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Brazilian Hot Chocolate Recipe
Lang's Chocolates offers a sampling of decadent and luxurious hand-crafted chocolate treats.
Posted by William Lang on Oct 14 2025
Brazilian Hot Chocolate: Traditional vs. Keto
Few things say indulgence like a cup of rich, creamy Brazilian hot chocolate. Unlike typical American hot cocoa, this version is ultra-thick, velvety, and deeply chocolatey, traditionally made with sweetened condensed milk. Today, we’ll explore both the classic approach and a keto-friendly version using a homemade keto sweetened condensed milk.
Why Brazilian Hot Chocolate Is Unique
Brazilian hot chocolate is not just sweet—it’s decadent and luxurious. Here’s what sets it apart:
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Sweetened condensed milk: Provides creamy body and sweetness without separate sugar.
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High-quality cocoa powder or chocolate: The flavor is rich and pronounced, unlike lighter cocoa drinks.
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Milk base: Typically whole milk, which gives creaminess; for keto, we’ll substitute with heavy cream and unsweetened nut milk.
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Thick consistency: Often thick enough to coat the spoon, making it feel more like dessert than just a beverage.
Ingredients & Why We Use Them
Traditional Brazilian Hot Chocolate
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | Thickens and sweetens naturally, creating velvety texture |
| Whole milk | Provides creamy body and richness |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | Intensifies chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar |
| Dark chocolate (optional) | Adds depth and a slightly bitter balance |
| Pinch of salt | Enhances chocolate flavor |
Keto Brazilian Hot Chocolate
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Homemade keto sweetened condensed milk | Replicates condensed milk sweetness without sugar; keeps carbs low |
| Heavy cream + unsweetened almond milk | Gives creamy texture and reduces carbs |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | Provides chocolate intensity without sugar |
| Keto chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips | Deepens chocolate flavor; still low-carb |
| Pinch of salt | Flavor enhancer |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | Adds aromatic depth |
Making Homemade Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk
This is key to creating a rich keto Brazilian hot chocolate.
Ingredients:
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tbsp butter
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1/3 cup allulose (or preferred keto sweetener)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and allulose.
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Heat gently over medium-low, stirring constantly.
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Simmer for 15–20 minutes until mixture reduces by about half.
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Stir in vanilla and let cool. Mixture will thicken more as it cools.
Why we use these ingredients:
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Heavy cream: Adds richness and body.
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Butter: Enhances creaminess and mouthfeel.
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Allulose: Non-glycemic sweetener that caramelizes slightly, mimicking condensed milk sweetness.
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Vanilla: Balances flavors and adds warmth.
Making the Hot Chocolate
Traditional Version
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Combine 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.
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Add 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (or more for extra chocolate depth).
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Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
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Optional: Stir in 1–2 oz chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
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Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Keto Version
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Combine 1/2 cup keto sweetened condensed milk with 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
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Add 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.
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Heat gently over medium-low, stirring until smooth and creamy.
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Optional: Stir in 1–2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips for depth.
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Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Enhancements & Serving Suggestions
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Top with whipped cream (regular or keto-friendly).
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Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder.
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For extra indulgence, add a few drops of coffee or espresso for a mocha twist.
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Keto version: try a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut or sugar-free chocolate shavings.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per 1 cup serving)
| Version | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 310 | 12g | 45g | 1g | 42g |
| Keto | 280 | 25g | 6g | 1g | 2g |
Note: Values can vary depending on chocolate and milk used.
FAQ
Q: Can I use oat milk for the keto version?
A: Oat milk adds carbs, so it’s better for low-carb but not strict keto. Unsweetened almond, cashew, or macadamia milk works best.
Q: Can I make the keto condensed milk ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Q: Can I adjust sweetness?
A: Yes! Both versions can be adjusted to taste. For keto, allulose can be increased slightly if desired.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Yes, though it will be sweeter. For keto, always choose sugar-free chocolate.