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Decadent Layered Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

layered red velvet hot chocolate - featured image

A cozy and indulgent layered red velvet hot chocolate recipe perfect for festive occasions, combining a velvety red velvet base, rich chocolate layer, and fluffy cream cheese whipped topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or preferred milk (almond or oat milk works too)
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar
  • 12 teaspoons red food coloring (gel type preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (90 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: white chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, red sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Red Velvet Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring. Whisk over medium heat until warm and cocoa and sugar dissolve completely, about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and remove from heat.
  2. Melt the Chocolate Layer: Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each. Keep warm but not hot.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Topping: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese using a hand or stand mixer. When it starts to thicken, add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue whipping until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Layer Your Hot Chocolate: Pour the red velvet base into serving mugs, filling about half the mug. Gently ladle the melted chocolate and cream mixture over the back of a spoon to create a separate layer, filling the mugs to about three-quarters full. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese whipped topping on top.
  5. Add Garnishes and Serve: Sprinkle with white chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, or red sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep cream cheese and heavy cream well chilled before whipping for best topping texture. Pour layers slowly over the back of a spoon to keep layers distinct. Avoid boiling the milk mixture to prevent scorching. Rewarm melted chocolate gently if it firms up before layering. Whip topping fresh before serving for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet hot chocolate, layered hot chocolate, holiday drink, Christmas beverage, festive hot chocolate, cream cheese topping, homemade hot chocolate