YT Recipe

CHAMPURRADO

CHAMPURRADO is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 6. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $23.58 total, $3.93 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Piloncillo (Mexican unrefined cane sugar, broken into chunks)
  • 2 discs Abuelita Chocolate (Mexican chocolate tablets)
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican Vanilla Blend (Vanilla extract with Mexican spices)
  • 0.5 gallon Milk (Whole milk for richness)
  • 5 cups Water (Filtered or tap water)
  • 1 cup Maseca (Masa Harina) (Corn flour for thickening)
  • 1 can Evaporated Milk (12 oz (354 ml) can)
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (Whole sticks for spice bundle)
  • 10 pieces Whole Cloves (Whole cloves for spice bundle)
  • 1 pinch Salt (Enhances flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Spice Bundle

    Tie the two cinnamon sticks and ten whole cloves together in a piece of cheesecloth or coffee filter, securing it so the spices stay contained.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Make Maseca Mixture

    Combine 1 cup Maseca with the can of evaporated milk in a blender or bowl and blend/whisk until completely smooth, scraping the sides as needed.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Boil Water with Spices

    Add 5 cups water to the large pot, drop in the spice bundle, and bring to a simmer over medium‑high heat. Once boiling, continue for 5 minutes to extract flavor.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  4. Dissolve Piloncillo and Chocolate

    Add the two piloncillo pieces and two Abuelita chocolate discs to the pot. Stir constantly until both dissolve completely, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Add Milk and Flavorings

    Stir in the half‑gallon milk, 1 tablespoon Mexican vanilla blend, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently, avoiding a full boil, until the milk is hot (about 1 minute).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Thicken with Maseca Mixture

    Slowly pour the pre‑blended Maseca‑evaporated milk mixture into the pot while whisking continuously. Whisk for 8‑10 minutes until the champurrado reaches a thick, pourable consistency.

    Time: PT9M

  7. Finish and Serve

    Remove the spice bundle, give the champurrado a final stir, and turn off the heat. Serve hot in mugs, optionally with bolillo or pan dulce on the side.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Milk, Corn, Soy (in chocolate)

Last updated: June 4, 2026

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CHAMPURRADO

Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia

A warm, thick Mexican chocolate drink made with Abuelita chocolate, piloncillo, masa harina, and aromatic spices. Perfect for holiday mornings or a cozy breakfast.

EasyMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$23.58
Total cost
$3.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Prepare Spice Bundle
  • • Make Maseca Mixture
  • • Add Milk and Flavorings
  • • Thicken with Maseca Mixture

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot pot and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns.
  • • Do not let milk come to a full boil, as it can scorch and create a skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Champurrado in Mexican cuisine?

A

Champurrado is a traditional Mexican atole made with chocolate and masa, historically enjoyed during celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Christmas. It reflects the fusion of pre‑Hispanic corn‑based drinks with Spanish-introduced chocolate, symbolizing warmth and community during cold seasons.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Champurrado across Mexico?

A

In the central highlands, champurrado is often made with piloncillo and Abuelita chocolate, while in the south, some families add a splash of mezcal or use local cacao. Coastal versions may incorporate coconut milk for a tropical twist.

cultural
Q

How is Champurrado authentically served in Mexican households during the holidays?

A

It is traditionally served hot in mugs or clay cups, accompanied by pan dulce such as conchas, empanadas, or bolillos. Families gather around the kitchen table, sharing the drink while singing Christmas carols.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Champurrado traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Champurrado is a staple at Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), Día de los Muertos, and during winter festivals. It is also offered at baptisms and weddings as a comforting, festive beverage.

cultural
Q

How does Champurrado fit into the broader Mexican beverage tradition?

A

Champurrado belongs to the atole family, a category of warm, corn‑based drinks that includes plain atole, fruit‑flavored atoles, and horchata. Its chocolate flavor sets it apart as a richer, celebratory variant.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Champurrado versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include piloncillo, Abuelita (or other Mexican) chocolate, Maseca (masa harina), cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and evaporated milk. Substitutes can be brown sugar for piloncillo, dark chocolate for the tablets, and regular milk or half‑and‑half for evaporated milk, though flavor will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Champurrado?

A

Champurrado pairs beautifully with sweet breads like conchas, empanadas de fruta, or churros. Savory pairings include tamales, especially sweet corn or chocolate‑filled tamales, creating a balanced breakfast or snack.

cultural
Q

What makes Champurrado special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

Its unique combination of corn masa thickening and rich Mexican chocolate creates a velvety texture and deep, earthy sweetness that you won’t find in typical hot cocoa. The use of piloncillo adds a caramel‑like depth.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Champurrado at home?

A

Common errors include letting the milk boil, which can scorch; adding the Maseca mixture too quickly, causing lumps; and over‑whisking after thickening, which can make the drink gummy. Follow the step‑by‑step timing and whisk continuously when incorporating the masa mixture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia focuses on easy-to-follow Mexican home‑cooking tutorials, highlighting traditional recipes, holiday treats, and everyday comfort foods with clear, step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.

channel
More like this:Mexican RecipesBeverage RecipesMore by Cooking Con Claudia

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