Description
Indulge in the decadent and creamy White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa, a luxurious winter beverage that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the bright zest of orange and the rich flavor of almond paste. This cozy drink features a smooth ganache infused with vanilla and cinnamon, perfectly blended with warm oat milk for a comforting treat to brighten your chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 120g (about 4¼ oz) White chocolate
- 30g (about 1 oz) Almond paste
- 60g (¼ cup) Heavy cream
- 30g (2 tablespoons) Orange juice
- Zest of 1 large Orange
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- Pinch of cinnamon (about 0.4g)
- 300g oat milk or milk of choice (about 1¼ cups)
- 50g Orange ganache (about 3 tablespoons, or more to taste)
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
- Dusting of cinnamon and fresh orange zest
- Orange wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate and Almond Paste: Gently melt the white chocolate and almond paste together over a double boiler, ensuring the mixture doesn’t burn. Once melted and smooth, set it aside.
- Infuse Cream: In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, orange zest, cinnamon, and the split and scraped vanilla bean. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and allow it to steep for 10–15 minutes to infuse rich flavors.
- Combine Ganache Base: Pour the infused cream into the melted white chocolate mixture. Using a hand blender, blend until the texture is consistent and smooth, slowly adding in the orange juice for brightness.
- Chill Ganache: Transfer the ganache to the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to thicken and develop deeper flavor.
- Heat Milk: When ready to serve, heat the oat milk or milk of choice to about 85°C (185°F) until hot but not boiling.
- Prepare Cocoa Drink: Blend 50g (about 3 tablespoons) of the chilled ganache with the hot milk until fully smooth and combined.
- Serve: Pour the cocoa into mugs. Optionally top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and garnish with an orange wedge for a festive touch.
Notes
- Avoid overheating the white chocolate during melting to prevent burning or seize.
- Adjust sweetness by testing the ganache; add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of your favorite liqueur such as Grand Marnier or orange-flavored brandy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa, winter treat, cozy drink, hot chocolate, almond paste, orange zest, creamy cocoa
