You only need two ingredients to make this Candy Corn Hot Chocolate... Milk and candy corn! This special orange Halloween drink doesn't actually involve any chocolate... But trust me, it's better that way!
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Before I begin, I should be honest about something. This isn't technically hot chocolate. Because, um, there's not actually any chocolate in it.
If you want to speak technically, it's actually hot candy corn milk. But let's be real; that doesn't sound great. And I promise I have a good reason for calling it candy corn hot chocolate.
I tested this recipe a lot over the last couple years (whenever I could get my hands on candy corn). I made it with cocoa powder, I made it with chopped chocolate bars, and I made it with white chocolate. And guess what? I determined that candy corn hot chocolate is best when it involves no chocolate at all.
But I'm still calling it candy corn hot chocolate because it tastes just like hot chocolate. I found that adding white chocolate only really adds more sweetness (and candy corn is already sweet enough!) and masks the candy's flavor a bit. It's honestly just not worth adding it.
However, for the real chocolate lovers out there, I'm also sharing an alternative version for this drink that does use cocoa powder... But I'm telling you, it's best with just the milk and the candy corn!
❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
Well, not everyone will love this recipe. You'll only love this recipe if you love candy corn. And based on several independent studies that I've conducted (AKA informal Instagram polling), that's only about 35% of the U.S. population.
But if you love candy corn, you're going to love it in warm liquid form! This is basically like drinking a hot mug of candy corn and, while that may sound odd to some, it sounds like heaven to others.
Plus, this candy corn hot chocolate is the perfect pale orange color for the Halloween season.
Oh, and if you love candy corn, you'll probably also want to try this candy corn and peanuts mixture ASAP!
🗒 Ingredients
You only need two ingredients to make this drink... Just milk and candy corn!
Candy corn lovers may have a brand preference when it comes to the controversial Halloween candy... I prefer Brach's, but use whatever you like best.
I also like to top the drink with mini marshmallows and rim my mugs with Halloween sprinkles (I always get mine from Sweetapolita).
☕️ How to make candy corn hot chocolate
It's so easy to make this seasonal holiday drink! First, rim your mugs in sprinkles if you want to. Just put the sprinkles on a plate and brush the rims of the mugs with a little simple syrup, maple syrup, honey, or water.
Roll the mugs upside down on the plate to coat rims of mugs in sprinkles.
Now it's time to take the two ingredients and turn them into one delicious hot drink!
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add milk and candy corn.
Let heat while stirring occasionally, until candy corn has completely dissolved into milk and milk is hot, but not simmering. This should take about 10 minutes.
You'll see the candy dissolving bit by bit.
Until you have a beautifully orange potion!
Pour candy corn hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini marshmallows. You can also top with whipped cream if you prefer!
You could even make a fun candy corn garnish if you want. Just note that the candy won't float in the drink, so you'll either want to adhere it to the side of the mug or skewer it.
OK, so how does it taste? Just like liquid candy corn!
My candy corn loving husband is obsessed with it and thinks this should become a year-round drink.
I'm a candy corn fan, too, but can only handle it in small doses at very specific times of year.
But I think this candy corn hot chocolate is so fun and delicious and is a way to make Halloween extra special and celebrate in a festive way.
🍫 How to make with cocoa powder
OK, so you actually want your hot chocolate to involve some, you know, chocolate? No problem!
When you're heating the milk and candy corn, just whisk in about ¼ cup cocoa powder.
Of course, you can add less if you just want a touch of chocolate and want more candy corn flavor. The chocolate flavor does mask the candy a bit.
Plus, the cocoa obviously turns the drink into a regular hot chocolate looking drink and isn't quite as fun as the mugs of orange potion!
🤍 Can I use white chocolate?
You can definitely make this candy corn hot cocoa with white chocolate! In fact, most recipes I've seen use it.
For me, the white chocolate didn't seem to add anything to the drink... Just extra sweetness and a little masking of the candy corn flavor.
Technically, white isn't actually chocolate; it's cocoa butter mixed with sugar (and sometimes vanilla extract). And candy corn is supposed to be flavored like butter, sugar, honey, and vanilla; so the white chocolate flavors are already all there with it!
But if you do want to add white chocolate, I recommend using 4-6 oz. of a white chocolate bar or white chocolate chips.
🥛 Best kind of milk to use?
It's totally up to you! If you want a super rich and creamy candy corn hot chocolate, use whole milk. But if you prefer a lighter drink, you can use skim.
Of course, you can also use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just note that some of the dairy alternatives might change the flavor of the milk a bit.
🧊 Can I drink this cold?
Sure! In that case, I'd just call this candy corn milk instead of candy corn chocolate milk.
Just make the drink as instructed and then let cool in refrigerator before drinking.
⏲ Can I make in a slow cooker?
You can make this Halloween hot chocolate in a slow cooker the same way you'd make a traditional slow cooker hot chocolate.
I do recommend stirring it every now and then while the candy corn is dissolving.
🍬 More candy corn recipes
I love creating seasonal recipes with candy corn and try to make a new one every year. I also incorporate it into all kinds of Halloween treats! Here are some of my favorite recipes that use it:
- Candy Corn Ice Cream
- Candy Corn Toffee
- Halloween Party Popcorn
- Candy Corn Simple Syrup
- Halloween Trail Mix
- Halloween Cookie Dough
- Candy Corn Cocktail
- Candy Corn and Peanuts
- Autumn Candy Corn Granola Bars
- Candy Corn Cookies (from Crayons and Cravings)
I hope you'll make this special Halloween hot chocolate for your candy corn loving friends and family this fall season. It's the perfect warm up after apple picking or a pumpkin patch outing.
Or just for enjoying while watching a scary movie or waiting for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night!
Are you on team candy corn or do you prefer candy corn-free Halloweens?
📖 Recipe
Candy Corn Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk or dairy/non-dairy alternative of your choice
- 1 ½ cups candy corn
- Sprinkles for glass rim, optional
- Mini marshmallows, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add milk and candy corn.
- Let heat while stirring occasionally, until candy corn has completely dissolved into milk and milk is hot, but not simmering. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Pour candy corn hot chocolate into mugs, top with mini marshmallows, and enjoy.
- Optional: If you want to rim mugs with sprinkles before serving, place sprinkles on a plate, brush rims of mugs with simple syrup or water, and roll mug upside down on plate to coat rim in sprinkles.
Notes
- If you want actual hot chocolate in your candy corn hot chocolate, whisk in about ¼ cup of cocoa powder into the milk and candy corn mixture while it's heating.
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