I have dreams. Big dreams of going to New York City at Christmas time with John, getting all bundled up in winter coats and hats and scarves, standing in awe before the Rockefeller Christmas tree in Times Square. Of going out for an overpriced steak dinner. Of visiting vegan bakery after Greek yogurt bar after New York style pizza shop. Of gawking at strangers and taking in a new city.
This dream also includes frozen hot chocolate. I’ve heard Serendipity has the best, but in the meantime this salty, sexier version will have to do. I think I’m (more than) OK with that.
The base is mocha coconut ice cubes. Full-fat coconut milk stirred with cocoa powder and frozen into ice cubes. Then add almond milk, chocolate syrup, a little sweetener to taste, and a big handful of crushed pretzels. The icing on the proverbial cake is homemade coconut (or dairy) whipped cream, more chocolate sauce and salty pretzel sticks.
Serendipity who?
This is kind of the frozen hot chocolate of my dreams, and it’s vegan! Coconut and almond milk keep it so, and chocolate syrup makes it sappy, chocolatey sweet. I love salty-sweet combinations, so pretzels were a natural fit. I think I’m in love, and the feeling isn’t going away any time soon. Wanna make it mutual? I really think you do…
This hot chocolate is thick, creamy, chocolaty, and milky. Perfectly sweet with a kick of salt from the pretzels. Lick it slurp it gulp it. Do what you will. I did all three, shamelessly and I think you should, too. It’s hot outside; let’s all cool down with some pretzel frozen hot chocolate, shall we?
Yeah, let’s do that.
Hubba hubba.
Pretzel Frozen Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups (~5 cubes per cup) chocolate coconut ice cubes (as original recipe is written, 1 can full-fat coconut milk + 3 Tbsp cocoa powder, frozen into cubes)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 4-6 Tbsp light chocolate syrup/sauce (I used Hershey’s, which is vegan // amount based on preferred sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk)
- 2 Tbsp crushed pretzels (plus more for topping // use a gluten-free variety to keep this recipe GF)
- Non-bitter stevia or agave (or honey if not vegan // for extra sweetening)
TOPPINGS optional
- Dairy or coconut whipped cream
- Pretzels (gluten-free as needed)
- Chocolate sauce
- Vegan hot fudge
- Cherry
Instructions
- Add chocolate coconut ice cubes, ice cubes, almond milk and 4 Tbsp chocolate syrup to start to blender and blend until smooth, adding more almond milk as needed.
- Taste and add more chocolate syrup OR sweetener if needed. I added one half packet of non-bitter stevia, but agave or additional chocolate syrup will do just fine.
- Pour into two serving glasses and top with desired toppings. I went with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, crushed pretzels, and two pretzel sticks.
Notes
Nutrition (1 of 2 servings)
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Thamyris says
I can’t even explain how UNREAL this recipe is. It truly came down from the heavens!
yay! Thanks, Thamyris!
Kahley says
My mouth is watering! I am going to try these as the weather gets warmer, show off to my friends… :)
iza says
The tree is in Rockefeller plaza, not times square. this page gets a lot of hits so thought you might want to correct that.
rose says
This looks INSANE!! I would love one right now.
Jenny @ BAKE says
This looks so delicious! I love the idea of salty pretzels with sweet chocolate! I’m going to have to make this!
Sarah says
If you use homemade chocolate syrup instead of Hershey’s you can avoid the high fructose corn syrup. I am a big promoter of whole foods vegetarian or vegan living.
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
Girlfriend, you are blowing my mind with your recipes these days. Seriously, I want all the things! I have been lucky enough to enjoy a Serendipity frozen hot chocolate in New York City, and it really is a must. NYC is a dazzling place. It is also a dream of mine to return at Christmas time and go skating in Central Park. In the meantime though, this little diddy looks like a darn good option. I’m totes making some mocha coconut ice cubes immediately!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
As usual, you have completely taken my breath away.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
Ohh girl you are making my lose my mind over this, I’ll take a jug!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Oh my freaking goodness!! This looks so fabulous…mmmm.
Katie says
i want to dive in.
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says
i dream about moving to NY someday and enjoy xmas every year there. This frozen hot chocolate sounds heavenly.
Amy says
Oh man, I just went to Serendipity when I was in Vegas and it was AMAZE. Can’t wait to make the vegan version!
Barbara says
After making this, you are going to be seriously disappointed with serendipity. Its not all that its made out to be, so you should save your $20 and keep making these! Looks amazing!
Tammy says
These look devine! And just the treat to make on a hot summer day! Can’t wait to try them!
Tammy
Joy // For the Love of Leaves says
This looks absolutely fabulous! I cannot wait to try it. I love the idea of using the mocha ice cubes.
Caitlin says
that looks DAMN good, girl.
Sarah Crowder says
This came at the perfect time! I just got done with an assignment involving pretzels, which I never keep on-hand, and I was just thinking: What to do with all these leftover pretzels? Everyone in my household would love this.
Kathryn says
Oh yes! This looks totally epic.
Izy says
Oh my yum, I want to drink this all, forever, please.
steph@stephsbitebybite says
Serendipity ain’t got nothin on you!
Tieghan says
This is my dream drink!! YES!