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.
This hot chocolate is thick, malty and creamy, with a little orange marmalade at the bottom of each mug. The ice cream melts on top as you sip, which kids love.
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.