Not so long ago, it was nearly impossible to open TikTok or Instagram without being greeted by an exploding hot chocolate bomb. They release a flurry of hot cocoa mix and marshmallows to make a cup of hot chocolate, and they became incredibly popular. It turns out that this hot beverage is back on trend! Here is how to make one of those hot cocoa delights:
What Is a Hot Cocoa Bomb?
Hot chocolate bombs are sometimes referred to as hot cocoa bombs. They are chocolate spheres that are filled with a mix of cocoa, miniature marshmallows, and sprinkles, in some cases. The chocolate spheres melt when you add hot milk, releasing the cocoa mixture and producing a delicious cup of hot chocolate. It is believed that photographer Eric Torres Garcia, who later founded a cocoa bomb business, posted the first hot cocoa bomb that truly went viral. Such bombs are a unique edible gift and are also incredibly fun to make.
How to Make a Hot Chocolate Bomb
Step 1
Set up a double boiler. Set a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat and half-fill it with water. Find a bowl that can withstand heat and fits snuggly on top of the pot without touching the water.
Step 2
Chop and temper the chocolate. Finely chop 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate if you are using bars. Leave 1/3 aside. Place the bowl over the double boiler. Then, add the remaining 2/3. Use a silicone spatula to stir the chocolate frequently while it’s melting in the double boiler so you can prevent it from getting too hot. Keep an eye on the temperature of the chocolate. It should not rise above 100 degrees F. You can check this with a digital probe thermometer. From the double boiler, take out the bowl. Melt the reserved chocolate in three additions and stir well after each addition. Then, mix the chocolate until it reaches a temperature of 88 to 91 degrees F. The chocolate should be about body temperature, so test it on the back of your wrist or hand. You can also use a digital thermometer to do this.
Step 3
Coat the molds with tempered chocolate. In each of the two half-sphere silicone mold trays, place one tablespoon of tempered chocolate. Use a brush to slightly extend the chocolate beyond the edges and up the sides of the molds. Allow the chocolate to rest at room temperature for 5 to 15 minutes or until it has hardened. If you want the chocolate to be thicker, brush the wells with additional tempered chocolate and let it rest for 13 to 15 minutes or until completely hardened. Fill the spheres with marshmallows and cocoa. Each half should have 1 heaping tablespoon of mini marshmallows. If you want, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of sprinkles.
Step 4
Assemble the hot cocoa bombs by piping or painting a border of chocolate onto the empty shells. Gently remove the remaining empty shells from their molds while wearing latex gloves, but keep them resting in the well. To create a sphere, place a coated, empty shell on top of each shell filled with marshmallows. Let them harden for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. Then, heat 1 cup of hot milk gently on the stovetop for 1-2 minutes until very hot, almost to a boil. Pour the hot milk into a big mug and gently add the bomb. Then, the only thing you need to do is to wait for the dramatic explosion!