🍫 Homemade Yoo-Hoo Chocolate Drink
Finally Made It – Rich, Creamy & Kid-Approved!
📌 In This Article
🍫 The Yoo-Hoo Story
"Finally made the yoo-hoo! Used extras for our taste. I bottled in 11oz bottles for portion control... my kids would down a quart a day if not! Lol."
Yoo-Hoo is one of those classic childhood drinks that everyone loves. Rich, chocolatey, and refreshing — it's the perfect treat for kids and adults alike. But buying it at the store? It adds up fast.
So I finally made my own homemade Yoo-Hoo! I tweaked the recipe to suit our taste, and bottled it in 11oz bottles for portion control. Because let me tell you — my kids would down a quart a day if I let them!
💬 The reality: "I bottled in 11oz bottles for portion control... my kids would down a quart a day if not! Lol."
🍼 Portion Control
Perfect Portion Control
🍫"11oz bottles are the perfect size — satisfying without going overboard!"
11oz Bottles
Perfect single serving
Kid-Friendly
No more overindulging
Budget-Friendly
Pennies per serving
Portion control = happy kids and happy wallet!
📦 Ingredients
🍫 For the Yoo-Hoo
- 💧 8 cups water
- 🥛 2 cups powdered milk
- 🍫 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 🍬 1 1/2 cups sugar – Adjust to taste
- 🌿 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🍬 1/4 cup cornstarch – Optional, for thickness
💡 Pro tip: "I used extras for our taste — adjust the cocoa and sugar to your preference!"
🔧 Equipment Needed
- 🍳 Large pot
- 🥄 Whisk
- 🍼 11oz glass bottles – For portioning
- 🧴 Lids and caps
- 🔥 Water bath canner
💡 Pro tip: "11oz bottles are the perfect size for kids — and for portion control!"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your water bath canner, bottles, and caps.
- Sterilize bottles and caps in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep bottles hot until ready to fill.
💡 Pro tip: "Always start with hot, sterilized bottles for a good seal!"
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine powdered milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and cornstarch (if using).
- Whisk well to combine.
💡 Pro tip: "Whisk well to remove any lumps from the cocoa powder."
Step 3 – Add Water and Heat
- In a large pot, heat 8 cups of water over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the dry mixture.
- Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Do NOT boil — just heat until warm.
⚠️ Important: "Stir constantly to prevent scorching — cocoa and milk can burn easily."
Step 4 – Add Vanilla
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity to your preference.
💡 Pro tip: "I used extras for our taste — add more cocoa for a richer drink or more sugar for a sweeter one!"
Step 5 – Bottle It Up
- Ladle the hot Yoo-Hoo into hot 11oz bottles.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and caps — finger-tight.
💡 Pro tip: "11oz bottles are the perfect size for portion control!"
Step 6 – Process in Water Bath
- Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Adjust for altitude if necessary.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
This recipe is safe for water bath canning due to the sugar content and proper processing. However, always follow safe canning practices from the USDA or your local extension service.
If you're unsure about canning, you can also store the Yoo-Hoo in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Step 7 – Cool and Store
- Remove bottles and cool on a dishtowel.
- Check seals — the lid should be concave and not flex.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- Refrigerate after opening.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy!
- Chill before serving.
- Shake well — the cocoa may settle.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
💡 Pro tip: "My kids would down a quart a day if not for the 11oz bottles!"
🍽️ How to Use Your Homemade Yoo-Hoo
🍫 Ways to Enjoy
- 🥛 Classic Cold: Serve ice cold straight from the bottle
- 🧊 Over Ice: Pour over ice for extra refreshment
- ☕ Warm: Heat gently for a warm chocolate drink
- 🍦 Milkshake: Blend with ice cream for a milkshake
- 🥤 With Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream
- 🍫 Chocolate Milk: Thin with milk for chocolate milk
💡 Pro tip: "Homemade Yoo-Hoo is also amazing in coffee for a mocha!"
🎁 As a Gift
- 🎁 Gift Basket: Add to a hot cocoa gift basket
- 🏷️ Label It: "Homemade Yoo-Hoo"
- 🎀 Perfect For: Kids, teachers, and chocolate lovers
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Up to 1 week
- 🍼 11oz bottles: Perfect for portion control
💡 Pro tip: "Shake well before serving — the cocoa may settle!"
💡 Pro Tips
- 🍫 Adjust to taste: Add more cocoa for richness, more sugar for sweetness.
- 🥛 Use powdered milk: It dissolves easily and stores well.
- 🍼 Use 11oz bottles: For portion control and kid-friendly servings.
- 🌿 Add vanilla: It enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 🧂 Don't skip salt: It balances the sweetness.
- 🫙 Use new lids: Old lids may not seal properly.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and contents on every bottle.
💡 Pro tip: "Finally made the yoo-hoo! Used extras for our taste!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use fresh milk instead of powdered?
Yes, but fresh milk won't can well. Powdered milk is best for canning.
❓ How long does homemade Yoo-Hoo last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I use less sugar?
Yes, adjust to your taste. Sugar helps with preservation.
❓ Is this safe for water bath canning?
Yes, when made with powdered milk and processed properly.
❓ Can I add other flavors?
Yes! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a Mexican chocolate twist.
❓ Why 11oz bottles?
Portion control! My kids would down a quart a day otherwise!
❓ Can I make this without canning?
Yes, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
❓ Can I use a different type of milk powder?
Yes, but non-fat dry milk works best.
❓ What if my Yoo-Hoo separates?
Shake well before serving — the cocoa may settle.
❓ Will I ever buy Yoo-Hoo again?
Probably not! Homemade is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ HOMEMADE YOO-HOO CHOCOLATE DRINK ║
║ Finally Made It – Rich, Creamy & Kid-Approved! ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 8-10 (11oz bottles) | TIME: ~30 minutes | PROCESS: 15 min
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INGREDIENTS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INSTRUCTIONS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
1. Prepare water bath canner, bottles, and caps.
2. Combine powdered milk, cocoa, sugar, salt, and cornstarch.
3. Heat water in a large pot. Whisk in dry mixture until smooth.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
5. Ladle into hot 11oz bottles, leaving 1/2" headspace.
6. Wipe rims, add lids and caps.
7. Process in water bath for 15 minutes.
8. Cool, check seals, and store.
9. Chill and shake well before serving.
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
PORTION CONTROL! 🍼
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
"Finally made the yoo-hoo! Used extras for our taste.
I bottled in 11oz bottles for portion control...
my kids would down a quart a day if not! Lol." ❤️
© CanningRebels — Homemade Yoo-Hoo Chocolate Drink
Comments