You can substitute white sugar for the coconut sugar.
- Depending on your sweetness preference, you can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
Store
- You can store leftover hot chocolate in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to drink it, reheat on the stove whisking frequently.
Nutrition
If you love this hot chocolate recipe, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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This might just be the most indulgent recipe I’ve created; it’s just so rich and flavorful! Let me know if you have any questions on making it. I’d love to help!