Decadent Max Brenner–Style Hot Chocolate (Copycat Recipe)
Rich, creamy, and indulgent — this Max Brenner–style hot chocolate is made with real chocolate, warm milk, and cream for a silky café‑quality drink at home. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for the ultimate treat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Whisk (or silicone spatula)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board (if using chocolate bars instead of chips)
- Serving mugs (wide “hug mugs” if you want the Max Brenner vibe)
- Optional: milk frother (for extra foam)
Ingredients
- 200 g chocolate (milk, dark, or a mix; chopped or chips)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the base: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream together until steaming (do not boil).
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.Pour about half of the hot milk-cream mixture over the chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Combine: Return the melted chocolate mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk-cream.Add vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until silky and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Pour into mugs.Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or marshmallows.
