I am delighted to share this fantastic Polar Express Hot Chocolate recipe with you. It’s not just a beverage for me; it’s a cup of pure holiday cheer.
Making this delightful Polar Express Hot Chocolate always takes me back to my childhood days spent watching the mesmerizing movie ‘The Polar Express’ during Christmas.
My family and I enjoy watching this masterpiece together while sipping a nice cup of this classic, movie-style hot chocolate!
So, today, I thought, why enjoy such a fantastic recipe alone? Hence, I am sharing this hot chocolate recipe with you so that you can also relish this beverage at home like me and enjoy the spirit of Christmas all year round!
Equipments Required
- Saucepan: To make this hot chocolate, I choose to use a saucepan to heat the ingredients.
- Spatula: I prefer using a spatula to mix the ingredients. It helps in mixing the ingredients properly without creating any lumps.
- Measuring Spoons: I always find it easiest to add salt and vanilla extract with measuring spoons because it makes the measurements more precise.
Polar Express Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of ingredients mentioned here are for ten servings of hot chocolate.
- 6 Cups Milk
- 1 ½ Cups Chocolate Chips: Some of my top choices are baking chocolate and chocolate bars. If you opt for chocolate bars, be sure to chop them nicely into small chunks. Use any of them; the choice is yours!
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: I sometimes swap vanilla extract for almond extract to experiment with flavors. Almond extract adds a more robust flavor, so add half the quantity of vanilla extract.
- 1 (14-ounce) Condensed Milk: If I run out of condensed milk, I use evaporated milk and sugar instead. You only need 1 cup of evaporated milk and half a cup of sugar for each cup of sweetened condensed milk required.
- â…› Teaspoon Salt
- 1 ½ Cups Cooking Cream
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 25 Minutes |
How To Make Polar Express Hot Chocolate At Home
Step 1
Pour milk into the saucepan and let it heat for a few minutes
Step 2
Next, add cooking cream to the milk.
Step 3
Now, pour the condensed milk into the mix.
Step 4
Stir thoroughly and add chocolate chips to the mixture.
Step 5
Add salt and vanilla extract to the mixture.
Step 6
Now, let the hot chocolate boil for a few minutes, and mix it gradually to make it lump-free.
Step 7
Voila! Your hot and creamy Polar Express Hot Chocolate is ready to serve!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I don’t use store-bought whipped cream; instead, I make my own, which controls the sweetness of this hot chocolate. Homemade whipped cream is made by mixing heavy cream with a pinch of sugar until soft.
- If you are using a chocolate bar, I suggest you chop it finely, as it will be easier to melt with the rest of the ingredients.
- To make this hot chocolate lump-free, I recommend using a double boiler to melt the chocolate. But make sure to do this before adding it to the mix.
- Sometimes, I incorporate a vanilla bean or a stick of cinnamon in the milk for a deeper flavor. Infusing the milk with these ingredients will also enhance the aroma of your hot chocolate.
FAQs About Polar Express Hot Chocolate
Nutritional Information Per Serving
This Polar Express Hot Chocolate is the best when it comes to its flavors and textures, but it fails to be healthy. Its high calorie and sugar content makes it an unhealthy choice.
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.02 g |
| Cholesterol | 19 mg |
| Sodium | 87 mg |
| Potassium | 373 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Vitamin A | 251 IU |
| Calcium | 197 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
I am delighted to tell you that this recipe is compatible with people following gluten-free and vegetarian diets. However, due to certain ingredients, it might not be the best option for vegan and keto diets.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing –
- Refrigeration: You can store it in the fridge for three to four days. However, make sure of certain things, like bringing this hot chocolate to room temperature. Once it has reached room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, as this will prevent it from absorbing odors from other food kept in the fridge. Now, you are all set to store this hot chocolate in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Before freezing, I always make sure to allow the hot chocolate to cool completely, as this prevents it from forming ice crystals. For storage, use heavy-duty freezer bags or a freezer-safe container, as this helps maintain the quality of this hot chocolate. Also, leave some space on the top of the container. Whenever you are ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating –
- Microwave Method: First, transfer the hot chocolate to a microwave-safe mug and then reheat until smooth. While reheating, I recommend making sure to stir in intervals, as this will make the hot chocolate smoother.
- Stovetop Method: Pour this hot chocolate into a saucepan and reheat over low to medium heat while stirring frequently to ensure even heating. Do not stop until it reaches the desired temperature, but also ensure you don’t boil it, as this can spoil the texture and taste.
What To Serve With This Recipe
If I had to choose a serving option for this hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles would be my first choice. I can guarantee that you will be swept away by these options.
But I would love to try this hot chocolate with Cinnamon Rolls and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Printable Version
The Polar Express Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Milk
- 1 ½ Cups Choco Chips
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 14-ounce Condensed Milk
- â…› Teaspoon Salt
- 1 ½ Cups Cooking Cream
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Instructions
- Pour milk into the saucepan and let it heat for a few minutes
- Next, add cooking cream to the milk.
- Now, pour the condensed milk into the mix.
- Stir thoroughly and add chocolate chips to the mixture.
- Add salt and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Now, let the hot chocolate boil for a few minutes, and mix it gradually to make it lump-free.
- Voila! Your hot and creamy Polar Express Hot Chocolate is ready to serve!
Notes
- I don’t use store-bought whipped cream; instead, I make my own, which controls the sweetness of this hot chocolate. Homemade whipped cream is made by mixing heavy cream with a pinch of sugar until soft.Â
- If you are using a chocolate bar, I suggest you chop it finely, as it will be easier to melt with the rest of the ingredients.Â
- To make this hot chocolate lump-free, I recommend using a double boiler to melt the chocolate. But make sure to do this before adding it to the mix.
- Sometimes, I incorporate a vanilla bean or a stick of cinnamon in the milk for a deeper flavor. Infusing the milk with these ingredients will also enhance the aroma of your hot chocolate.Â
Nutrition
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Conclusion
The Perfect Polar Express Hot Chocolate recipe is ready! Now, enjoy this restaurant-style hot chocolate at home. The warm and comforting flavors of this hot chocolate are like a warm hug on cold days. To achieve the same flavors and textures, ensure that you follow the above recipe, which also combines tips and variations with basic information.
Now that you have everything in your hand, why delay any longer? Enjoy your homemade Polar Express Hot Chocolate! I do not doubt that you will adore this lovely beverage, making you feel cozy and toasty.
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