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Wrap yourself in the ultimate fall comfort with this creamy pumpkin spiced hot chocolate that tastes like autumn in a mug.
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Watch how to make this
What makes this recipe special
Ever since it became fall, pumpkin recipes have been popping up left and right. Classic dishes are being reinvented with the addition of pumpkin, from Boston pumpkin cream donuts to pumpkin chocoflan to pumpkin Dutch baby cake.
Well, I'm one of those suckers who is drawn to those pumpkin recipes. Not only do they sound delicious, but they also because it reminds me of this glorious season we're in. This pumpkin spiced hot chocolate is no exception from the list of pumpkin recipes. It's just as delicious, if not more so than the classic hot chocolate!
For another delicious fall drink, check out this caramel spiced apple cider inspired by the popular Starbucks drink.
Ingredients
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds a subtle sweetness and creates a richer, more velvety texture, providing a natural thickness to the drink.
- Pumpkin spice: Adds the signature fall flavor. If you can't find pumpkin spice, you can make your own by combining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves. You can also just use cinnamon if that's all you have on hand.
- Cocoa powder: Gives the drink its chocolate flavor and contributes to the rich brown color. It also adds a slight bitter note that balances the sweetness from the powdered sugar.
Substitutions and variations
- Dairy-free: You can use any non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
- Toppings: Get creative with the toppings and drizzle caramel, add chocolate chips, or pair it with a delicious apple cider caramel.
Recipe
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- whipped cream
- mini marshmallows optional
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine milk with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a medium sauce pot and whisk together until combined. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is warm.
- Remove from heat and portion into two cups. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Simmer milk
When I used to prepare lunches and snacks at a large company, they loved hot chocolate, especially during cold days. I prepared the classic hot chocolate and Mexican hot chocolate, but I wish I had thought of pumpkin spiced hot chocolate! This recipe is divine and incredibly easy to prepare.
All you have to do is heat milk and add the seasonings. It's so simple, anyone can make it!
When heating the milk, make sure not to bring the hot chocolate to a roaring boil; no one wants to taste scalded milk, it's not tasty.
Also, be sure to whisk well to make sure the cocoa is incorporated into the milk. If you want a richer hot chocolate, add 1-2 tablespoons of extra cocoa powder. You can also make it sweeter by adding extra powdered sugar.
Finish the hot chocolate with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and mini-marshmallows. The marshmallows are optional but who doesn't love little marshmallows floating in their hot chocolate?
Nothing beats a hot cup of hot cocoa with a hint of pumpkin on a rainy day!
For more fall treats, check out this full list of fall desserts you need to try this season!
Make-ahead and storage
- Make-ahead: Although best served fresh, you can make the drink a few hours ahead and gently reheat on the stove, whisking to recombine before serving.
- Store: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, whisking well before serving.
Frequently asked questions
This usually happens if the cocoa powder or pumpkin puree isn't whisked well enough. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Yes, but you'll need to whisk more thoroughly and heat longer to ensure it dissolves completely. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily, which is why it's preferred for this recipe.
More pumpkin dessert recipes
Looking for more pumpkin dessert ideas? Try these:
Mar says
I dont' see the amount of milk needed in the ingredient list.
cma0425 says
Whoops sorry about that! I just edited it
Maritza says
Soo I'm confused I wana make this recipe but don't see where to combine a few of the ingredients you have listed ?
cma0425 says
It's listed in step one. All you do is combine the milk with the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a medium pot and whisk until combined. (The milk-cocoa powder means all the ingredients listed starting from the milk to the cocoa powder in the ingredient list). The whipped cream, cinnamon and marshmallows are all toppings you put on the hot chocolate after it's done
Womansday.com says
Hi,
I’m reaching out from Woman's Day, where I work on lifestyle content for our daily website. We just wanted to let you know that we featured your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe in our slideshow "10 Hot Cocoa Recipes You Need In Your Life This Winter."
We spotlighted one image from your blog and, of course, linked back to your full tutorial and more details.
Our readers are really enjoying it, and we are excited to show support for your blog and hopefully send traffic your way. Our story featuring your site may also be featured on our sister sites such as GoodHousekeeping.com, HouseBeautiful.com and others, which will mean even more exposure for you.
You can check it out here: http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips/tips/g1400/hot-cocoa-recipe/
Definitely keep us in the loop about other projects you have coming up. We always love to feature more fun ideas from creative blogs like yours!
Thank you,
Olivia St. John
cma0425 says
Thank you for the feature! I will definitely keep you in the loop!