The holiday season is finally here and this year Lucky Cuppa brings you a decadent strawberry hot chocolate recipe infused with a light touch of vanilla notes.

If you like dipping strawberries in chocolate then this is a creamy and sweeter alternative which you can easily try this Christmas. This recipe produces a rich and smooth hot chocolate drink which is not only delicious but visually appealing if you are looking for that Instagram worthy image.

Hot chocolate recipes are as versatile as they come and on the combination which has been loved and adored by many has to be the chocolate strawberry and the chocolate banana mix.

Strawberry and banana have a specific taste and texture that blends well with any chocolate drink which makes them relevant and desirably sweet.

In this recipe we combine the rich comfort of hot chocolate with the sweet and bright flavour of fresh strawberries.

The versatility of this drink is unmatched, you can try out this Christmas perfect for a cozy winter evening and also on the next years Valentine’s Day or any time you want to treat your self to something special.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (or a mix of cream and milk)
• 12 oz high-quality Lucky Cuppa white chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 pound fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: additional sugar to taste

Equipment:

• Blender or food processor
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Lucky Cuppa Mug

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling the fresh berries this should be quick and fast and then proceed to place them in a blender or you can also use a food processor.

Make sure to blend the berries until you have a smooth puree and then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds. The straining is important as it ensures that you drink has a silky smooth consistency.

2. Make the Hot Chocolate

In this step we make the hot chocolate base. In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream and/or milk. Add the strained strawberry puree and heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling.

Then, add the finely chopped white chocolate and continue whisking constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and continue heating until the desired temperature is reached.

3. Serve and Garnish

For the perfect finishing touch, pour the hot chocolate into your Lucky Cuppa Smart Mugs and top with fresh whipped cream, white chocolate flakes, and thin slices of fresh strawberry. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can even add heart-shaped marshmallows for a Valentine’s Day twist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Hot Chocolate

If you want to have the best hot chocolate drink please make sure to;

1. Never let your hot chocolate boil but keep it at a gentle warm temperature.
2. Lucky Cuppa white chocolate has that natural sweetness but taste and adjust with additional sugar if needed
3. Make it your own – use coconut milk instead of cream, reduce white chocolate and add a touch of cocoa powder.