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If you’re hoping to make hot chocolate from scratch, you’re in luck, because this healthy hot chocolate tastes incredible. (And even better, it can be stirred together in minutes!)
What’s great about making homemade hot chocolate is that 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!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review
“This is the best healthy hot chocolate recipe. I’ve made it more times than I can count. It’s my go-to favorite.” -Christine
Healthy Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Milk. You can use any milk you prefer for this recipe, except for homemade oat milk (see the tip below). I prefer to use almond milk for dairy-free hot chocolate, but cashew, hemp, soy, or cow’s milk will also work.
- Cacao powder. I keep raw cacao powder in my pantry, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder will work flavor-wise as well. Research suggests that less processed cacao powder will have more antioxidants.
- Maple syrup. This natural sweetener shouldn’t be confused with processed pancake syrup. (Check the label when shopping— the only ingredient should be 100% pure maple syrup.) The maple flavor pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Vanilla extract. This is an optional add-in, but it will help boost the flavor.
- Salt. Just a pinch of salt will elevate the taste and balance out the sweetness.
Detoxinista Tip
Don’t use homemade oat milk for this recipe because it will thicken when heated. Store-bought oat milk often contains additives that prevent this, especially if you buy a “barista”-style option.
How to Make Healthier Hot Chocolate
Step 1:
Add the almond milk, unsweetened cacao or 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!)
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Step 2:
Carefully taste it, taking care not to burn your mouth, and make any necessary adjustments. Then pour it into a mug and add your favorite toppings.
Mini marshmallows, vegan marshmallows, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream are all delicious options. Or, try it with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
Storage Tips
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.
Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
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
More Recipes to Try
- Easy Chai Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- London Fog Drink
- Pink Drink
- Blue Milk (no food dye)
If you try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it.
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I made it today and it is so good! Merry Christmas!
I love this recipe so much. I’ve been making it for as long as I can remember. Now that’s it’s been snowy and cold where I live, it’s extra nice to enjoy a cup. I like to make mine with cashew milk. It’s delicious!!
Omg so good!! The right amount of chocolatey and sweetness. Yum!
Perfect! Veryyy chocolaty!
I made this by microwaving a bit of hot water in my mug for 30 seconds, whisking in the cocoa powder, then added all the rest- using soy milk- and microwaved for a minute and half. Delicious!
Yum! Followed the recipe & it turned out amazing! Cured my craving while feeling like I gave my body something good too 🙂
Can’t wait to try more recipes!
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
Wowza
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 !
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!