Healthy Hot Chocolate

Name: Healthy Hot Chocolate
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 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.