Winter Choco-Coffee Delight: A Decadent Winter Treat
Category: Desserts
Servings: 1
When the winter chill sets in, thereโs nothing more comforting than a rich, velvety cup of chocolate coffee, topped with crunchy caramelized peanuts and finished off with a swirl of whipped cream. This Winter Choco-Coffee Delight combines the boldness of coffee with the sweetness of dark chocolate and the crunchy texture of salted peanuts, making it the perfect indulgence for cozying up on a cold day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant Coffee | 15g |
| Milk | 130g |
| Heavy Cream | 40g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Dark Chocolate (chopped) | 100g |
| Salted Roasted Peanuts | 70g |
| Brown Sugar | 50g |
| Brown Sugar | 90g |
| Water | 15g |
| Butter | 40g |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Crunch
Start by making the crunchy peanut topping, which will be the first layer of your delightful hot chocolate.
- In a small saucepan, pour the 50g of brown sugar and heat over medium-low heat, allowing the sugar to melt. Do not stir.
- Once the sugar turns a deep amber color, quickly add the roasted salted peanuts and stir to coat them in the caramelized sugar.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined tray and set aside to cool, creating a crunchy, caramelized peanut topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel
Next, let’s make the salted caramel sauce that will bring a wonderful creamy texture to your drink.
- In a saucepan, add the 90g of brown sugar and 15g of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, without stirring.
- Once the sugar begins to bubble, add 40g of butter and a pinch of fine salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the caramel begins to thicken.
- Slowly pour in the 40g of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the caramel cook for another minute to incorporate all the ingredients, then remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coffee
Now for the heart of the drink! The smooth, rich, and creamy chocolate coffee that will warm you from the inside out.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 130g of milk and 40g of heavy cream. Heat over medium-low until warm, being careful not to bring it to a boil.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, add the 15g of instant coffee and stir until dissolved.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture into a large mug.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top, then finish with a spoonful of the crunchy caramelized peanuts.
- For an extra indulgent touch, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the caramel and chocolate mix to suit your sweetness preference.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk and cream with coconut or almond milk and a dairy-free whipped cream.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the caramel and peanut crunch ahead of time and store them in airtight containers for a quicker treat on those chilly nights.
Enjoy this indulgent Winter Choco-Coffee Delight, a perfect fusion of rich chocolate, strong coffee, and sweet caramel crunch โ ideal for any cozy winter evening.
