Can I make this pumpkin hot chocolate dairy-free?

Absolutely! I've tested this recipe with oat milk , almond milk , and coconut milk . Oat milk gives the creamiest results, while coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note that's surprisingly delicious. Just make sure to use dairy-free chocolate too.

How can I make my pumpkin spice hot chocolate thicker?

If you want a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree or use a bit less milk. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold milk before heating. This creates an almost pudding-like consistency that's divine.

Can I prep the spice mixture ahead of time?

Yes! Mix together the cinnamon , nutmeg , ginger , and cloves in a small jar. This pumpkin spice blend keeps for months and makes weeknight hot chocolate prep even faster. I always make extra to sprinkle on coffee too.

Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe 5 Minutes!

Description

There’s something absolutely magical about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate on a crisp fall evening. This homemade version combines rich, creamy chocolate with the warm spices of fall and real pumpkin puree for a drink that tastes like autumn in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale

1-1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% for best results)
1-2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (depending on how rich you like it)
1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch ground cloves
pinch kosher or sea salt
3 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped (or about 1/2 cup chips)

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Instructions

In a small pot, whisk together all ingredients except for the chocolate you’re using
Heat the mixture over medium-low flame until bubbles start to form around the sides of the pan (about 3-4 minutes)
Reduce heat to low, add your chosen chocolate, and stir or whisk until melted, glossy, and thickened slightly (1-2 minutes)
Pour into your favorite mug and top with lightly-sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon
Serve immediately while it’s still steaming hot

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for best results. Don’t skip the salt – it brightens all the flavors. For white chocolate version, omit brown sugar and replace semisweet chocolate with 2 ounces white chocolate. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days.