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–+ servings
freshly made french vanilla hot chocolate from scratch with whipped cream
Molly LaFontaine

French Vanilla Hot Chocolate From Scratch

5 from 3 votes
My French vanilla hot chocolate is made completely from scratch. No pre-made creamers or syrups, just wholesome ingredients! The combination of light brown cane sugar and pure vanilla extract gives it a custard-like taste. I've always thought French vanilla was one of the coziest flavors, so I knew it needed to be in hot chocolate for the holidays. I hope it finds a special place on your table this winter!
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 large or 2 small drinks
Step-By-Step Mode

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk is best but you can use any)
  • 1/2 cup half and half (you can also just use more milk)
  • 2 Tbsp light brown cane sugar, packed
  • 1 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a medium sized saucepan.
  2. Heat on medium heat for 5 minutes or until a desired warmth. Whisk frequently to combine the ingredients and prevent the milk from scorching. Don’t let it boil.
  3. Remove from heat, serve in one large mug or two small. Top with homemade whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

My easy homemade whipped cream recipe: https://plumbranchhome.com/homemade-whipped-cream/
 
Variations
  • To leave out half and half, use 2 cups of milk total
  • Add more brown cane sugar to taste if you like sweeter hot chocolate
  • You can swap the brown cane sugar for raw honey (this is really delicious) but it won't be as french vanilla flavored as if you used light brown cane sugar.
  • If you’d like to make a mocha french vanilla latte, add 1 heaping tsp of instant coffee, a shot of espresso, or brewed coffee to taste.
 
Please see blog post for all kinds of helpful tips and storage information. You can double this recipe as many times as you’d like.
 
 
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment below or share a photo on social media! If you share a photo be sure to tag me @plumbranchhome
 
 
This recipe was developed from scratch in my kitchen by me, Molly LaFontaine, and tested many times by my husband and me to ensure success. Just like all of my recipes on Plum Branch Home. They’re created with purpose, cherished in our own home, and developed with my experiences, trial and error, and skills. NEVER AI (artificial intelligence). 
 
 
Here at Plum Branch Home, we’re loving our families and serving our God one recipe at a time!
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