A new dessert dubbed the “hot chocolate bomb” appeared across social media throughout the holidays, and regardless of if you buy them premade or make them yourself, it’s a treat you’re going to want to try.
Hot chocolate bombs are hollow chocolate spheres filled with dry hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows. They practically explode in your cup of warm water or milk and can be a great gift or a fun dessert to make with friends. Making your own may be difficult, but the end product is delicious and fun.
To make three hot chocolate bombs, you will need:
- 1-2 chocolate bars (can be dark, milk, etc.)
- Food thermometer
- A kitchen knife
- Parchment paper
- Paper towel
- Silicone sphere molds
- Clean ¼ inch paint brush
- 1 piping bag
- Hot chocolate mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Milk
How to make the hot chocolate bombs:
- Begin by chopping your chocolate as finely as possible with a kitchen knife. For the best results, use good quality chocolate. Chocolate bars with high amounts of cocoa butter or that contain at least 65% cocoa are best.
- Place 24 ounces of the chopped chocolate into a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir. Make sure you fold it from the edges of the bowl to the center. This will evenly heat the chocolate, which will help you later on.
- Put the chocolate back in the microwave for 15 seconds, then remove.
- Using your food thermometer, make sure your chocolate is not over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have fully melted chocolate, making sure it is not over 90 degrees.
- To ensure your chocolate is properly melted, place a spoonful atop parchment paper into the fridge for five minutes. If the chocolate is shiny and breaks apart loudly, then you have done it correctly.
- Clean your silicone molds by using a paper towel until they are shiny. Any residue will affect the chocolate.
- Using your clean ¼ inch paint brush, place a thin layer of your melted chocolate at the bottom and sides of the molds. Coat it entirely. Do not fill.
- Place it into the fridge for five minutes.
- Remove the molds from the fridge and repeat step nine by adding another coat of chocolate to the molds. Place it back into the fridge for five minutes.
- Remove from the fridge, and if the steps were done correctly, your chocolate will easily release from the mold and be ready to assemble.
- Flip your silicone mold upside down to hold your chocolate halves. Fill three of the chocolate halves ¾ of the way with hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows.
- Take the leftover melted chocolate and put it into a piping bag. Pipe a layer of chocolate on the rim of the chocolate halves.
- Place an empty chocolate half onto the top of the full chocolates and press down gently to seal.
- Using a paper towel, gently remove any excess melted chocolate from the sides for a clean look OR roll in sprinkles to decorate the sides.
How to use your hot chocolate bomb:
- Heat your milk or water until it is steaming, but not boiling.
- Place your hot chocolate bomb at the bottom of your cup and pour your milk or water on top.
- Watch the chocolate bomb explode.
