After the busy holiday season, do you often find yourself with a family-sized box of instant hot chocolate powder that will expire before the next holiday season? There’s nothing more frustrating than letting food go to waste. Instead of throwing away that soon-to-expire hot chocolate powder goodness, consider trying out these three recipes that use the ingredient!

Christine Tu / Daily Nexus

Chocolate Mug Cake

Craving a late-night snack? This is perfect for a midnight treat. 

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons hot chocolate powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • A handful of chocolate chips, optional

Directions:

  1. Combine all into a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Microwave for 2 minutes, or until baked throughout. 

Chocolate Popsicles

Have you finally discovered the unused hot chocolate powder in the midst of summer? Here’s a fun cold treat for those warm summer days that can use up your stash of holiday hot chocolate powder. 

Ingredients (serves 1):

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons hot chocolate powder
  • 4 cups milk

Directions (for 10 popsicles)

  1. In a saucepan, thoroughly combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
  2. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
  3. Pour ¼ cup into each mold, insert sticks and freeze.

Chocolate Pancakes 

For a fun dessert twist on the classic breakfast dish, consider adding hot chocolate powder to your usual pancake routine.   

Ingredients (serves 8):

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 6 tablespoons hot chocolate powder

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
  2. On medium heat, add a teaspoon of oil to a large pan. Pour in ¼ cups of batter into the pan and brown on both sides. 

And there you have it: three simple and fun alternative uses for hot chocolate powder! The next time you notice your quickly expiring canister of hot chocolate powder in the pantry, consider trying out one of these recipes or create one of your own by adding the chocolate mixture to any dessert or food. 

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Christine Tu
Christine Tu is an opinion staff writer and economics major. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and making snazzy to-do lists.