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Do you want the most amazing Baileys Hot Chocolate recipe? You need to try hot chocolate with Baileys in a new way by transforming it into whipped hot chocolate! This recipe is like no other because it’s prepared with a fluffy chocolate cream with Baileys infused milk. Your hot cocoa will definitely be elevated by trying out this whipped version of hot chocolate with Baileys, and it only takes about 15 minutes to make!
What is TikTok Hot Chocolate?
This way of making hot chocolate is one of those easy but super delicious TikTok trends! Remember the Dalgona coffee a few years ago? I actually prepared a holiday version of Dalgona coffee in my Eggnog Dalgona recipe! Every year I like to release a new hot chocolate recipe on the blog, and I was looking for some source of inspiration. I stumbled across the TikTok hot chocolate and was certainly intrigued. It is essentially a chocolatey Dalgona where the idea is to whip until you get an airy texture. Instead of whipping instant coffee and coffee as you do with Dalgona coffee, we’re going to be whipping cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream. Some variations simply whip a hot chocolate mix and heavy cream to maintain the “two ingredient” essence of Dalgona.
Well, I definitely wanted to check this hot chocolate off of my bucket list, and I sure did by making it a little extra special by adding a touch of Baileys Original Irish Cream to spike it up. Being in Canada where Beavertails and Tim Hortons’ are icons of winter (don’t worry, no beavers are harmed at all when making Beavertails - they are a fried pastry and I have a recipe from scratch for those!) I actually got curious with the addition of Baileys after Tim Hortons’ launched a (non-alcoholic) Baileys Dream Hot Chocolate in November 2024. Tims’ launched the non-alcoholic Baileys product line for wintery drinks in November 2023, and I actually tried the latte. Unfortunately I can’t say I was a fan of it, so I don’t think I’ll try their hot chocolate. Like quite a few others have stated online, the Baileys syrup they use is quite strong and doesn’t have the nice creaminess that the actual Baileys liqueur has. Well, while I won’t try the Tim Hortons’ drink out, that doesn’t mean I can’t take the great concept and transform it into my own recipe and share it with you here!
If you’ve been thinking of trying out this TikTok hot chocolate trend with some good Baileys to elevate your hot chocolate like never before, then be sure to try this Baileys Hot Chocolate recipe as part of your Live to Cook one-month challenge! Get started on your cooking journey today by signing up to my free email newsletter, plus you’ll receive all of my latest recipes directly in your inbox!
To follow along step-by-step as we see how to make a Baileys hot chocolate with a twist, then be sure to watch the video recipe! I would appreciate it if you could please subscribe to my YouTube channel, bell so you’re notified when all of my video recipes are live! Let’s get started!
What is Baileys Irish Cream?▼
Baileys Irish Cream is a liqueur that originates from Ireland, as the name suggests. According to its official website, it is a blend of whiskey and Irish cream, with notes of chocolate and vanilla. It was founded in 1974, where the founders were eager to mix Ireland’s two most famous ingredients - dairy and whiskey - together. It is an extremely versatile liqueur that can be used for ice creams, in coffees, in desserts, in cocktails, or on its own over ice.
This hot chocolate recipe will use the Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur. However, Baileys has released more products over the years, so feel free to try one of the flavours they have if you would like!
Is This Hot Chocolate Really hot Cocoa?▼
Yes, that is technically correct! A hot chocolate by definition uses milk and molten chocolate to achieve the final product. You’ll notice in the ingredients that we’re using cocoa powder, so this is technically a hot cocoa. However, the TikTok trend of whipping hot chocolate has chocolate in the name even though either hot chocolate mix or cocoa powder is being used. Regardless of what you want to call it, this drink is delicious, boozy, creamy, and chocolatey!
Why You’ll Love this Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe!
- Easy and quick follow: It’s super fast to make this hot chocolate! The main part of the recipe involves making the whipped cream, then we just need to simmer our milk and serve! You don’t need more than 10 minutes to get everything together!
- Fun to make and drink: I really loved seeing how thick the whipped cream becomes! It’s very cool to see how this drink comes together, and it sure is one of the best hot chocolates I’ve ever had!
- Chocolatey goodness: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, then this Baileys and hot chocolate combo certainly delivers on the chocolate, especially if you’re using Dutch processed cocoa powder.
- Spiked and cozy: The Baileys definitely adds a little extra warmth and sweetness to our hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a hot drink that will hit the spot on even the coldest of nights (like we experience here in Canada!), then this recipe is for you!
Tools Needed to Make This Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
Can I Use an Electric Mixer For This Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe?▼
Yes, you can definitely make the whipped cream using an electric mixer if you have one.
Tips for the Best Baileys Hot Chocolate Drink
- Powdered sugar works best to prepare the chocolate whipped cream since it is very fine and it sweetens the cream without adding graininess from granulated sugar.
- Feel free to substitute the cocoa powder and sugar with your favourite hot chocolate mix.
- Adding the baileys at the end once the milk is already steamed gives flexibility if you desire to make a couple non-alcoholic versions of hot chocolate.
- Make sure you don’t bring the milk to a boil once the Baileys has been added, since it can affect and alter the flavour and texture of the Irish cream liqueur
Ingredients for This Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
Scroll to the bottom of this post for the FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD, or press the “Jump to Recipe” button to see all ingredients and their quantities. You can also use the recipe card to scale the recipe based on how many portions of Baileys Hot Chocolate you want to make. By default, the ingredients listed below make one cup of hot chocolate, but you’ll have extra whipped cream.
- Milk: I used whole milk to get a rich and creamy hot chocolate that’s absolutely delicious! You can technically use whatever milk you want for your hot chocolate, but I do recommend full fat cow’s milk for the best results.
- Heavy cream: It has to say “whipping cream” in order for the “whipped” part of the hot chocolate to work! This means that it contains 30% to 36% milk fat. Otherwise, you won’t get the fluffiness we’re expecting with the chocolate whipped cream.
- Dutch processed cocoa powder: Dutch processed cocoa powder is recommended since it is richer and will give you a deeper flavour compared to regular cocoa powder.
- Vanilla extract: Key to bring out the flavours and add some nice aroma in our whipped cream!
- Powdered sugar: You need to use powdered sugar because it easily mixes in with the whipped cream because it is so fine. You don’t want a crispy and lumpy whipped cream! On the other hand, granulated sugar will be very difficult to mix in, and you will not end up with a smooth and velvety whipped cream texture.
- Baileys Irish cream: I’m using the original variety of the Baileys Irish cream liqueur. You can find this at your local alcohol store or even at some grocery stores.
How to make Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe
Warm the milk on a saucepan until steaming. Mix in Baileys Original Irish cream.
Add the heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla to a large cold bowl. Whisk well until you get soft peaks.
Whisk well until you get soft peaks.
Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag if you will be using one.
Transfer the milk into your serving glass. Top with chocolate whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy!
Can I Use a Hot Chocolate Mix In This Hot Chocolate?▼
Yes, if you have a favourite hot chocolate mix that you love then you can certainly use it in this hot chocolate recipe with Baileys. In that case, then you won’t need the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder used to make the chocolate whipped cream - just add your hot chocolate mix, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the mixing bowl. Because you don’t know how sweet the hot chocolate mix is, prepare the whipped cream without the powdered sugar. If you need more sweetener, then gradually add more until the whipped cream is to your desired sweetness.
Can I use Regular Cocoa Powder instead of Dutch Processed Cocoa?▼
Yes, you can use the regular cocoa powder if you can if that is what you already have! As I mention in my free motivational guide to explore your potential in the kitchen, Make Cooking Fun!!, if you have a suitable substitute for an ingredient, then I recommend you use that instead of making a trip to the store to get just one thing - especially if the ingredient you have on hand is a little old and should be used up!
However, if you’re in a position where you could pick some up, then I do really recommend getting some Dutch processed cocoa powder to have the best hot chocolate experience. In my video Battle of the Ingredients video where I compare Dutch processed cocoa powder versus regular cocoa by preparing two batches of my Espresso Brownies recipe using the two types of cocoa powder. Not only did I notice - but my family who enjoyed the brownies - that the clear winner was the batch of brownies using Dutch processed cocoa! They were so much softer, chewier, and more moist. The results speak for themselves that Dutch processed cocoa really is worthwhile! Of course you can use whatever you want, but my honest opinion is to get some Dutch processed cocoa powder if possible.
How Can I Top My Hot Chocolate?▼
- Chocolate: Garnish with a dusting of additional cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. You could also top with some chocolate chips or some shaved chocolate to get a deeper flavour. If you want to keep the white contrast as I have with the powdered sugar, then feel free to garnish with white chocolate chips, shaved white chocolate, or even some cream cheese chips!
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are a common topping and one of my favourites for hot chocolate! Unfortunately I didn’t have any on hand, but if I did I would have loved to add them on top here!
- Oreos: Some crushed Oreo cookies would complement the hot chocolate really well and add a nice little crunch!
- Sprinkles: For a joyful pop of colour!
- Sauce: Add a drizzle of Cafe Mocha Sauce, Caramel Sauce, or even Pumpkin Sauce!
- Spices: A dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warm flavours. You could even add a dash of Gingerbread Spice, Pumpkin Spice, or Apple Pie Spice!
Variations of Baileys Hot Chocolate
- Coffee: Transform it into a mocha by adding a shot of espresso to the simmering milk.
- Vegan: For the steamed milk, try using my homemade almond milk, or you can use coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. As a vegan replacement for the Baileys Irish Cream, Baileys has a plant-based almond option available. While I have not tried an exact substitute for heavy cream in the chocolate whipped cream, your best bet would be to use coconut cream. However, I cannot guarantee that the taste and texture will be entirely the same as if you use dairy heavy cream.
- Extract: I only added vanilla extract in the whipped cream, but you can add different flavours to your milk base! Feel free to try almond extract, peppermint extract, banana extract, maple extract, or even lemon extract.
- Salt: If you want to enhance the flavours of your hot chocolate, then add a pinch of salt to your milk with the Baileys. For some sweet and salty goodness, then I recommend you use coarse sea salt instead of finely ground.
Can I make This Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe in the Microwave?▼
Yes, you can make this Baileys Hot Chocolate recipe over the stove. If you don’t want to simmer the milk over the stove, then simply heat it in the microwave until it starts to bubble. Then, stir in the Baileys and top with the chocolate whipped cream!
Can I Make This Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe for A Crowd?▼
Certainly! You would just need to make a big batch of the chocolate whipped cream and a large batch of the milk with Baileys, and you’d need to simmer the milk in a large pot to hold all the contents. For the milk, I recommend using a Dutch oven or even a wok! When I’m making a big batch of a warm dessert such as Indian Vermicelli Kheer or Carrot Halwa, I love to use my wok since it retains heat very well, making it an excellent tool to make hot chocolate for a crowd!
Do I have To Use Baileys In This Hot Chocolate Recipe?▼
No, you do not! If you are making this hot chocolate recipe with whipped cream for yourself or for everyone who does not want to have Baileys Irish Cream, then you can simply steam milk, then serve as described. However, if you are serving the hot chocolate for a crowd and some people do want to have Baileys and some do now, what you can do is separate the portion of milk in the glasses for those who do want to have Baileys and those who do not want to have it. For those who want to have their hot chocolate with Baileys, you can add a bit of Baileys in those individual cups and mix with the milk, then serve the whipped cream on top!
How to Store Baileys Hot chocolate?▼
If you have extra hot chocolate for some reason, then that is no problem at all! Simply ensure that the hot chocolate has completely cooled down prior to refrigerating. You can keep the hot chocolate in your serving mug or transfer it into an airtight container to place in the fridge. Due to the dairy in the hot chocolate and the whipped cream, I would not keep it in the fridge for longer than 3 days.
Additionally, the whipped cream will make a fair amount, so you will have extra. To store the extra whipped cream, you can place your piping bag in a large Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. Homemade chocolate whipped cream will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I actually found that the whipped cream didn’t deflate in the fridge, so you may not need to refresh it! If it does get a little flat, then simply give it a fresh whisk in a mixing bowl to liven it back up.
Can I Reheat Hot Chocolate?▼
The best way to have this hot chocolate with Baileys would be to enjoy it hot off the pan with freshly topped whipped cream! However, I completely understand if you’re like me and you’ve just let it sit there and forgot about it. I’m notorious for doing this with hot drinks of all kinds and it drives my wife crazy!
Well, if you’re looking to enjoy your hot chocolate again at a later time, then you can definitely reheat and refresh it. Indeed, the easiest way to reheat your hot chocolate is in the microwave, reheating for 30 second intervals. It’s likely that the whipped cream has melted and blended into your milk, so simply top up the drink once it’s reached your desired temperature!
Alternatively, place the contents back in your saucepan over the stove and reheat on a gentle simmer. Pour the reheated hot chocolate into your serving cup and top with more whipped cream and enjoy!
More Chocolate Delights!
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Crepes
- Protein-Packed Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies Treats
- Gluten-Free Fudgy Banana Brownies
- Double Chocolate Hazelnut Oatmeal
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