Indulge in Creamy Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa: A Cozy, Sugar-Smart Treat
There’s a special kind of magic that autumn brings, isn’t there? This year, we’ve been treated to an unusually delightful fall season. Nebraska, known for its rapid shifts in weather, has surprised us with consistent temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. It’s been a truly unseasonable gift, allowing us to savor every moment of crisp air and golden sunshine.
Normally by this time of year, I’d be confined to indoor workouts, either at the gym or on my treadmill, thankful for a good Netflix series to binge-watch. But these extended mild days have meant daily walks outside, soaking in the beautiful weather. It’s just me, my headphones, and my thoughts, enjoying the simple pleasure of movement and nature. I’ve even managed to keep a bit of a tan, which is a rare treat this late in the year. And honestly, I’m not complaining one bit!
While I’m still happily basking in this wonderful, warm autumn, my children are already full steam ahead into holiday mode. Christmas lists are being meticulously crafted, and I’ve even caught them humming Christmas carols! It’s an ongoing, friendly battle in our house because, personally, I absolutely adore Thanksgiving and love to give it its full moment in the spotlight before jumping into December festivities.
Despite the warm days, our evenings have started to grow cool enough for us to rekindle the cozy tradition of using our fireplace. It’s not quite cold enough to crank up the furnace yet, but there’s a distinct chill in the air that makes a warm drink by the fire an absolute necessity. And when it comes to comforting evening beverages, nothing quite hits the spot like a rich, steaming cup of hot cocoa.
The Ultimate Comfort: Why Hot Cocoa Always Delivers
There’s an undeniable comfort in a mug of hot cocoa. The warmth radiating through your hands, the sweet aroma filling the air, and that first velvety sip – it’s a small ritual that brings immense joy. It’s a simple pleasure that transports you back to childhood, conjuring feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Whether it’s after a long day, during a quiet evening, or when gathering with loved ones, hot cocoa is a universal symbol of coziness.
Speaking of mugs, aren’t these snowman-themed ones just adorable? While I’m certainly hoping the actual white, fluffy stuff stays far, far away (perhaps until Christmas Eve, at the earliest?), these mugs seemed like the perfect vessel to welcome a truly special cup of cocoa. And what I’m about to share with you today isn’t just any ordinary hot cocoa recipe. This is an elevated experience, designed to delight your taste buds and offer a unique twist on a beloved classic.
Elevating Your Cocoa: The Magic of Peanut Butter
Are you a fan of peanut butter? Go ahead, raise your hand! I see you, fellow peanut butter enthusiasts. And what about peanut butter cups – that irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy, savory peanut butter? If you answered with a resounding “YES!” to either of those questions, then this indulgent Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa is absolutely made for YOU.
This isn’t just a basic hot chocolate; it’s a gourmet experience. We start with rich milk and a high-quality cocoa powder, but the true stars of the show are the generous spoonful of creamy peanut butter and a subtle hint of espresso powder. The peanut butter melts seamlessly into the hot cocoa, creating a wonderfully creamy, nutty, and distinctly satisfying flavor profile that’s reminiscent of your favorite candy bar. The espresso powder doesn’t make it taste like coffee; instead, it deepens and enhances the chocolate notes, making the cocoa taste even more luxurious and complex. It’s truly something extra special.
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely for the Best Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
- Milk: The base of any great hot cocoa. Whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest result, but 2% milk works beautifully too. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can also be used, though they might alter the texture slightly.
- Cocoa Powder: Quality matters here. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker color and milder chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa powder offers a lighter color and a fruitier, more intense chocolate taste. Choose what you prefer, but don’t skimp on quality!
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth, homogenous drink. Natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) is excellent for pure flavor, but regular creamy peanut butter works just as well and often dissolves a bit more easily.
- Espresso Powder: This is a secret weapon! A small amount of espresso powder truly amplifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. It makes the chocolate “more chocolatey.” If you don’t have espresso powder, instant coffee granules can work as a substitute, but use sparingly.
Sweetening Smart: My Experience with SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener
Typically, I sweeten my hot cocoa with a touch of raw honey. However, during the #GoodbyeSugar30 Day Challenge, sponsored by SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, I decided to explore a different approach. For this recipe, I successfully swapped the tablespoon of raw honey for a single packet of SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener. The result was a perfectly sweet, incredibly delicious hot cocoa that maintained all its original charm and flavor.
Embracing the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge
SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener challenged me to identify where added sugar sneaks into my diet and find opportunities to easily replace those sugars and calories with their delicious new Stevia Sweetener. The primary goal of this 30-day challenge was to equip participants with practical tools to make small, impactful lifestyle changes, allowing us to reduce added sugars and calories without ever compromising on taste. It’s about making smarter choices that genuinely support a healthier lifestyle without feeling deprived.
One common concern with some stevia-based sweeteners is a lingering bitter aftertaste. I’m happy to report that SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener truly delivers a naturally sweet flavor without any unwanted bitterness. It contains no calories, no added flavors, and no artificial ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cut down on sugar. You can find SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener readily available at retail stores nationwide, typically sold in convenient 40 and 80 count boxes.
If you’re interested in following my journey with the #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge, you can see where it all began with my recipe for Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles. These past 30 days have been surprisingly easy, proving that swapping out sugar for SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is a simple and delicious change that anyone can make.
So, go ahead and treat yourself to that wonderfully indulgent cup of peanut butter hot chocolate. With SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, you don’t have to sacrifice a single bit of that incredible taste to make a smarter, lower-sugar choice.
Crafting Your Perfect Mug: Tips for Success
Achieving that lovely froth on top of your hot cocoa is simpler than you might think. I typically use my trusty milk frother, which I also use for making lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks. It creates a wonderfully airy and luxurious texture that truly elevates the experience. If you don’t have a dedicated milk frother, a stick blender (also known as an immersion blender) can achieve a very similar effect. Just be careful not to splash when blending hot liquids!
The key to a perfectly smooth and creamy peanut butter hot cocoa is to combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat and whisk continuously. This allows the peanut butter to melt completely and integrate seamlessly with the milk and cocoa powder, preventing any lumps and ensuring every sip is pure bliss. Don’t rush the process; gentle heat and consistent stirring are your friends.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
- Classic Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few mini marshmallows are always welcome additions.
- Extra Peanut Butter Love: A small drizzle of melted peanut butter over your whipped cream can take the peanut butter flavor to the next level.
- A Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of sea salt can enhance both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract (after removing from heat) can add another layer of warmth and sweetness.
- Spice It Up: For a Mexican hot chocolate twist, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon.
- Pairing: This hot cocoa is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with shortbread cookies, brownies, or a simple piece of toast.
Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, let’s get ready to make some incredibly delicious Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa!
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Print Recipe
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 12 ounces 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 heaping Tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
- One packet of SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stirring to combine.
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Whisk until smooth. I used my milk frother before pouring into a mug. You can get a similar effect with a stick blender.
Nutrition
For more comprehensive information about this excellent sweetener, visit SplendaNaturals.com.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and Splenda and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.