Healthy Hot Chocolate

Name: Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup almond milk ((or milk of choice)); 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder; 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of fine sea salt

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This healthy hot chocolate recipe is naturally sweetened, but you’d never know just by tasting it. It can be prepared as quickly as a powdered mix!

hot chocolate overhead in two blue mugs with whipped cream on the side.

When you make homemade hot chocolate, you get to customize the flavor.

If you prefer a dark chocolate drink, you can add more cacao powder; if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can easily add more sweetness. A pinch of salt will help balance the flavor, and since you can taste this mixture as you go, it’s practically foolproof!

When you make this hot chocolate recipe with dairy-free milk, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and Paleo-friendly. However, you can also use cow’s milk or any other milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, try unsweetened almond or coconut milk. For extra protein, you can also use hemp, soy, or cashew milk.

I keep raw cacao powder in my pantry, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also work flavor-wise. Research suggests that less processed cacao powder will have more antioxidants.

milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt resting on a white board.

Detoxinista Tip

Don’t use homemade oat milk for this recipe because it will thicken when heated. Store-bought oat milk usually has additives that prevent this, especially if you buy a “barista”-style milk option.

How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate

Add the almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt to a small saucepan. Over medium heat on the stovetop, whisk the mixture often until it starts to simmer and the lumps dissolve.

As soon as the hot chocolate looks creamy and is as warm as you’d like, it’s ready to serve. (No need to bring it to a full boil, or it will be too hot to drink!)

cocoa powder and maple syrup whisked into milk in a small white saucepan.

Carefully taste it, taking care not to burn your mouth, and make any adjustments as needed. Then, pour it into a mug and add any toppings you love.

Mini marshmallows, vegan marshmallows, or a dollop coconut whipped cream are all delicious options. Or, try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.

healthy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It will separate when stored, but it will quickly come together again when whisked in a saucepan.

Looking for a make-ahead option?

Try my easy Hot Cocoa Mix, which can be stirred into hot milk and makes a great DIY gift idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different natural sweetener?

Yes! If you don’t need a vegan hot cocoa recipe, you can use honey, agave, coconut sugar, or any other sweetener you love. Zero-calorie sweeteners will require a different amount, so start with less and add more to taste as you go.

Can I make a peppermint hot chocolate?

Yes! I’ve tested a Peppermint Hot Chocolate with peppermint extract if you’d like a minty variation.

Can I use fruit to sweeten it?

I have a date-sweetened hot chocolate recipe made with hot water if you’d like to blend that together. (You’ll need a high-speed blender to help break down all the fiber in the dates.)

Is chocolate vegan?

Cocoa powder is vegan, but if you want to add chocolate chips or shaved chocolate on top, check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free.

Looking for more warm drink ideas? Try my easy chai latte, pumpkin spice latte, or cozy London Fog drink for more comforting treats.

healthy hot chocolate with melted whipped cream on top.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.95 from 115 votes

This healthy hot chocolate recipe is naturally sweetened, but you'd never know just by tasting it. It's just as fast to prepare as the store-bought packets!

prep1 min cook4 mins total5 mins

Servings:1

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Ingredients

1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir, using a whisk to break up any lumps. Keep stirring until it's smooth and reaches your desired warm temperature. (There is no need to bring it to a full boil.)
Carefully taste the hot chocolate and make any necessary adjustments. For a darker chocolate flavor, add an extra dash of cocoa powder. For more sweetness, add an extra splash of maple syrup.
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug right away and serve warm. Top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired, or any other toppings you love.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is for the whole batch, not including any optional toppings. This information is automatically calculated and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.

Milk Note: This recipe should work with any milk you love, except homemade oat milk, which can become slimy when heated. (Store-bought oat milk should be fine, though!)

Nutrition

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: healthy hot chocolate, vegan hot chocolate

If you try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.

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