Velvety Strawberry Hot Chocolate Recipe

Silky Strawberry Hot Chocolate Recipe: A Sweet Winter Hug

Creamy winter nights call for a decadent strawberry hot chocolate that melts hearts with its rich, luxurious flavor.

This indulgent beverage blends classic comfort with vibrant berry sweetness.

Fresh strawberries infuse warmth into every comforting sip, creating a delightful twist on traditional hot chocolate.

The smooth, silky texture promises pure bliss in a mug.

Chocolate lovers will adore this playful, fruity rendition that transforms an ordinary drink into an extraordinary experience.

Whip up this simple yet spectacular recipe and treat yourself to a moment of pure deliciousness that warms both body and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 2

Strawberry Hot Chocolate Ingredient Highlights

For Base Liquid:
  • Milk: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and carries other flavors beautifully.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and enhances the velvety mouthfeel of the hot chocolate.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Strawberries: Fresh, vibrant berries that create a natural, sweet-tart fruity essence and gorgeous pink color.
  • Sugar: Balances strawberry's tartness and adds gentle sweetness to complement the white chocolate.
  • White Chocolate: Delivers smooth, sweet undertones and creates a delicate, creamy backdrop for strawberry flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, comforting aromatic notes that elevate the entire drink.
For Garnish and Finishing:
  • Whipped Cream: Provides cloud-like softness and creates an indulgent visual and textural contrast.
  • Fresh Strawberry Slices: Adds bright, fresh element and makes the presentation more appealing.
  • White Chocolate Shavings: Introduces elegant decorative touch and extra hint of sweet complexity.

Tools for Perfect Strawberry Hot Chocolate

  • Blender: Essential for creating smooth strawberry puree.
  • Fine Mesh Sieve: Helps strain out strawberry seeds for a silky texture.
  • Medium Saucepan: Perfect for heating milk and mixing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Crucial for melting chocolate and blending puree evenly.
  • Mugs: For serving the delicious hot chocolate.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Prepare Strawberry Hot Chocolate with Ease

  • Create Strawberry Base

Toss fresh strawberries with sugar in a blender and pulse until silky smooth. Carefully strain the mixture through a fine sieve, capturing only the luscious liquid while removing pesky seeds.

  • Warm Dairy Mixture

Gently heat milk in a cozy saucepan, stirring softly to prevent scorching. Watch for steamy warmth but avoid aggressive boiling.

  • Melt Chocolate Magic

Drop white chocolate into the warming milk, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a creamy, velvety landscape of deliciousness.

  • Merge Strawberry Essence

Pour the strawberry base into the milk-chocolate blend, stirring with passion. Let the flavors dance and intertwine for a few minutes, keeping the temperature mellow.

  • Final Flourish

Ladle the rosy-hued hot chocolate into inviting mugs. Crown your creation with fluffy whipped cream, delicate strawberry slivers, or elegant white chocolate sprinkles for a touch of elegance.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Hot Chocolate

  • Creamy Texture Secret: Whisk the white chocolate slowly and steadily to prevent clumping and ensure a silky smooth consistency.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the strawberry puree and hot chocolate base in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a plant-based version. Use dairy-free white chocolate chips to keep the recipe completely vegan-friendly.
  • Kid-Friendly Twist: Let children help garnish their mugs with colorful sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
  • Boozy Adult Version: For grown-ups, add a splash of strawberry liqueur or vodka to transform this hot chocolate into a cozy cocktail perfect for winter evenings.

How to Serve Strawberry Hot Chocolate

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair this strawberry hot chocolate with freshly baked sugar cookies or delicate shortbread for a delightful sweet experience that complements the creamy beverage.
  • Elegant Presentation Trick: Serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful pink-white gradient, highlighting the strawberry puree and creating an Instagram-worthy drink that looks as amazing as it tastes.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Create a luxurious breakfast spread by including this hot chocolate alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes or crisp waffles, making your morning meal feel extra special and indulgent.
  • Romantic Date Night Touch: Garnish with heart-shaped strawberry slices and share this warm, romantic drink with your partner for an intimate and memorable dessert moment that feels both sophisticated and playful.

Storing Strawberry Hot Chocolate Ideas

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover strawberry hot chocolate in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on low stovetop heat, stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Quick Batch Prep: Prepare strawberry puree in larger quantities and freeze in small portion containers. This technique allows you to enjoy the drink spontaneously without complete recipe preparation each time.
  • Flavor Enhancement Trick: Store white chocolate and strawberry puree separately in sealed containers. When ready to serve, mix ingredients fresh for optimal taste and vibrant strawberry color.
  • Temperature Control Method: Always reheat slowly to prevent milk separation and maintain rich, creamy texture. Use medium-low heat and whisk continuously for best results, ensuring smooth blending of ingredients.
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Velvety Strawberry Hot Chocolate Recipe

Velvety Strawberry Hot Chocolate Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry hot chocolate brings warmth and sweetness to cold winter nights. Rich chocolate blends perfectly with fresh strawberry essence, creating a delightful drink you’ll savor to the last sip.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberry slices
  • White chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Puree Preparation: Blend ripe strawberries with sugar until silky smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to create a pure, vibrant strawberry liquid, eliminating all seeds and pulp.
  2. Milk Infusion: In a medium saucepan, gently warm milk and heavy cream to a comfortable temperature, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
  3. Chocolate Integration: Gradually whisk white chocolate into the warm milk mixture, stirring continuously until completely dissolved, creating a luxurious and creamy base with a velvety smooth consistency.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Introduce the strained strawberry puree into the milk-chocolate blend, stirring thoroughly to distribute the fruity essence evenly while maintaining a gentle heat without boiling.
  5. Aromatic Enhancement: Add a splash of vanilla extract, blending it seamlessly to infuse the hot chocolate with a subtle, fragrant undertone that complements the strawberry and white chocolate notes.
  6. Elegant Presentation: Pour the vibrant pink beverage into elegant mugs, topping each serving with a billowing cloud of whipped cream, delicate fresh strawberry slices, or ethereal white chocolate shavings for a visually stunning and indulgent finish.

Notes

  • Choose Ripe Strawberries: Select deeply colored, fragrant strawberries at peak ripeness to maximize natural sweetness and flavor intensity in the puree.
  • Strain Carefully: Use a fine mesh sieve to remove strawberry seeds, ensuring a smooth, silky texture without unwanted graininess in the hot chocolate.
  • Control Milk Temperature: Heat milk and cream gently to prevent scorching or boiling, maintaining a consistent warm temperature for optimal chocolate melting and flavor integration.
  • Whisk Continuously: Stir white chocolate into milk consistently to prevent clumping and achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy base without lumps or uneven distribution.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 387
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 87 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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