Cozy Up with the Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate This Fall

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting drink to embrace the season. While pumpkin spice lattes often steal the spotlight, this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate offers a delightful alternative, especially if you prefer chocolate over coffee, or simply love a richer, creamier fall treat. It’s an exceptionally decadent and flavorful beverage that captures all the beloved essence of autumn in a mug.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can easily keep it sugar-free by utilizing my incredibly delicious homemade sugar-free hot cocoa mix. Trust me, it’s so good you’ll want to use it regardless of whether you’re counting carbs! Opting for the sugar-free version means you can indulge a little extra without guilt – perhaps with another slice of my delicious Pumpkin Bread or a fluffy Pumpkin Muffin. This hot chocolate is not just a drink; it’s an experience, a perfect companion for those cool fall evenings or a festive autumn brunch.

If you’re a fan of rich, chocolaty beverages, be sure to explore more of my creations, like the simple yet satisfying 3 Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate, the fun and festive Pink Hot Cocoa Bombs, a refreshing Frozen Hot Chocolate for warmer days, and of course, my essential Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix that forms the backbone of this delightful recipe.

What You Need to Craft the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Creating this wonderfully spicy, rich, and super chocolaty cup of cocoa requires minimal effort and just a handful of simple ingredients. With a single pot and a whisk, you’ll be on your way to autumn bliss in no time.

Key Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree: Essential for that authentic pumpkin flavor and creamy texture. Ensure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
• Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix: The base of our rich chocolate flavor. My homemade mix offers superior taste and allows for perfect sweetness control.
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice that defines fall. Homemade ensures freshness and robust flavor.
• Stevia: Our preferred sugar-free sweetener. It allows you to adjust the sweetness to your exact preference without adding calories.
• Cinnamon Stick: A beautiful garnish that also infuses a subtle, aromatic warmth into your drink.
• Half and Half: Provides a luxurious richness and creamy mouthfeel that elevates this hot chocolate from good to extraordinary.

When autumn arrives and the vibrant orange pumpkins start filling grocery store aisles, I always make sure to stock up. Roasting a few at the start of the season ensures I have fresh, flavorful pumpkin puree ready for all my fall baking and beverage needs. If you’re interested in making your own, my detailed how-to guide on roasting your own pumpkin is incredibly helpful.

I also take immense pleasure in blending my own spice mixtures. There’s a noticeable difference in aroma and potency when using freshly ground spices. You can find my recipe for Homemade Pumpkin Spice, and soon, my Chai Spice recipe will also be available. Preparing these blends once or twice a year is usually enough to last me through the entire season, ensuring my treats are always bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Of course, for convenience, both pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice are readily available at any grocery store. Don’t let the thought of making them from scratch deter you from enjoying this wonderful recipe! While I highly recommend my Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe here for its unparalleled freshness, you can certainly purchase a premade pumpkin spice blend or chai spice blend for the whipped cream topping.

How to Prepare This Delightful Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

This exquisite hot chocolate comes together remarkably quickly, taking less than 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s the ideal treat when you crave something warm, sweet, and comforting without a long wait.

Begin by combining all the liquid and dry ingredients – pumpkin puree, hot cocoa mix, pumpkin spice, stevia, the cinnamon stick, and half and half – into a small saucepan. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa mix or pumpkin puree. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. As the mixture heats, continue to whisk frequently. This prevents any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan and helps to create a smooth, homogenous drink. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just until you see small bubbles forming around the edges. Continue whisking constantly for about 5 minutes. During this time, the hot chocolate will become slightly frothy, and all the spices and cocoa mix will be perfectly dissolved, infusing the liquid with their full flavor and aroma.

To elevate this pumpkin spice hot chocolate to an even more luxurious level, I love adding a special touch: Chai-spiced whipped cream. It sounds fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make! Simply combine a bit of cold heavy cream, a touch of powdered sugar (or a sugar-free alternative), and a hint of chai spice in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed until it reaches soft peaks – light, fluffy, and just holding its shape. The warm, aromatic notes of the chai spice beautifully complement the pumpkin and chocolate, adding an extra layer of complexity and indulgence.

Once your hot chocolate is ready, pour about 10 ounces into your favorite mug. Crown it generously with a dollop of the freshly made chai-spiced whipped cream. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top, or even add a small cinnamon stick as a garnish. Take a sip and savor the experience – it’s a deeply spicy, luxuriously rich, and utterly comforting cup of cocoa that perfectly embodies the spirit of fall. This drink isn’t just a beverage; it’s a moment of pure bliss, perfect for unwinding after a long day or sharing with loved ones.

Tips for the Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of stevia or any sweetener can be adjusted based on your preference and the sweetness of your cocoa mix. Taste as you go!
• Spice It Up (or Down): If you love a bolder spice flavor, feel free to add a little extra pumpkin spice. For a milder taste, reduce it slightly. A pinch of black pepper can also enhance the chai notes in the whipped cream.
• Creaminess Factor: While half and half provides incredible richness, you can use whole milk for a lighter version, or heavy cream for an even more indulgent treat.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, cashew milk or full-fat coconut milk are excellent choices, offering a creamy texture that mimics traditional dairy well. Almond or oat milk also work, but may result in a slightly thinner consistency.
• Flavor Boosters: A tiny pinch of salt can really enhance the chocolate flavor. A splash of vanilla extract (especially bourbon vanilla) can also add depth. For coffee lovers, a shot of espresso can transform this into a “mocha” twist.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of fall occasions. Enjoy it as a delightful morning pick-me-up, a cozy afternoon treat, or a comforting dessert after dinner. It’s also fantastic for:

• Fall Gatherings: Serve it at your Halloween party, Thanksgiving brunch, or any autumnal get-together. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
• Cozy Evenings: Curl up on the couch with a good book and a warm mug on a chilly night.
• Holiday Brunches: Alongside pumpkin pancakes, waffles, or French toast, this hot chocolate adds a festive touch.
• Dessert Pairing: It pairs beautifully with almost any fall dessert, from apple pie to pumpkin cheesecake.

FOR MORE PUMPKIN GOODNESS:

If you’re eager for more delicious fall-inspired recipes featuring pumpkin, you’re in luck! My Pepita Crusted Salmon Salad with Roasted Pumpkin offers a wonderful blend of savory and sweet, making for a hearty and healthy fall meal.

And for a truly irresistible dessert to follow, my Pumpkin Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an absolute must-try. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced – an ideal ending to any fall feast!

For those who love the satisfaction of creating ingredients from scratch, don’t miss my comprehensive tutorial on How to Roast a Pumpkin. It’s a simple process that yields the freshest, most flavorful pumpkin puree for all your culinary adventures.

Did you try this amazing Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a review or comment below. And to stay updated on all my latest recipes and culinary adventures, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Your support means the world!

📖 Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Enjoy, as Lorelai Gilmore would say, a piping hot cup of this pumpkin spice “HOCHO” on a crisp fall evening, or at a pumpkin pancake-filled fall brunch. This rich and flavorful hot chocolate is the ultimate autumn indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 2 tablespoon Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chai Spice
• ¼ cup Pumpkin Puree, not pie mix
• ½ cup Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
• 2 teaspoons Stevia
• 1 ea Cinnamon Stick
• 2 cups Half and Half

Instructions

1. First, prepare the chai-spiced whipped cream. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative), and chai spices. Whip until the mixture forms fresh whipped cream with medium peaks, meaning it holds its shape but is still light and fluffy.
2. To make the hot chocolate, take a small saucepot and add the pumpkin puree, hot cocoa mix, pumpkin spice, stevia, the cinnamon stick, and half and half. Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and smooth. Place the pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Continue to whisk the mixture often to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot. Bring the hot chocolate to a gentle simmer, and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and all the spices and cocoa mix are fully dissolved, creating a rich and aromatic beverage.

Notes

Feel free to use any cocoa mix you like for this recipe. However, my homemade sugar-free hot cocoa mix is perfectly delicious and allows for greater control over sweetness and ingredients. While I prefer using half and half for its rich flavor and creamy texture, you can certainly experiment with different milks. If you’re looking to keep it dairy-free, cashew milk or full-fat coconut milk are excellent choices for the best flavor and creaminess, but any alternative milk will work, adjusting the consistency as needed.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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