Description
This decadent white chocolate orange almond hot chocolate is a rich, creamy winter drink with notes of zesty orange, nutty almond, and a warming hint of cinnamon. Made with a velvety white chocolate ganache, it’s an indulgent twist on classic hot chocolate.
Ingredients
200g white chocolate (high-quality, like couverture)
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
200ml heavy cream
60ml fresh orange juice
75g almond paste
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Zest of 1 large orange
300ml milk of choice (such as oat milk, for each serving)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Ground cinnamon and extra orange zest (for garnish)
Orange wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ganache: Melt the white chocolate and almond paste together over a bain-marie until smooth. Set aside.
- Infuse the cream: In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, orange zest, scraped vanilla bean, and cinnamon. Bring to a light simmer, then remove from heat. Let it infuse for 10–15 minutes.
- Combine and emulsify: Slowly pour the infused cream into the melted chocolate mixture while blending with a hand blender. Gradually add in the orange juice and continue blending until smooth and glossy.
- Chill the ganache: Refrigerate the ganache for at least a few hours or overnight to develop flavor and texture.
- Make the hot chocolate: Heat 300ml of your preferred milk to around 85°C. Add about 50g of the prepared ganache (or more, to taste) and blend until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Serve and garnish: Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon and orange zest, and garnish with an orange wedge. Serve warm.
Notes
You can make the ganache ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Use dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan.
Blend thoroughly for a smooth, emulsified ganache.
Add orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a boozy twist.
Top with toasted almond slivers for texture and extra nuttiness.
Serve over ice for a chilled version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 350ml)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
