Coffee and Chocolate are both individual ingredients, with flavors so distinctive to each other. Yet, when you have chocolate with coffee it seems like a pair made in heaven. If you want to try your coffee with chocolate but are not sure if you can add dark chocolate to coffee or how to do it, continue reading.
Yes, you can add dark chocolate to coffee. Both coffee and chocolate have their own complex, unique flavors and tastes, but when combined together it creates a delicious combination. The intense dark chocolate flavor balances well with strong coffee, making every sip taste nothing short of divine.
Adding chocolate to coffee or having chocolate alongside coffee is not something new, but people have been doing it for ages. It was and will always remain a classic combination. We are going to cover everything you need to know about adding dark chocolate to your coffee, the science behind it, and the best way to do it.
Why Add Dark Chocolate To Coffee?
Dark Chocolate is often paired with different types of desserts and beverages. In fact, some really great confectioners prefer infusing the flavor of dark chocolate in their desserts, simply because of how outstanding and rich a dessert can turn out to be with the use of dark chocolate.
While chocolate and coffee are two independent ingredients with unique flavors that are very similar to each other on many levels. There are some similarities that these two magical ingredients share, which makes combining them special. One of the similarities is that both coffee and chocolate contains caffeine, and are high in antioxidants.
If you are on the fence about trying dark chocolate with your coffee, you can trust us on this: the flavor combination is intense, chocolaty, and delicious. If you enjoy dark chocolate and coffee individually, you are bound to enjoy the two of them together in the form of a nice cappuccino or latte or even just plain black coffee with dark chocolate.
How Does Chocolate Go With Coffee? Is It A Good Combination?
Dark Chocolate pairs extremely well with coffee. It is the result of how well the two ingredients just adapt to each other’s flavor that the ‘Mocha’ a combination of chocolate and coffee is such a popular beverage in coffee shops around the world.
There is a reason (science) behind why chocolate and coffee taste so good together and why they are such a perfect combination for any coffee lover. Both cacao and coffee grow in a common latitude and they both go through a similar production princess.
Coffee and cacao are both seeds of a tropical fruit that is fermented, dried, and roasted to bring out their flavors. One of the major reasons why these two complement each other so well, is the fact that they are produced and processed in similar environments.
So, if you ask us – Yes, dark chocolate and coffee, are both exemplary ingredients when combined together give you the most luxurious and creamy coffee with flavors so rich and intense, you would want to relish it every day.
Best Dark Chocolate For Coffee: Try This With Coffee For A Delicious Treat
Both coffee and chocolate have complex tasting notes. When trying these two together it is important to pair the right chocolate with the right kind of coffee. When using dark roast coffee pair it with good-quality, 86% dark chocolate like this one by Ghiradelli.
Similarly, when using medium roast you can pair it with 60% to 70% dark chocolate. When either of the ingredients is stronger than the other it becomes overpowering and tries to mask the aroma of the other ingredients.
Another way to look into pairing coffee with chocolate is to compare their flavor profiles. Say your coffee has a sweet, berry-like flavor; it works excellently well when you pair it with chocolate that also has a sweet fruity flavor infused with it.
For example, a medium roast coffee with flavor notes of vanilla and cocoa powder like this one by Stumptown would pair extremely well with a 60% dark chocolate with similar fruity tasting notes like the Ghiradelli Chocolate Intense Dark Bar.
Coffee is such a versatile ingredient that it can pair well with anything, in the end, it all depends on individual taste and preferences. Yes, you can follow these flavor pairing guidelines or innovate and have fun with your coffee. Either way, we are sure you will love the two of them together.
How Much Dark Chocolate Should You Add To Your Coffee?
When it comes to adding dark chocolate to coffee, the rule ‘less is more’ fits the best. You would not want to add excessive dark chocolate so that it overpowers and masks the coffee flavor and you end up with a bitter chocolate-tasting liquid.
On the other hand, you also do not want that you add so less dark chocolate that it just does not adds to the flavor of the coffee. All you can taste is coffee with a hint of chocolate but not enough to get the best out of it.
Hence, the best way is to add what seems to be the right quantity. We personally suggest, starting with 1 piece of chocolate which will be around 7 grams. Depending on the brewing method that you are using and the quantity of your coffee you can add more of it.
For example, when using one shot of espresso 7 grams of dark chocolate seems good, but when using two shots of espresso, add around 10 grams of chocolate for the right taste balance. In a single cup of coffee do not add more than 15 grams of chocolate as it can really make your coffee taste bitter.
Benefits Of Coffee And Dark Chocolate: Is It Good For You?
Both dark chocolate and coffee are very nutritious and do extremely well for your health and body when taken in moderation. One of the first benefits of coffee and dark chocolate is that they are both rich in antioxidants, which protect your cells from free radicals.
Another good point is that both dark chocolate and coffee are high in caffeine, which is a great source of energy booster. When you feel like your morning cup of caffeine isn’t cutting it out, try adding some dark chocolate.
Dark chocolates are also rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and other minerals. Research suggests that dark chocolate increases blood flow which in turn improves your brain function, the caffeine in it also helps you stay active.
This concludes, that dark chocolate and coffee are not only a delicious combination but offer several other health benefits. With that being said, each coin has two sides. Even though the two of them together are great, consuming excessive dark chocolate and coffee can also have adverse effects.
Like high caffeine intake can make you feel drowsy or jittery instead of active, Coffee and chocolate are both high in acidity which may not be good for a certain group of people. Hence, it is best to consume the two in moderation
What Is The Best Method To Dissolve Dark Chocolate In Coffee
Whilst we talked about dark chocolate and coffee as a great combination, dark chocolate can sometimes be a problem when it comes to dissolving it properly in coffee.
Some dark chocolates take time to melt into your cup of coffee, therefore we thought it was best to include these methods to dissolve dark chocolate in coffee. Here are 3 methods you can use to melt dark chocolate for your coffee-
#Method 1 – Melting dark chocolate directly into the cup
This method is an obvious one but works like a charm and is easy to clean as well. All you need to do is break your chocolate into smaller pieces. A big piece of chocolate might not melt easily, but breaking it into smaller chunks helps fasten the process. Next, here is the process you need to follow –
1. Take a coffee mug and add the chocolate to it. Next, add half of your freshly prepared hot brew to it. Coffee should be very hot and not warm or cold for this to work.
2. Now cover the coffee mug with a small plate or coaster. Wait for a few minutes.
3. After 2-3 minutes, remove the lid and stir gently with a spoon. Chocolate should have melted by now and formed a thick consistency with the chocolate. Finally, add the rest of the brew, and milk to make your coffee.
#Method 2 – Melt the dark chocolate on a double boiler
Normally, this method is used when you have to melt a huge amount of chocolate for baking, but you can also do this when making a big batch of chocolate coffee. A double boiler is basically when you use two utensils to dissolve the chocolate.
We do not advise melting the chocolate directly on the stovetop as chocolates are very delicate in nature. The possibility of it burning is very high when melting directly. Therefore always use a double boiler when melting chocolate on a double boiler. Here is what you need to do –
1. Take a saucepan and add water to it. Place this directly on the stovetop and let it boil.
2. Next take a bowl that is equal to the size of the saucepan and add your chocolate. Before adding the chocolate break it into smaller pieces for ease of use.
3. Place the bowl on top of the saucepan and let the heat from the boiling water melt the chocolate. You can also stir the chocolate using a wooden spoon if you see big chunks of chocolate.
4. Take the bowl off the heat, scrape the chocolate from the bowl and add it to your coffee mug.
#Method 3 – Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave
If none of the above methods worked for you, this one surely will. Here is how you can melt dark chocolate in the microwave easily-
1. Take a microwavable bowl or mug. Break your chocolate into small pieces and add the chocolate.
2. Next, place the mug into the microwave for 30 seconds. Take it out and stir gently.
3. Place it in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir again.
Do not place the dark chocolate directly in the microwave for more than 30 seconds as exposing the chocolate to direct heat for such a long time can burn it.
Dark Chocolate Coffee Recipe – Easy Coffee Recipe At Home
We are sure you do not need any more convincing about how delicious the dark chocolate-coffee combination is. Here is a simple dark chocolate coffee recipe you will love.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso
- 10 gms 85% Dark Chocolate
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp chocolate shavings
Process
1. Pull two shots of espresso. Break the chocolate into small chunks and add it to a mug.
2. Pour the hot espresso on top of the chocolate. Cover it and let it melt.
3. Froth milk using a milk frother or using these other methods. Add freshly frothed milk over the chocolate coffee concoction.
4. Take some chocolate shavings and add in on top of the chocolate coffee as a garnish.
Other Chocolate Coffee Recipes You Must Try
Easy Mocha Cappuccino Recipe
Mocha cappuccino is a beautiful combination of coffee and chocolate, and we can guarantee it is the coziest and the most delicious coffee recipe you’ll ever make. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about cappuccino, what is a mocha and how to make a mocha cappuccino at home by following a few simple steps!
Find the Mocha Cappuccino Recipe here
Chilled Mocha Frappuccino Recipe
Frappuccinos are like the newest coffee trend that is here to stay.
Frappuccino is a combination of “frappe” and “cappuccino”. Apart from being extremely refreshing and incredibly delicious, another great thing about the Mocha Frappuccino recipe is that it is very simple to make, it requires only a few ingredients and it is really quick too!
Try this extremely simple mocha frappuccino recipe at home.
Final Thoughts: Dark Chocolate With Coffee Is A Must Try
Everyone loves a good cup of latte, add chocolate to it and you will wait every day to make a cup of coffee with chocolate in it. Adding dark chocolate to coffee not only adds a sweet, chocolate taste to it but also your daily cuppa much more interesting.
Out of all the crazy coffee innovations, we find this one to be the best. Nothing beats a good dark chocolate coffee, perfect to kick start your morning or wind up your day. Try this recipe out and let us know how you like it. Happy Caffeinating!
Delicious Dark Chocolate Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots Espresso
- 10 grams 85% Dark Chocolate
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Chocolate Shavings
Instructions
- Pull two shots of espresso. Break dark chocolate into smaller chunks and add it into a coffee mug.
- Pour the hot espresso on top of the chocolate. Cover the mug and let it melt.
- Froth milk using a milk frother. Add freshly frothed milk on top of the chocolate and coffe mix.
- Stir milk with coffee using a spoon. Add chcoolate shavings as a garnish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can put chocolate milk in coffee. Chocolate milk and coffee are a delicious combination. We tried a coffee recipe using chocolate milk, which you must make. Find it here.
Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. If you do not prefer using dark chocolate, milk chocolate is the next best option. It is sweeter than dark chocolate, so you might have to skip on extra sugar in coffee.
