Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

You know Starbucks has a secret menu, right? And this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is on it.

But you don’t have to spend all that money at the coffee shop. Instead, make it at home. It’s much cheaper and much healthier, and you still get all those wonderful fall flavors. This recipe is quick and easy to make and is a pumpkin twist on a hot chocolate drink made with milk, pumpkin purée, and chocolate.

Does Starbucks Have Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?

Yes, Starbucks has pumpkin spice hot chocolate. However, it’s on their secret menu. You won’t see it on the menu up on the wall. You have to ask for it.

What Is A Pumpkin Hot Chocolate?

It’s delicious hot chocolate with added pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for wonderful autumn flavors. It’s great for sipping around a fire pit or on the couch for movie night.

Does Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Have Caffeine?

Yes. Not because it contains coffee (it doesn’t), but because chocolate has a natural level of caffeine. That said, it’s nowhere near what you would get from drinking a cup of coffee. 1 oz of dark chocolate has about 12 mg of caffeine. To compare, a cup of decaf coffee has about 2 mg of caffeine, while regular coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine.

Toppings And Additions

• Adding whipped cream is optional. If you need a dairy-free whipped cream, try this coconut whipped cream recipe.
• You can grate some extra chocolate over the top. Shaved chocolate is always great as a garnish.
• Try sprinkling some ground cinnamon over the top.
• Lightly sprinkle some extra cocoa powder over the top.
• Add a very small amount of ground nutmeg to the pot.
• For some kick, add a dash of ground ginger to the pot.
• Stir in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

About The Ingredients

Milk – Whole milk works best. You can also use plant-based, non-dairy milk if you prefer. Oat milk will work best for creaminess, but you can also use almond milk.

Water – Use good filtered water that doesn’t taste like chlorine.

Pumpkin Pie Spice – No sugar added. Just the spices.

Pumpkin Puree – This is plain, real pumpkin puree. Not pumpkin pie spice.

Coconut Sugar – You can use any sweetener you are comfortable with. You can also adjust the amount to your tastes. Even maple syrup or honey will work.

Dark chocolate – I used the Whole Foods brand of sugar-free chocolate chips. Lily’s is also a good brand.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – You can use dark cocoa powder, light cocoa powder, or even cacao powder.

Whipped cream – Optional. Use as much as you like.

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Gather and measure your ingredients.

Combine pumpkin puree and spices in a saucepan.

Add milk, cocoa, sweetener, and water, and bring to a gentle boil.

Add dark chocolate. Stir until it dissolves.

Pour into a heat-safe mug.

Serve with whipped cream if desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon and grated chocolate.

Storage

If you have leftovers, simply store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to put mine in a canning jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Freezing

You could certainly freeze this for popsicles, but I’m not sure the texture would be very pleasing. (I haven’t tried it) You’re better off avoiding freezing this.

Reheating

Reheat cold hot chocolate in the microwave or in a pot on the stovetop. Don’t overheat.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

• How To Make Hot Chocolate From Scratch
• Hot chocolate With Coconut Milk
• Hot chocolate Mix

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe Card