Blackberry Bliss Hot Chocolate
Recipe Introduction: Blackberry Bliss Hot Chocolate
Fancy a blackberry hot chocolate that's proper lush? Honestly, this is like a hug in a mug. It's rich, chocolatey, and has that beautiful tartness from the blackberries that just cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Have you ever tried this amazing chocolate and fruit combination ?
This recipe isn't some fancy, cheffy thing. It's a homemade hug, inspired by those cosy nights in. It's an easy hot chocolate recipe , that anyone can do.
What's the Story Behind This Blackberry Beauty?
Blackberries have been a classic British hedgerow treat for ages. This recipe takes that simple joy and elevates it into a gourmet hot chocolate .
This dark chocolate blackberry drink is a delicious winter warmer drinks and is ready in a speedy 25 minutes, perfect for two.
It's easy enough for a weeknight treat, and fancy enough to wow your mates at a little get-together.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Blackberry Hot Chocolate Recipe
One of the best bits? Blackberries are packed with antioxidants. So, you can tell yourself it's practically health food. This spiced blackberry hot chocolate is a perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa, watch a movie, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Trust me, this recipe is a game changer! Want to create a blackberry puree recipe ? Let's gather your ingredients, shall we?
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this dreamy blackberry hot chocolate recipe ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Nothing too fancy, promise!
Ingredients & Equipment
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to create the best dark chocolate blackberry drink ever.
Main Ingredients
Blackberry Puree Time!
- 1 cup (150g) Fresh Blackberries Look for plump, juicy ones. Quality matters for the blackberry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Water
- 1 tablespoon (12g) Granulated Sugar (optional taste the blackberries first!)
Hot Chocolate Magic
- 2 cups (475ml) Whole Milk or your favourite dairy-free option!
- 4 ounces (115g) Dark Chocolate Aim for at least 70% cacao for that rich, intense flavor. Treat yourself!
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Because it's never a winter warmer drinks without cinnamon!
- 1/4 teaspoon Orange Zest Adds a subtle citrusy zing!
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream for topping, if you're feeling fancy.
- Optional: Extra fresh blackberries for that Insta worthy garnish, you know?
Seasoning Notes
Think of chocolate and fruit combinations as a classic. Cinnamon and orange zest are essential here. They just bring out the gourmet hot chocolate depth.
Not got orange zest? A tiny drop of orange extract will do in a pinch. For spice, a little nutmeg works wonders.
Equipment Needed
Nothing too scary, I promise!
- Small Saucepan For simmering the berries and heating the milk.
- Blender Immersion or standard, for that smooth blackberry puree recipe .
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Accuracy is key, darlings!
- Zester To get that lovely orange zest.
- Whisk For making sure the chocolate melts smoothly.
If you don't have a fancy blender, a potato masher will work for the blackberry puree recipe , just takes a bit more elbow grease.
It is still an easy hot chocolate recipes !
Honestly, making this vegan blackberry hot chocolate is a breeze! Swap out the milk and cream for plant based options and use a good quality dairy-free dark chocolate.
You won't regret it! This spiced blackberry hot chocolate is perfect for those cosy nights in. So, grab your ingredients and let's get started!
Making Blackberry Hot Chocolate That's Actually Amazing
Honestly, have you ever craved something warm, comforting, but not boring ? I had this the other day. That's how I landed on this blackberry hot chocolate recipe .
Forget the powdered stuff. We're going gourmet, babes. Picture this: you, curled up on the sofa, and this dark chocolate blackberry drink warming you from the inside out.
It's the ultimate winter warmer drinks . Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , my friends. That’s fancy talk for “get your stuff together”. Rinse your 1 cup (150g) of fresh blackberries .
Chop your 4 ounces (115g) of dark chocolate . Got it? Good. This is essential mise en place . This keeps you from running around like a headless chicken later.
It's a total time saving organization tip .
Getting to the Good Part: Making the Drink
- Puree the berries. Pop those rinsed blackberries, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of water , and maybe 1 tablespoon (12g) of sugar (if you're feeling it) into a saucepan.
- Cook until mushy. About 5- 7 minutes over medium heat will do it.
- Blend time . Now, blitz that blackberry puree recipe until smooth. Honestly, I sometimes skip straining, but straining makes it super smooth. Your call.
- Heat 2 cups (475ml) of milk . Don't boil it! Just warm it gently.
- Melt the chocolate . Take the milk off the heat. Add the dark chocolate , 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon , 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest , and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk like crazy.
- Combine and heat. Stir in your glorious blackberry puree . Heat gently on low, stirring. The smell is heavenly.
- Serve immediately. Top with whipped cream if you are in the mood, or keep it vegan blackberry hot chocolate .
Pro Tips to Pimp Your Hot Chocolate
Want to take this gourmet hot chocolate to the next level? First, spring for good chocolate. Seriously. Life's too short for cheap chocolate.
Secondly, don't skip the orange zest. It adds a magical something. And third, if you are trying to do it fast, this is one of the easy hot chocolate recipes .
Just be careful not to burn the milk. This drink beautifully highlights the chocolate and fruit combinations !
Alright there, go and have fun with this spiced blackberry hot chocolate and have it suit your tastes, after all, food is a personal journey, not a rule book.
I hope that gives you some new ideas!
Recipe Notes for Your Blackberry Hot Chocolate Masterpiece
Right then, let's talk shop about this amazing blackberry hot chocolate recipe . I've tweaked it a few times, so I reckon these notes will help you nail it first time.
Honestly, this gourmet hot chocolate is a game changer!
Serve it Like a Pro
Plating and Presentation Ideas. Imagine serving this dark chocolate blackberry drink in a fancy mug, eh? A swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa. Boom! You're basically a barista.
Complementary Sides. You know what goes great with homemade hot chocolate ? Shortbread biscuits. Or maybe a slice of Victoria sponge. Proper lush.
Keep it Fresh
- Refrigeration Guidelines. Made too much blackberry hot chocolate ? No worries. Pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days . Just give it a good stir before reheating.
- Freezing Options. Freezing the blackberry puree recipe is a good option. It will last up to 3 months . Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating Instructions. Gently heat on the hob. Or nuke it in the microwave for 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Tweak it Your Way
- Dietary Adaptations. Fancy a vegan blackberry hot chocolate ? Swap the milk for almond or oat milk. Use vegan chocolate too. Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps. No blackberries? Use raspberries. It'll still be banging as chocolate and fruit combinations always work! This is one of those easy hot chocolate recipes that's so forgiving.
Nutrition Gist
- Simplified Nutrition Information. It’s got calories, yeah? Roughly 350 per serving. But it's also got good stuff from the chocolate and blackberries. It's a treat, not a salad, alright?
- Key Health Benefits. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. Blackberries are full of antioxidants. So, it's practically health food. Just kidding. Sort of. Still the ideal winter warmer drinks .
Right, go on then! Get in the kitchen and give this spiced blackberry hot chocolate a whirl. I know you'll love it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries for this blackberry hot chocolate?
Absolutely! If fresh blackberries are a bit "pie in the sky" (unavailable), frozen blackberries work perfectly well. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid before making the puree.
They might release a bit more water, so you might need to cook the puree for an extra minute or two to thicken it up.
My blackberry hot chocolate is too tart! What can I do?
Blackberries can vary in sweetness, much like the British weather! If your blackberry hot chocolate is too tart for your liking, try adding a touch more sugar to the blackberry puree. Alternatively, a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup stirred into the finished hot chocolate can balance the flavours nicely.
Think of it like adding a spoonful of sugar to your morning cuppa!
Can I make this blackberry hot chocolate vegan?
Yes, you can easily create a vegan version! Simply substitute the whole milk with your favourite plant based milk, like almond, oat, or soy. Make sure to use a vegan dark chocolate (many dark chocolates are naturally vegan).
And finally, top it with some vegan whipped cream there are some great options available these days. It'll be so good, you won't even miss the dairy!
How do I store leftover blackberry hot chocolate?
If you happen to have any leftover blackberry hot chocolate (a rare occurrence, I imagine!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
You might need to whisk it a bit to bring it back to its original, velvety glory. Don't re-boil it though, nobody likes a scalded mouth.
Is there a way to make this blackberry hot chocolate less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the blackberry puree or even omit it entirely, depending on the natural sweetness of your blackberries and your preference. Using a higher percentage of dark chocolate (85% or more) will also help to balance the sweetness.
Also, remember that even a pinch of salt in the recipe can help to bring out the other flavours, and make it taste less sweet overall.
Can I make a big batch of blackberry puree ahead of time?
You bet! Making the blackberry puree in advance is a great time saver. The puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before using it in your blackberry hot chocolate. It will make putting a cup together even easier!
Blackberry Bliss Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
