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This healthy hot chocolate is a delicious, naturally sweetened recipe that comes together as quickly as the hot chocolate mixes from the store. And it tastes even better!

healthy hot chocolate in two white mugs.

Why You’ll Love It

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, and if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can easily add more sweetness.

A pinch of salt will help balance out 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 & Paleo friendly. But, cow’s milk or any other milk can be used for this recipe, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

healthy hot chocolate ingredients labeled in glass bowls.

For a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, try using unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. You can also use hemp milk or soy milk for extra protein, or cashew milk, if you’d like.

I tend to keep raw cacao powder in my pantry, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also work flavor-wise.

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

How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate

Add the almond milk, 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.

cocoa powder and almond milk mixed in a white saucepan.

As soon as the hot chocolate looks creamy and is as warm as you’d like, it’s ready to serve. 

Carefully taste it (don’t burn your mouth!) and make any adjustments, as needed. Then pour it into a mug and add any toppings you love. 

hot chocolate poured from a pan into a white mug.

Mini marshmallows, vegan marshmallows, or coconut whipped cream are all delicious options. Or try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, for a little spice.

Store leftover hot chocolate 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 you whisk it in a saucepan.

Looking for an easy make-ahead option? Try my Hot Cocoa Mix, which can be stirred into hot milk and makes a great DIY gift idea.

Frequently Asked Questions & Variations

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 made from scratch.

Can I use a different sweetener?

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

Can I use fruit to sweeten it?

I have a date-sweetened hot chocolate recipe made with hot water if you’d like to give that a try. (You’ll need a high-speed blender, in that case, 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, be sure to check the label to make sure 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 options.

hot chocolate poured from a pan into a white mug.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

4.95 from 103 votes
This healthy hot chocolate recipe is just as quick to prepare as the store-bought pouches, and it tastes even better! All you need is a few simple ingredients to get started.
prep1 min cook4 mins total5 mins
Servings:1

Ingredients
 
 

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 smooth and piping hot.
  • 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.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 328mg | Iron: 1mg
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!

Megan Gilmore leaning on her white countertop.

Megan Gilmore

Hi, I’m Megan. A former fast food junkie turned best-selling cookbook author. I create healthy recipes made with simple ingredients to make your life easier.

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Comments

  1. Just made this I didn’t have vanilla extract so used a tablespoon of ice cream and figured it would sweeten it up came out great thanks! Reminds me of a dark hot chocolate flavor

  2. amazing! used coconut milk and was able to add tiny bit more of salt and sugar for my pregnant taste buds lol thanks for fulfilling my craving !

  3. OH MY GOODNESS…. DEEEEEEELICIOUS!!! I made your healthy hot chocolate recipe with homemade cashew milk and added a sprinkle of cinnamon. It is so creamy and chocolatey. The best ending to this cold, rainy day. Thank you!