Hot Chocolate and Espresso Marshmallows for a Cozy Night
Hello coffee lovers! As the weather gets colder and cozy nights in become the norm, it’s the perfect time for me to introduce a recipe that will warm your hearts and souls. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows.
I know what you’re thinking – hot chocolate is just hot chocolate, right? But I’m here to tell you that this is not your ordinary hot cocoa mix. It’s made with rich dark chocolate and a very strong homemade espresso shot. And the best part? The homemade espresso marshmallows that accompany it. Trust me, one sip of this delicious drink will make you melt and keep you coming back for more.
With the holidays coming up, this recipe is perfect to serve at any family gathering, parties or intimate nights by the fireplace. Plus, it’s super easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
So, grab your favorite mug and get ready to elevate your hot chocolate game to the next level. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s better than snuggling up on a chilly evening with a warm and comforting cup of hot chocolate? Well, I’ll tell you: it’s our homemade Hot Chocolate with Espresso Marshmallows recipe! Trust me, this is not your average hot cocoa mix. We’ve taken the flavors to the next level by adding a homemade espresso marshmallow topping that melts in your mouth with every sip.
First of all, let’s talk about the hot chocolate itself. This recipe involves using dark chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder and instant espresso. This powerful combination results in a rich and creamy beverage with a mocha-like flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make from start to finish!
But what really sets this drink aside are the homemade espresso marshmallows that top it off. Imagine biting into fluffy, pillowy marshmallows infused with a strong coffee flavor that perfectly complements the dark chocolate notes of the hot cocoa. These marshmallows add an extra layer of decadence and sophistication to your typical cup of hot chocolate and will impress all your guests!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make thanks to clear instructions and readily available ingredients such as gelatin powder, cornstarch and confectioner’s sugar.
In summary, if you’re looking for something that goes above and beyond traditional hot cocoa, our Hot Chocolate with Espresso Marshmallows recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re snuggled up on the couch or hosting family and friends – this drink will be a hit with everyone who tries it. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this masterpiece, you won’t go back to plain old hot cocoa!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need to make your hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows recipe. These ingredients are readily available in your local grocery store or online marketplace.
For the hot chocolate:
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
For the espresso marshmallows:
- 1/4 cup of strong coffee or espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup of canola oil
Get these ingredients, and you will be on your way to making some delicious hot chocolate and homemade espresso marshmallows.
The Recipe How-To
I know what you are thinking. Homemade espresso marshmallows that are perfect with hot chocolate. You might think it’s tricky, but believe me, it is surprisingly doable with a little bit of patience and attention to detail.
Firstly, let’s talk about the homemade espresso marshmallows part of this recipe. It’s a great opportunity to put that gelatin powder in your pantry to good use (yes, it does last forever). You’ll start by combining the very strong coffee or espresso with the gelatin powder and let it rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, you can heat granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water until it reaches 240°F/115°C. Pour the hot syrup into the coffee mixture and beat using a mixer until it becomes light, airy and fluffy. Transfer it to a lined square pan and let set for at least four hours – or overnight if you can wait that long.
Next up is the homemade hot chocolate, which is welcomed any time of day or year. Start by heating milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed. Add dark chocolate chips and stir until melted thoroughly. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar into the mix until dissolved evenly into the mixture.
To assemble these homemade espresso marshmallows hot chocolate, I like to put on my favorite Spotify playlist as background music while I scoop some of my homemade hot chocolate into serving mugs.
Then, slice my homemade espresso marshmallows into bite-sized pieces with a knife coated with non-stick spray oil or cornstarch (so they don’t stick). I add these sliced marshmallows on top of the whipped cream dollops on each mug filled with homemade hot chocolate.
Finally, I sprinkle some shaved dark chocolate chips over my tall mound of whipped cream-drizzled with caramel-flavored espresso-like perfection; all while lounging on the couch with a cozy blanket wrapped around me.
Enjoy your homemade hot chocolate and homemade espresso marshmallows – the taste of your effort and time management skills.
Substitutions and Variations
Coffee lovers rejoice! In this section, I’ll share with you some possible substitutions and variations to make your hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows recipe truly your own.
First things first, if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate in the recipe. Dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa solids and less sugar, making it perfect for those who like their hot chocolate on the bittersweet side.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version of this recipe, almond milk or coconut milk will do the trick. Just keep in mind that the coffee flavor may be less prominent compared to whole milk, so you might want to add a little more instant espresso or strong coffee.
For our vegan friends out there, you can easily make homemade marshmallows using agar-agar powder instead of gelatin powder. Agar-agar is derived from seaweed and is a great plant-based alternative to gelatin.
Not feeling like making homemade espresso marshmallows? No problem. Instead of making them from scratch, just use mini marshmallows or whipped cream as an alternative topping. You can also add cinnamon or caramel to your hot chocolate for an extra special treat.
If you happen to have any leftover hot chocolate, why not turn them into hot chocolate bombs? Simply melt some bittersweet chocolate over a double boiler and brush it inside a silicone mold. Fill each cavity with homemade hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, then top it off with melted chocolate. Freeze until set, then pop them out and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
These are just some of the many possibilities to customize your hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows recipe. Feel free to experiment and get creative, and don’t forget to share your own variations with us!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made your perfect cup of homemade hot chocolate with espresso marshmallows, it’s time to enjoy it to the fullest! This rich and decadent drink is perfect for those crisp winter days or cozy nights in.
For serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle some shaved dark chocolate for an extra hint of sweetness. If you want to take things up a notch, add a drizzle of caramel or salted caramel sauce for a fusion of flavors that will enhance the taste and make every sip heavenly.
This drink is great paired with sweet treats like brownies, chocolate cake, or anything with a gooey center. You can also serve it with mini chocolate chips or pair it with toasted marshmallows or other mini marshmallows on top to take your cup of hot cocoa to new levels.
For an added twist, try making hot chocolate bombs by freezing your homemade hot cocoa mix into spheres and melting them in hot milk for an explosion of sweet flavors.
If you are a fan of coffee, this recipe pairs well with any roasted coffee blend, such as espresso coffee, latte or cappuccino. The bitterness of the espresso complements the sweetness of the hot chocolate and balances out the overall taste experience.
Overall, this homemade hot chocolate with espresso marshmallows recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings during winter months while providing warmth and comfort at the same time.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Hot Chocolate with Homemade Espresso Marshmallows Recipe is that you can make ahead both the hot chocolate and the homemade espresso marshmallows, storing and reheating them for a later use.
To make ahead the hot chocolate, simply allow it to cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl.
For the homemade espresso marshmallows, they are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for up to a month. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
When reheating the hot chocolate, make sure to do so slowly over medium heat and don’t let it boil. This will ensure that it retains its velvety texture and does not separate. To reheat the homemade espresso marshmallows, simply place them on top of a cup of hot chocolate before microwaving or heating up on the stovetop.
So go ahead and make a big batch of Hot Chocolate with Homemade Espresso Marshmallows Recipe so that you always have some on hand whenever you’re craving a cozy and decadent treat.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a perfect cup of hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows can be intimidating. But don’t worry, I’m here to share some tips for achieving exceptional results every time.
First and foremost, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Dark chocolate chips or bars are ideal for crafting a rich, chocolatey flavor. Resist using cocoa powder as your primary source of flavor. Using unsweetened cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate chips or bars provides a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Secondly, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla. The artificial flavor of imitation vanilla cannot compete with the robust taste of pure vanilla extract.
The next tip goes hand in hand with ingredient quality. When making any homemade marshmallow recipe, choose high-quality gelatin powder as it provides a smoother texture that melts seamlessly in your mouth.
When crafting the espresso marshmallows, whisk vigorously until you achieve stiff peaks. This process takes at least ten minutes but will deliver remarkable results. If you cut corners and don’t whisk thoroughly, the consistency of your marshmallows’ texture may suffer.
It’s essential not to overbeat the gelatin mixture when incorporating it into the egg whites in the espresso marshmallows recipe. Overbeating causes a grainy texture that won’t melt in your mouth smoothly.
Lastly, when serving hot chocolate with espresso marshmallows, dust each serving with unsweetened cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation!
These simple tips will elevate your homemade hot cocoa drinks to new heights and turn your kitchen into your very own coffee shop that people can’t wait to visit.
Bottom Line
, with every sip of this hot chocolate with homemade espresso marshmallows, you’ll be transported to a magical place where the aroma of rich chocolate and bold espresso fills the air. This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights at home, or for entertaining guests with a luxurious treat that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Don’t miss out on the perfect blend of rich dark chocolate and bold coffee that this recipe has to offer. With easy and straightforward instructions and the flexibility to substitute ingredients to your liking, you’re sure to have a deliciously satisfying cup of homemade hot cocoa every time.
So go ahead and take a chance on making your own homemade hot chocolate with espresso marshmallows – your taste buds will thank you!
Hot Chocolate With Homemade Espresso Marshmallows Recipe
Ingredients
Marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon/ 15ml canola oil
- 6 sheets gelatin or 4 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup/ 125ml brewed espresso or very strong coffee
- 1 1/2 cups/ 375ml granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon/ 15ml pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons/ 30ml confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons/ 30ml cornstarch
Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups/ 500ml 35-percent cream
- 2 cups/ 500ml milk
- 1/3 cup/ 80ml confectioners' sugar
- 2 cups/ 500ml chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup/ 125ml brewed espresso
Instructions
- For the marshmallows:
- Line a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan (33 by 23 by 5 centimeters) with plastic wrap and lightly brush with the oil.
- If using gelatin sheets, soak them in 2/3 cup (80ml) cold water in a shallow pan for 10 minutes. If using powdered gelatin, let bloom powdered gelatin in the 2/3 cup cold water. Then add the bloomed gelatin to the warmed up espresso and sugar mixture.
- Warm up the espresso with the granulated sugar and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the gelatin sheets and the soaking water and heat until the gelatin and sugar dissolve, about 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the gelatin mixture until it resembles a soft meringue, about 5 minutes. Pour into the lined pan and let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch, and sprinkle some onto a large cutting board. Invert the marshmallow onto the board. Peel off the plastic wrap and dust the top of the marshmallow with the cornstarch mixture. Cut the marshmallow into squares using a sharp knife. Dip the cut sides of the marshmallows in the cornstarch mixture and shake off the excess. (Serve immediately or store the marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.).
- For the hot chocolate:
- Heat the milk, cream, espresso and confectioners' sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Pour into mugs and garnish with marshmallows.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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