Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Creamy Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your soul with a rich, creamy cup of peanut butter hot cocoa.
There’s nothing quite like the transition from autumn’s crisp embrace to the chill of impending winter. Here in Nebraska, we’ve been blessed with an exceptionally mild fall, one of the most pleasant in recent memory. Days have lingered in the upper 60s and low 70s, a delightful departure from the usual early cold. This unseasonable warmth has been a true gift, allowing for extended outdoor activities and soaking up the last vestiges of sunshine.
Typically, by this time of year, my exercise routine is confined indoors, either to the gym or my trusty basement treadmill, often accompanied by a good Netflix series. However, these unexpectedly mild temperatures have encouraged daily long walks outdoors, a perfect opportunity for reflection and enjoying nature’s beauty. Just me, my headphones, and my thoughts, relishing the fresh air and even managing to maintain a bit of a tan! Absolutely no complaints here.
While I’ve been basking in this wonderful extended autumn, my children are already full speed ahead into the festive season. Christmas lists are being meticulously crafted, and the sounds of holiday music have begun to fill our home. It’s an ongoing, light-hearted battle, as I, personally, cherish Thanksgiving and prefer to savor each season as it comes. Despite the kids’ early holiday cheer, our evenings have finally grown cool enough to warrant the warmth of our fireplace, though we haven’t yet surrendered to turning on the furnace full-time. There’s a special comfort in curling up by the fire with a warm beverage, and if that beverage happens to be hot cocoa, all the better.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
There’s an undeniable comfort in wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a chilly evening, especially when that mug is filled with something as delightful as hot cocoa. Speaking of mugs, aren’t these snowman-themed ones absolutely charming? While I sincerely hope real snow is still a distant dream (perhaps until Christmas Eve, at the earliest!), these mugs just seemed to perfectly invite a good cup of cocoa. But the hot cocoa I’m excited to share with you today isn’t just any ordinary cocoa; it’s an elevated experience designed for true indulgence.
So, let’s take a quick poll: raise your hand if you absolutely adore peanut butter. I see you out there, fellow enthusiasts! Now, how about the legendary peanut butter cups? If you responded with a resounding “YES!” to that question, then this recipe is unequivocally crafted with you in mind. This isn’t merely hot chocolate; it’s a celebration of that iconic flavor combination, delivering warmth and pure bliss in every sip.
What makes this particular hot cocoa so extraordinarily special? It’s a symphony of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Creamy milk forms the perfect base, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. A generous amount of good quality cocoa powder ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Then comes the star of the show: a heaping tablespoon of your favorite peanut butter, which melts into the cocoa, imparting its signature nutty richness and velvety texture. Finally, a touch of espresso powder works wonders, subtly enhancing the chocolate notes without adding a discernible coffee taste. This thoughtful blend of ingredients elevates a classic comfort drink into something truly extraordinary.
Embracing a Healthier Indulgence: The Sugar-Free Secret
While I typically sweeten my hot cocoa with raw honey, I recently embarked on a fantastic journey to explore healthier alternatives without compromising taste. During the “Goodbye Sugar 30 Day Challenge,” generously sponsored by SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener, I decided to try a different approach. Instead of a tablespoon of raw honey, I simply used one packet of SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener. This small change made a significant difference, allowing me to enjoy the same deliciousness with reduced added sugars and calories.
The “Goodbye Sugar 30 Day Challenge” was an eye-opening experience. SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener challenged participants, including myself, to identify areas in our daily diets where added sugars were prevalent. The goal was to find easy opportunities to swap out these sugars and their associated calories for the delicious new SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener. This challenge wasn’t about deprivation; it was about empowering us with the tools to make small, sustainable changes in our lifestyles. The emphasis was on reducing added sugars and calories without ever sacrificing the rich, comforting flavors we love.
One of the most remarkable aspects of SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener is its pure, naturally sweet taste. Unlike some other stevia-based sweeteners that can leave an unpleasant bitter aftertaste, SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener offers a clean sweetness with zero calories, no added flavors, and absolutely no artificial ingredients. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make healthier dietary choices without compromising on the joy of a sweet treat. You can easily find SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener at retail stores nationwide, available in convenient 40 and 80 count boxes, making it readily accessible for incorporating into your favorite recipes and beverages.
This challenge truly demonstrated how effortless it can be to integrate mindful choices into daily routines. The past 30 days proved surprisingly easy, and swapping traditional sugar for SPLENDA® Naturals Stevia Sweetener was anything but difficult. It allowed me to continue enjoying my favorite indulgent treats, like this Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa, with a healthier twist. It’s a testament to the fact that you truly can have that indulgent cup of peanut butter hot chocolate and still make choices that align with a balanced lifestyle, all without sacrificing the taste you crave.
If you’re interested in the beginning of my #GoodbyeSugar30 Challenge journey, be sure to check out this delightful recipe for Pumpkin Pie Croissant Bundles, where I first incorporated healthier sugar alternatives.
Crafting Your Perfect Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Achieving that beautiful froth on top of your hot cocoa is simpler than you might think. I typically use my milk frother, the same one I employ for lattes and other creamy beverages. This handy gadget transforms the cocoa into a luxurious, airy treat. If you don’t have a dedicated milk frother, a stick blender can achieve a very similar, delightful effect, incorporating air and creating a smooth, inviting texture. The key is gentle whisking or blending until all ingredients are well combined and the cocoa reaches your desired level of creaminess and warmth.
Now that we’ve delved into the delicious details and the benefits of this wonderful recipe, it’s time to get started! Gather your ingredients and prepare to treat yourself to a truly exceptional cup of Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Recipe Rating: 4.20 out of 5 stars from 5 votes
Print Recipe
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
5 mins
5 mins
American
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
1
mug
205
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
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 (or your preferred sweetener to taste)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure everything is well combined and the peanut butter melts smoothly.
- Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and heated through. For a delightful froth, use a milk frother before pouring into your favorite mug. A stick blender can also achieve a similar lovely effect.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
205
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
21
g
|
Protein:
10
g
|
Fat:
11
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
6
g
|
Cholesterol:
10
mg
|
Sodium:
140
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
3
g
For more detailed information on sugar alternatives and healthy living, 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.