Hot-Cocoa Affogato with Peppermint Ice Cream

A decadent winter dessert that combines rich hot chocolate with cool peppermint ice cream, topped with coffee-flavored whipped cream. This elegant affogato-style treat features homemade hot cocoa made with real chocolate and a hint of espresso.

8 servings
27 min

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • cup sugar
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 whole vanilla bean
  • 5 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
  • cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground espresso
  • 2 pints peppermint ice cream
  • 8 whole candy canes

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water in a large heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add chocolate and cocoa powder; whisk until chocolate melts and mixture just comes to a boil. DO AHEAD: Cocoa can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Bring to a simmer before continuing.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk remaining 1/2 cup cream and ground coffee in a small bowl until firm peaks form. DO AHEAD: Whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Rewhisk if needed before using.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Remove vanilla bean from hot cocoa; discard. Transfer cocoa to a blender and purée until thick and foamy, about 2 minutes.

    2 min

  4. 4.

    Scoop ice cream into teacups; pour hot cocoa into cups, dividing evenly. Top each with a small dollop of coffee whipped cream. Garnish with a small candy cane, if desired.

    5 min