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White Chocolate Orange Almond Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes (including infusion and chilling time)
  • Yield: 3-4 cups ganache base; makes 1 cup hot chocolate per serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This decadent White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa is a luxurious winter drink combining smooth white chocolate ganache infused with zesty orange, nutty almond paste, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Made with a creamy orange-infused white chocolate ganache base, this comforting hot chocolate is enhanced with oat milk and garnished with whipped cream and fresh orange for a refined twist on a classic cozy beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Orange Ganache Base

  • 120g white chocolate (preferably Callebaut white chocolate)
  • 1 vanilla bean, scraped
  • 60g heavy cream
  • 30g fresh orange juice
  • 30g almond paste (such as Felchlin “Valencia”)
  • 0.4g (a pinch) cinnamon powder
  • Zest of 1 large orange

For Serving (per 1 cup)

  • 300g oat milk (e.g., Alpro oat milk)
  • 50g orange ganache
  • 30g whipped cream (optional)
  • Dusting of cinnamon
  • Extra orange zest for garnish
  • Orange wedge for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ganache Base: Melt the white chocolate and almond paste together over a Bain Marie until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Infuse the Cream: In a small pot, combine heavy cream, orange zest, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and a pinch of cinnamon. Warm the mixture to a light simmer, then immediately remove from heat and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
  3. Combine and Emulsify: Pour the infused cream through a fine sieve (if desired) into the melted chocolate and almond paste mixture. Using a hand blender, emulsify the mixture while gradually adding the fresh orange juice. Continue blending until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and fully combined.
  4. Set the Ganache: Transfer the ganache to a container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let flavors intensify and the ganache set properly.
  5. Prepare Hot Chocolate: Heat 300g oat milk to about 85°C (just below boiling). Add approximately 50g of the set ganache to the hot milk and blend with a hand blender or regular blender until smooth and slightly frothy.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into your cup. Top with a dollop of whipped cream (optional), dust lightly with cinnamon and orange zest, and garnish with a fresh orange wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Use the highest quality white chocolate for the best flavor impact.
  • Allowing the ganache to infuse overnight significantly enhances the depth of orange and vanilla notes.
  • The almond paste adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor that rounds the drink beautifully.
  • You can prepare the ganache up to a week in advance and store it refrigerated for convenience.
  • For a dairy-free version, heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream but this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
  • The optional whipped cream topping adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter drink.
  • Adjust the amount of ganache added to the milk depending on desired sweetness and chocolate intensity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: white chocolate, hot chocolate, orange, almond, cinnamon, ganache, winter drink, cozy beverage, creamy cocoa, infused hot chocolate

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/white-chocolate-orange-almond-hot-chocolate-with-cinnamon-recipe/