Spiced Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Ultra rich and creamy, this Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is made with real pumpkin, semi-sweet chocolate, and warming spices. Perfect for crisp fall mornings and movie nights!

Homemade hot chocolate made with real chocolate is a simple but satisfying treat during the cooler months. But while I love classic hot chocolate, I couldn’t resist putting my own fall twist on it. Something spiced and extra rich to enjoy on crisp fall mornings. 

Enter: this pumpkin hot chocolate. It’s a spiced hot chocolate made with real pumpkin puree, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and a splash of vanilla extract for even more flavor. 

The recipe below serves four people, but it’s easy to double or triple to serve a crowd around the holidays. Keep a big batch of hot chocolate warm in your slow cooker, or ladle directly from the pot. 

Whatever you do, don’t forget to add a dollop of whipped cream to your mug before sipping. That’s half the fun of drinking hot chocolate!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Hot Chocolate 

You need just six ingredients to make this pumpkin spice hot chocolate. It’s an easy recipe that tastes incredibly decadent, especially if you enjoy a cup over breakfast!

Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to make the hot chocolate:  

• Milk
• Half and half
• Pumpkin puree
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Semi-sweet chocolate 
• Vanilla

Can You Make Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips? 

You can, but I recommend making hot chocolate with a chocolate bar. Chocolate chips have stabilizers in them that make them resistant to melting, which can result in a grainy hot chocolate. 

How to Make Pumpkin Hot Chocolate 

Making hot chocolate without cocoa powder takes all of 15 minutes to prepare. It’s as simple as adding the ingredients to a saucepan, heating them up, then serving!

Let’s review how this pumpkin spice hot chocolate is made: 

1. To a medium saucepan, add the milk, half and half, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and chocolate.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, if desired.

Can This Recipe Be Made in Advance? 

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin spiced hot chocolate the day you plan on serving it, then transfer it from the stovetop to a Crockpot. Set the Crockpot to “Warm” and let guests serve themselves. 

Can the Pumpkin Pie Spice Be Substituted? 

If you ran out of pumpkin pie spice or can’t find any where you live, you can always make your own. It’s typically a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. 

Hot Chocolate Toppings to Try

Enjoy your pumpkin hot chocolate plain, or add your favorite toppings for even more textures and flavors!

Here are some of my favorite hot chocolate toppings: 

• Whipped cream
• Marshmallows 
• Salted caramel sauce 
• Mini chocolate chips
• Toffee bits
• Chocolate syrup 

Tips for Making Spiced Hot Chocolate 

• Note that this recipe calls for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree is 100% pumpkin without any sweeteners or spices added. 
• You may use any milk you’d like for this recipe. You’re welcome to substitute dairy-free milk and half and half, if needed. 
• Heat the hot chocolate just until bubbles start to form around the edges of the pot. Do not bring it to a boil as milk scalds easily and can quickly develop a burnt flavor. 

Looking for More Fall Drink Recipes? 

• Oreo Hot Chocolate
• Maple Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake
• Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie
• Iced Caramel Latte