A Little History in Your Cup
While cappuccino originated in Italy in the early 20th century, flavor-infused cappuccinos—like our chocolate and cherry twist—found popularity in North America in recent decades. The combination of chocolate and cherry itself has a longer culinary heritage, often associated with desserts like Black Forest cake and cherry cordials.
This leads to a common question from curious coffee drinkers: “Are cherry cordials the same as chocolate covered cherries?” Not exactly. While both treats feature cherries and chocolate, cordials are typically filled with a sweet liqueur, while chocolate-coated cherries are solid fruit covered in chocolate—without the liquid center.
The Coffee Base – Why Fresh Espresso Matters
Your cappuccino will only be as good as your coffee base. Using a quality espresso coffee maker at home allows you to brew rich, concentrated shots with depth and aroma you can't get from instant coffee alone. Grinding your beans with a reliable coffee grinder just before brewing ensures maximum freshness—much like a professional café.
For this recipe, you can use either instant coffee granules for quick preparation or go the purist route with double espresso shots. If you want to indulge fully in the coffee-making process, freshly brewed espresso blended with the chocolate-cherry mix will make your drink exceptional.
The Recipe – Chocolate & Cherry Cappuccino Mix
Yields: 6 cups of dry mix
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1⅓ cups powdered non-dairy creamer
- 1⅓ cups coffee granules
- 1 cup baking cocoa
- 1 envelope (0.13 oz.) unsweetened cherry mix
For serving:
- 1 cup hot 2% milk
- 2 tbsp miniature marshmallows
Directions:
- Combine the confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, powdered non-dairy creamer, coffee granules, baking cocoa, and cherry mix in an airtight container.
- Store for up to 2 months in a cool, dry place.
- For serving, place 2 tbsp of mix in a mug, add hot milk, stir well, and top with marshmallows.
Nutrition (per serving): ~259 calories | 37g carbs | 9g fat | 9g protein
Pairing Tips for a Café-Style Experience
The richness of the cocoa blends beautifully with buttery pastries. Try serving this cappuccino with almond biscotti, dark chocolate truffles, or a slice of pound cake. For a more indulgent pairing, you can even learn how to make chocolate-coated cherries and serve them alongside to echo the flavors in the drink.
Pro Tips from a Home Barista
- Foam the milk like a pro: If you own an espresso coffee maker with a steam wand, froth your milk until it reaches a silky microfoam.
- Layer the flavors: Brew your espresso first, then stir in the chocolate-cherry mix, pour the milk, and finish with cocoa dusting.
- Experiment with toppings: Swap marshmallows for whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or cherry zest.
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