Jul 30 2026
RestaurantsAKAI AsianTopo Choco Recipe

Topo Choco Recipe

Inspired by AKAI Asian
Time25m
Serves4

Make Topo Choco Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Hot Chocolate Base

Method

Hot Chocolate Base

  1. 1

    Heat milk and cream

    In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium heat until it begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edge — do not boil (about 5–7 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent skin forming.

  2. 2

    Blend cocoa and sugar

    While the milk warms, whisk together 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt in a small bowl to remove lumps.

  3. 3

    Add cocoa to milk

    Gradually whisk the cocoa-sugar mixture into the warmed milk until fully incorporated and smooth. Continue heating for 1–2 minutes to hydrate the cocoa.

  4. 4

    Melt in chopped chocolate

    Reduce heat to low. Add 4 oz finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and whisk until completely melted and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sugar if desired.

Topo Crunch Layer

  1. 5

    Prepare crisp topping

    In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup crisped rice cereal and 1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts. Add 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 2 oz melted milk chocolate; stir until cereal and nuts are evenly coated and sticky but not clumped. Sprinkle in 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes and mix.

  2. 6

    Form crunchy disks (optional)

    For a decorative topping, spoon small mounds (about 1–2 tbsp each) of the crisp mixture onto a sheet of parchment and press lightly into 2-inch disks. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set, or keep loose for immediate use.

Finish & Garnish

  1. 7

    Assemble the Topo Choco

    Ladle the hot chocolate into four warmed mugs, about 3/4 full (roughly 1 cup per serving). If using hazelnut syrup, drizzle about 1 tsp per mug into the chocolate and stir gently.

  2. 8

    Top with crunch and cream

    Spoon a generous layer of whipped cream (about 1/4 cup) onto each mug. Sprinkle the crisped rice–hazelnut mixture over the whipped cream, or place one crunchy disk on top for a dramatic presentation. Scatter mini marshmallows and finish with 1/2 tsp chocolate shavings per mug.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot so the Topo Crunch stays crisp on top of the cream. If the crunch softens, store disks separately and add just before serving.

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