Few drinks capture comfort and tradition quite like Ecuadorian hot chocolate. Rich, velvety, and infused with warm spices, it’s a beloved staple in Ecuadorian homes. This recipe brings that authentic experience to your kitchen with simple steps and familiar ingredients.
What is Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate?
Ecuadorian hot chocolate is more than just a warm drink—it’s a cultural tradition. Made with rich cacao grown in the country’s fertile regions, it’s often flavored with cinnamon and served with fresh bread or even a slice of cheese melted directly into the cup.
The roots of this drink go back thousands of years, as Ecuador is one of the original homelands of cacao cultivation. Indigenous communities used cacao in rituals, as currency, and as a daily staple long before Europeans arrived.
Tools You Need to Make Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate at Home
Making authentic Ecuadorian hot chocolate doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a few reliable kitchen basics to bring out that rich, velvety texture.
Essential Tools:
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat‑resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (for the cream cheese blend)
- Ladle or serving spoon
- Heatproof mugs
With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to prepare a cozy, traditional drink that feels indulgent yet approachable right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make a rich and authentic Ecuadorian hot chocolate at home, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients. Each one adds depth, creaminess, or sweetness to create that signature comforting flavor.
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or swap half with evaporated milk for extra richness)
- 1 oz (30 g) dark or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 ½ Tbsp (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 ½ Tbsp (45 g) brown sugar (adjust to taste, or use panela for a traditional touch)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 oz (55 g) cream cheese (or try 50 g cream cheese + 1 Tbsp heavy cream for extra smoothness)
- Optional: ¼ tsp ground cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract for added warmth
These small tweaks make the recipe your own while keeping it true to Ecuadorian tradition. The result is a velvety, chocolate‑forward drink that’s both cozy and unique.
How to Make Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate at Home
This comforting drink is a staple in Ecuadorian households, known for its rich cacao flavor and creamy finish. With just a few steps, you can recreate the tradition in your own kitchen.
1. Warm the milk
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over low heat. Keep it warm but avoid letting it boil.
2. Mix in the dry ingredients
Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, and chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate has melted.
3. Blend for creaminess
Carefully transfer half of the hot mixture to a blender. Remove the center insert from the lid and cover with a towel to release steam safely. Add the cream cheese and blend until silky.
4. Combine and reheat
Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot chocolate. Stir well to combine and warm through.
5. Serve and enjoy
Ladle into mugs and serve immediately while hot. For a traditional touch, pair with fresh bread or a slice of cheese.
Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, this Ecuadorian hot chocolate is more than a drink—it’s a warm embrace in a cup, perfect for cozy mornings or evening gatherings.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
A warm cup of Ecuadorian hot chocolate is indulgent, but it’s always helpful to know what’s inside. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup).
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Sugars | 36 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
| Calcium | 275 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the type of chocolate, milk, and sweetener you use.
Personalization
One of the best things about Ecuadorian hot chocolate is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or dietary needs without losing its rich, comforting flavor.
Dairy‑Free and Vegan Variations
- Milk substitute – Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. Oat milk gives the creamiest texture, while coconut milk adds a tropical note.
- Chocolate choice – Pick a high‑quality vegan dark chocolate (70% or higher) to keep the flavor bold and smooth.
- Cream cheese swap – Replace cream cheese with 2 Tbsp of coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative for that silky finish.
- Sweetener options – Instead of brown sugar, try coconut sugar, maple syrup, or panela (unrefined cane sugar) for a more traditional Ecuadorian touch.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a fully plant‑based version that’s just as indulgent and authentic as the classic recipe.
Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate Recipe (Traditional & Authentic)
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat‑resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (for the cream cheese blend)
- Ladle or serving spoon
- Heatproof mugs
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) or swap half with evaporated milk for extra richness
- 1 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (30 g)
- 3 ½ Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (45 g)
- 3 ½ Tbsp brown sugar (45 g)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 oz cream cheese (or try 50 g cream cheese + 1 Tbsp heavy cream)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the milk: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over low heat. Keep it warm but avoid letting it boil.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, and chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate has melted.
- Blend for creaminess: Carefully transfer half of the hot mixture to a blender. Remove the center insert from the lid and cover with a towel to release steam safely. Add the cream cheese and blend until silky.
- Combine and reheat: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot chocolate. Stir well to combine and warm through.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle into mugs and serve immediately while hot. For a traditional touch, pair with fresh bread or a slice of cheese.
