Name: Creamy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 6 cups whole milk; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cream cheese; 4 drops red food gel

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Rich and creamy, this red velvet hot chocolate recipe is more than just pretty. The classic combination of chocolate and cream is made even better with sweetened condensed milk, and a surprise ingredient of cream cheese. If you want to impress, this hot chocolate recipe is a show stopper in looks and flavor at your dessert table!

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Move over canned mixes and make way for your stunning mature cousin, red velvet hot chocolate! We've all picked up the packet or canister of hot cocoa and indulged a few times in cold weather, but have you had real hot CHOCOLATE? This isn't the powder you mix up and hope tastes more like chocolate than hot water. Real hot chocolate, like this one, is a rich and creamy melted chocolate and milk confection that is made to wow everyone.

If you are looking for a slightly milder flavor, you might prefer this slow cooker white hot chocolate or even the fun of making a milk chocolate hot chocolate bomb for the kids. When looking to create a drink that is really more of a dessert than a beverage, then look no further than this one!

What Flavor Is Red Velvet?

Red velvet is simply a flavor of chocolate that is tinted red with food dye. While most red velvet items are made with less chocolate than a traditional chocolate recipe, this hot chocolate isn't. You have plenty of chocolate flavor in this drink to satisfy your cravings.

Should I Add Milk or Semi-Sweet Chocolate

The choice is entirely yours in this recipe. With the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk, I personally find the semi-sweet chocolate to be a better choice. It evens out the flavor and gives you plenty of the chocolate you want without being bitter.

Milk chocolate is definitely not as rich in chocolate flavor, and this recipe will give you a creamy but super sweet result. While it works just fine, I tend to reach for semi-sweet or even dark chocolate when making red velvet.

How to Serve Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Serving this is just as much fun as making and drinking it! If you are like me, you will love serving up a beautiful glass or mug. There is just something about a visually appealing item that makes it taste even better. Below are a few ideas for serving that make this fun and even more special.

Serve in a clear mug/glass so the red coloring is visible to all.
Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup inside the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate.
Place a red velvet cake ball on a stick into the mug as a treat with the drink.
Add food coloring to whipped cream then pipe onto the top or a red-topped drink.
Sprinkle the whipped cream on top with cocoa powder or red sprinkles.
Top with mini chocolate chips or red velvet chocolate chips.

Can I Make This on the Stovetop Instead?

You can definitely prepare this on the stovetop. You simply need to watch the mixture constantly as it melts and combines over medium heat. I recommend making in smaller batches, or at least using a heavy bottom pan and stirring at least every 1-2 minutes while it is melting.

Once it is melted completely and combined, you'll want to serve immediately. To keep it warm, it is best to put into a slow cooker designed to have a lower heat that is less likely to burn the mixture.

Do I Have to Use Whole Milk?

When making a rich hot chocolate, the added fat in the whole milk really does make it taste creamier and better. If you are trying to eliminate some of the calories, low-fat milk or even a milk alternative can be used, but the flavor will be a little different. For the best results, I recommend keeping whole milk in this recipe.

Ingredients

Sweetened condensed milk
Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Heavy cream
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese
Red food gel color

How to Make Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Add the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, heavy cream, milk, and vanilla extract into your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 hours, stirring every hour.

Once the chocolate has melted, stir in the cream cheese and red food coloring. Continue cooking if desired, or reduce the heat to warm and serve.

If the mixture is too thick for your preferences, you may dilute with additional milk or water.

Chef's Tip

For an extra special addition to this recipe, add a sprinkle of edible red food glitter on top of the whipped cream. This little chef's secret is a great way to make something look sparkly and "extra" while being easy enough for anyone to add.

More Yummy Chocolate Recipes

If chocolate is your favorite like it is mine, then you'll also enjoy these other sweet treats alongside your hot cup of hot chocolate. Have fun creating a delicious dessert bar with these recipes.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6