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Creamy Guatemalan Champurrado Recipe Easy Authentic Chocolate Drink

Guatemalan champurrado recipe - featured image

A thick, spiced, and comforting traditional Guatemalan chocolate drink made with masa harina and Mexican chocolate, perfect for cold mornings and cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) masa harina
  • 3 oz (85 g) Mexican chocolate, chopped (such as Abuelita or Ibarra)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or almond/oat/coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups (960 ml) of water, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 whole cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it infuse for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (60 g) masa harina with 1 cup (240 ml) of the warm spiced water until fully dissolved with no lumps.
  3. Pour the masa mixture back into the saucepan. Add 3 oz (85 g) chopped Mexican chocolate and 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar. Stir gently over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the chocolate melts and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, stirring constantly.
  4. Slowly stir in 2 cups (480 ml) milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat through for another 3-4 minutes without boiling.
  5. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves. Taste and add more sugar if desired. If too thick, whisk in a splash more milk or water. Serve immediately in warm mugs.

Notes

Whisk masa harina with warm water before adding to the pot to avoid lumps. Stir constantly during thickening to prevent burning. Do not boil after adding milk to avoid curdling. Use authentic Mexican chocolate for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use vegan chocolate. Adjust sweetness to taste. Champurrado keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: champurrado, Guatemalan chocolate drink, masa harina, Mexican chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, traditional drink, spiced chocolate drink