Orange Marmalade Hot Chocolate with Ice Cream
Rich hot chocolate with malted milk, orange marmalade and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Serves 8, ready in 15 minutes, and loved by kids.
When the weather turns cold, I want a hot chocolate that feels like dessert, and this one does exactly that. The bitter orange marmalade cuts through the rich chocolate, and the ice cream melting on top makes every sip creamier. I love serving it in big mugs after a long holiday dinner.
Saúl’s Tip
Warm your mugs first by filling them with hot tap water for a minute, then empty them before pouring. The hot chocolate stays hot longer, and the ice cream melts slowly instead of vanishing at once.
Tips for Success
- Whisk the dry ingredients into warm, not boiling, milk to avoid lumps.
- Use real chopped chocolate, not chips, for the smoothest result.
- Pour the hot chocolate over the ice cream slowly so it does not splash.
- Taste before serving. If you like it sweeter, add 1 tbsp more brown sugar.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make the hot chocolate up to 3 days ahead without the ice cream and marmalade. Cool it, cover it and store in the fridge. Reheat over low heat, whisking, until steaming. To serve a crowd, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low.
Variations
- Add 1 oz of coffee liqueur or Irish cream to each mug for an adults-only version.
- Use peppermint ice cream and skip the marmalade.
- Top with whipped cream and grated orange zest.
Orange Marmalade Hot Chocolate with Ice Cream
Ingredients
Instructions
- If you want neat scoops, use an ice cream scoop to make 8 balls ahead of time. Place them on a tray lined with parchment and keep them in the freezer.
- Pour the milk into a large saucepan over medium heat. Heat until small bubbles form around the edge and it begins to steam, about 4 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to low.
- Whisk in the malted milk powder, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt until no lumps are left.
- Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until it melts.
- Simmer gently for 5 minutes, whisking now and then, until the hot chocolate looks smooth and slightly thick.
- Put 1 scoop of ice cream in each of 8 mugs.
- Add 1 tsp marmalade to each mug.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into the mugs and serve right away with a spoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is malted milk powder?
It is a sweet, toasty powder made from malted barley and milk. You will find it near the hot cocoa mix or the milk in most US supermarkets.
Can I make this hot chocolate with a milk substitute?
Yes. Oat milk or whole-fat soy milk works. Use dairy-free ice cream if you need to.
Can I skip the marmalade?
Yes. The hot chocolate is still rich and creamy. Marmalade adds a bittersweet orange flavor, like a chocolate orange.
