Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make instant hot chocolate taste better? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

It is advisable to use the Instant Pot's 'Saute' function on the lowest setting to slowly heat the milk and prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Stirring occasionally will also help ensure even heating.

Which to Use—Milk, Soy, or Water? Whole milk lends to the creaminess and sweetness of hot chocolate, but feel free to use low-fat or nonfat milk if you prefer. For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, switch out 1/4 cup of milk for cream. Soy milk or another non-dairy milk is an alternative if you are lactose intolerant.

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

Mood-boosting effects: Drinking hot chocolate has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress. A healthier option: Compared to coffee, hot chocolate contains less fat and calories and is a good source of antioxidants.

When comparing hot chocolate vs coffee, which has more caffeine? An 8-ounce cup of hot chocolate has about 9 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has around 95 milligrams. Larger sizes, such as the “grande” size in many coffee shops, has between 200 and 300 milligrams.

Hot chocolate has been associated with improved mood and reduced stress levels due to its high cocoa content. The flavanols in cocoa have been linked to increased levels of serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, theobromine in cocoa can help to reduce fatigue and improve alertness.

If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. The high heat and pressure can cause milk and cheese to curdle, separate or clump together.

Dairy. Just like in a slow cooker, most dairy products such as cheese, milk and sour cream will curdle in an Instant Pot, no matter if you use the pressure cooking setting or the slow cooking setting. Add these ingredients after the dish cooks or avoid making the recipe in the Instant Pot altogether.

What does yogurt function on Instant Pot do? ›

Most Instant Pot models include the yogurt function, but check your appliance to make sure. The yogurt function incubates milk, allowing bacteria in a starter to turn it into yogurt. Strain homemade yogurt to make Greek yogurt or add your choice of flavorings.

"You can spice up your cocoa by adding cinnamon sticks. And if you like a minty touch, you can add some peppermint candy," said Rodriguez. Don't worry if you don't do dairy. You can always substitute it with almond, oat, or soy milk.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I've tried quite a few!)

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference. Milk Powder (Optional): Adding milk powder can enhance the creaminess of the hot chocolate. Vanilla Extract (Optional): For added flavor. Salt (Optional): A small pinch of salt can enhance the overall taste.

Milk is an essential ingredient to easy hot chocolate. I do not recommend using water for making hot chocolate as the cocoa will be thin and lacking in body and creaminess.

Add into your mug 3 heaped teaspoons of hot chocolate powder! Now add milk to about a third full and stir until there is no lumps (or when the kettle boils) and it should resemble a almost gooey chocolatley syrup!

Salt accentuates sweetness and suppresses bitterness, while also functioning as a natural enhancer to bring out the flavor in chocolate. Simply adding a touch of salt in chocolate recipes can make the chocolate taste better by balancing out flavours and bringing out many subtle nuances.