Name: Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings

Creamy Real Pumpkin Hot Chocolate with Fall Spices

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate genuinely captures fall magic in cozy mug form. Real pumpkin puree blends seamlessly into rich dark chocolate creating velvety texture while cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves provide authentic pumpkin pie spice warmth. Whole milk or half-and-half delivers luxurious mouthfeel contrasting tiny air bubbles from gentle whisking. Whipped cream dollop crowned with cinnamon dust completes Instagram-worthy presentation perfect chilly mornings, pumpkin patch visits, or fireside evenings everyone craves when leaves turn golden.

Why This Recipe Works Perfectly

Real pumpkin puree provides natural sweetness and seasonal flavor impossible from syrups. Dark chocolate balances pumpkin richness preventing cloying sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice blend delivers complex warmth without measuring individual spices. Low simmer prevents scorching while constant whisking creates frothy texture. Scalable single mug or pitcher quantities accommodate solo indulgence or gatherings. Make-ahead concentrate option transforms busy mornings into instant luxury.

Perfect Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Makes: 2 Large Mugs

Creamy hot chocolate with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice topped with whipped cream.

Hot Chocolate Base:

2 1/2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk + 2 Tbsp cream)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
3 oz dark chocolate (60-70%), chopped (or 1/2 cup chips)
2-3 Tbsp brown sugar (adjust sweetness)
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt

For Serving:

Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon
Mini marshmallows (optional)
Chocolate shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Combine & Heat:

Whisk milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in medium saucepan over medium heat.
Heat until steaming (small bubbles form edges), whisking constantly 3-4 minutes.
Don’t boil – gentle simmer perfect.

Melt Chocolate Perfectly:

Remove pan from heat, add chopped chocolate and vanilla.
Whisk vigorously 1-2 minutes until completely melted and glossy.
Return to low heat 30 seconds if needed, whisk until silky smooth.

Serve Immediately:

Divide between 2 preheated mugs using ladle.
Top generously with whipped cream.
Dust cinnamon, add marshmallows or chocolate shavings.
Serve with cinnamon sticks for stirring.

Fall Tip: Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin perfect consistency. Ghirardelli 60% chips melt beautifully. Pre-chill mixing bowls prevent graininess.

Mastering Creamy Texture

Pumpkin Puree Selection

Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin provides perfect consistency without wateriness. Avoid pumpkin pie filling (contains sugar/spices). 1/4 cup delivers flavor without dominating chocolate. Strain if overly watery. Room temperature puree whisks smoothly.

Chocolate Melting Technique

60-70% dark chocolate balances pumpkin sweetness perfectly. Chopped bar melts evenly vs chips. Off-heat addition prevents scorching. Vigorous whisking creates emulsion preventing separation. Lindt Excellence or Ghirardelli premium choices.

Milk Temperature Critical

Whole milk delivers richest mouthfeel. Half-and-half/whole milk blend luxurious. Oat milk works well nondairy. Never boil destroys chocolate proteins. 160-170°F perfect serving temperature.

Perfect Spice Balance

Pumpkin Pie Spice Composition

3 parts cinnamon, 1 part each ginger/nutmeg/cloves, pinch allspice/clove creates perfect warmth. Homemade fresher than store-bought. Make double batch stores 6 months. Taste milk mixture adjust spices before chocolate.

Sweetness Adjustment

Brown sugar complements pumpkin naturally. 2 Tbsp mildly sweet, 3 Tbsp indulgent. Maple syrup alternative adds depth. Taste before chocolate addition finalizes sweetness. Darker chocolate requires more sweetener.

Vanilla Enhancement

Pure Mexican vanilla elevates complexity. Alcohol extracts deepen chocolate. Add after heat preserves flavor compounds. Tahitian vanilla floral notes alternative.

Expert Preparation Tips

Prevent grainy texture:

Pre-chill saucepan, whisk constantly medium heat. Room temperature pumpkin/milk prevents lumps. High-quality chocolate melts smoothly. Strain final product silky perfection.

Frothy presentation:

Pre-warm mugs prevent temperature shock. Milk frother post-heating creates latte foam. French press plunger aerates beautifully. Whipped cream dollop essential.

Make-ahead concentrate:

Double pumpkin/spice/sugar ratio, store syrup refrigerated 2 weeks. Heat equal milk when ready. Freezes 3 months. Instant luxury mornings.

Scale for crowds:

Double/triple fills Dutch oven perfectly. Slow cooker low 2 hours stirring hourly. Individual mugs assembly line efficiency. Party pitcher perfection.

Chocolate quality matters:

60-70% cacao balances pumpkin perfectly. Avoid milk chocolate overwhelms spices. Chopped bar superior melting vs chips. Professional results guaranteed.

Delicious Variations

White Chocolate Pumpkin

4 oz white chocolate, reduce sugar half. Extra 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice compensates. Vanilla bean paste luxury. Whipped cream + white chocolate shavings.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Style

1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp cinnamon boost. Abuelita chocolate tablet authentic. Chili powder rim glasses. Spicy-sweet perfection.

Pumpkin Chai Hot Chocolate

Chai spice blend replaces pumpkin pie spice. Cardamom/black tea notes elevate. Oat milk complements beautifully. Autumn sophistication.

Boozy Pumpkin Spice

1 oz bourbon/Kahlua per mug. Espresso shot creates Pumpkin Spice Mocha. Baileys Irish Cream creamy indulgence. Adult upgrade.

Vegan Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Oat/coconut milk, dairy-free chocolate. Maple syrup natural sweetener. Aquafaba whipped cream. Indulgence maintained.

Perfect Serving Guide

Mug Selection

12-16 oz ceramic mugs retain heat beautifully. Preheat hot water prevents cooling. Handle essential whipped cream addition. Saucer presentation elevates.

Whipped Cream Technique

Heavy cream + 1 Tbsp powdered sugar + 1/2 tsp vanilla whips perfectly. Chill bowl/whisks beforehand. Dollop prevents sinking. Pipe bag rosettes professional.

Garnish Perfection

Cinnamon dust through fine mesh creates even coverage. Pumpkin pie spice blend alternative. Chocolate shavings/microplane fresh. Cinnamon sticks stirrers functional beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pumpkin pie filling substitute?

NO! Contains added sugar/spices overwhelms chocolate. Pure pumpkin only. Homemade roasted strained works. Consistency essential.

Dairy-free milk options?

Oat milk closest texture. Coconut rich alternative. Almond milk works thinned slightly. Avoid rice milk watery. Full-fat best results.

Too thick consistency?

Additional milk 2 Tbsp increments. Simmer longer evaporates excess water. Pumpkin brands vary moisture. Blend smooth prevents lumps.

Make large batch ahead?

Concentrate (double pumpkin/sweetener/spice) stores 2 weeks refrigerated. Heat equal milk serving. Freezes perfectly 3 months.

Cold version possible?

Blend all ingredients + ice creates pumpkin spice frappe. Coconut milk iced perfection. Whipped cream essential cold serving.