Copycat Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Recipe

This white chocolate mocha recipe is easy to make at home for your afternoon pick me up. Smooth white chocolate, robust espresso, and a dollop of whipped cream make for a delicious homemade version of one of your favorite coffee shop favorites.

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This white chocolate mocha recipe is easy to make at home for your afternoon pick me up. Smooth white chocolate, robust espresso, and a dollop of whipped cream make for a delicious homemade version of one of your favorite coffee shop favorites.

One of my favorite traditions is my 3 o'clock coffee. I've been enjoying an afternoon coffee for as long as I've held an office job, and since Covid and working from home, those drinks have gotten more and more fancy and this white chocolate mocha is one of my best.

If you aren't an afternoon coffee person though, start your day my favorite way with a sweet coffee that will have you smiling for the rest of the day! And it doesn't even cost a ton of money!

This drink is a delicious Starbucks copycat that in my opinion tastes just like the real thing, but for a fraction of the cost, and made in the comfort of your own home.

Even the most die hard black coffee lovers agree that this version of an indulgent white chocolate mocha is the best thing to happen to coffee in a long time!

Other Recipes You'll Love

Dalgona Chocolate is a fun twist on the Dalgona Coffee craze that hit the internet in mid 2020! It's got a great taste, and is super easy to make. If you prefer your coffee frozen can I maybe interest you in a Coffee Milkshake? It's a classic! And another Starbies copypcat - these Chai Lattes are easy to make and full of warming spices.

Ingredient List

• White Chocolate squares or white chocolate chips
• Heavy cream
• Espresso (or very strong coffee)
• Milk (I prefer whole milk, but you can use your favorite non-dairy milk)
• Whipped cream - optional, but delicious and not really optional

Full directions and quantities in the recipe card below.

How to Make a White Chocolate Mocha

1. In a small saucepan, melt the white chocolate into the heavy cream until chocolate is fully melted. Set aside.
2. Make your espresso (for me, I usually use instant espresso for these as I don't have an espresso maker at home)
3. Using the microwave or a saucepan, heat the milk until hot to the touch. (ideally between 140-150 degrees f.)
4. Pour the white chocolate sauce into the bottom of a large mug. Pour the espresso on top of the white chocolate, then pour the hot milk over the coffee and stir to combine.
5. Top with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings.

How to Make Espresso Without an Espresso Machine

I think most people probably don't have an espresso machine at home, so here are some options for making espresso at home without an espresso maker.

1. Use instant espresso - it's not quite as good as what you'll get in coffee shops, but it's not bad, and it's cost effective.
2. Use an aero-press.
3. Use a moka pot. Italians have been using moka pots to make espresso since the 1930's, and they know a thing or two about good coffee.
4. A French press can make a pretty decent shot of espresso.
5. Use a small amount of really strongly brewed coffee in place of espresso.

PRO TIP: don't use skim milk to make this drink - the best results come from using a thicker milk in order to really get that creamy white chocolate flavor.

Substitutions, Alterations and Additions

This drink can't really be made non-dairy friendly. Even if you were to swap the milk and heavy cream for plant based versions, the chocolate itself has a high dairy content - even higher than regular chocolate! But if you prefer a non-dairy milk for non-dietary reasons, my favorite is oat milk. You could also use almond milk or soy milk.

If you don't want to bother with melting the chocolate, you could use white chocolate syrup in its place. Use three tablespoons of white chocolate syrup in the place of the white chocolate and cream.

PRO TIP: You don't need a double boiler to melt the chocolate - using such a small amount means that unless you completely forget about it, the chocolate wont burn before it melts.

Equipment

This is the moka pot I have. It's amazing and makes a great cup of coffee.

Since I don't have a steam wand, I heat up my milk in a pot or the microwave and use this frother.

This is a good option for white chocolate sauce if you don't want to make your own. You should be able to find it in your local grocery store, but if you can't you can always get it on amazon.

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