Can I make this without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for visual appeal and doesn't affect the taste. Your hot chocolate will have a rich brown color naturally from the chocolate, but all the delicious red velvet flavor will still be there.

Why does my hot chocolate have a grainy texture?

This usually happens when the chocolate seizes from overheating. Always melt chocolate over low heat and stir constantly. If it's already grainy, try whisking in a little warm milk to smooth it out.

Can I use regular whipped cream instead of making the marshmallow version?

Yes! While the marshmallow whipped cream adds a special touch, regular whipped cream or even a spray can version works in a pinch. You could even drop a few mini marshmallows on top for a similar effect.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Definitely. Reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup and use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also cut back on the marshmallow fluff in the topping, using just 1/2 cup instead of a full cup.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy Red Velvet Hot Chocolate topped with fluffy Marshmallow Whipped Cream, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

3 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons red food coloring, optional

Marshmallow Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Simmer the Milk Base: Bring the milk, half and half, and sugar to a simmer in a medium-sized sauce pot.
Melt the Chocolate: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips to the mixture and cook, stirring continuously, until smooth.
Add Flavor and Color: Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring (adjust amount until you reach the desired color) and mix until well combined.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on high speed until soft peaks form.
Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff: Add marshmallow cream/fluff and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue whipping on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.
Assemble and Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into cups and top with generous dollops of marshmallow whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of food coloring based on how vibrant you want the red velvet hue.
For a richer texture, you can substitute heavy cream for the half and half.
Serve with additional toppings like chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg