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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!
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
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.
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.
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
Yes! I’ve tested a Peppermint Hot Chocolate with peppermint extract if you’d like a minty variation made from scratch.
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.
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.)
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.
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 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
If you try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it!
Is there any way to make this in the microwave instead of on the stove? We were going to try this at work, but we don’t have a stove!
I combined all the ingredients. Put it in a jug in the microwave, whisked it a few times and it was done in a few minutes and tastes great! Smooth and creamy hot chocolate
Just tried this tonight as I’m searching for a fall drink that’s good for my low carb diet. VERY yummy! Thanks so much!
Try adding 2 tbsp unsalted grass-fed butter and 1 tbsp coconut oil Makes a wonderful breakfast drink that lasts until lunch time. Even better than my old favorite – Hot Chocolate! I skip the vanilla and the salt.
This looks delicious! Can you use agave instead of the maple syrup?
I microwaved a cup of almond milk for 1 1/2 minutes then added the ingredients substituting the maple syrup with 1 tbsp of agave and it was REALLY good!
Just wondering, cacao or cocoa powder? 🙂
I almost always use cacao in my home, but either way tastes similar, for those who don’t want to spend the money on the more expensive stuff.
I just made this, it was so quick and easy, and tastes so yummy! I’m lactose intolerant, so this recipe was perfect 🙂 I had to add mini marshmallows on top though haha
Thank you ,thank you, thank you. This is fantastic!
I LOVE the glass jar you use to keep your almond milk in! Can you tell me where to get one?
That jar actually isn’t glass (this is an OLD picture), so I’ve replaced it with this glass jar that I love: http://amzn.to/1xmMENh
My mom and I just tried this hot chocolate and it is DIVINE! My mom is very picky when it comes to healthy alternatives to the classics she loves and this one was a total hit. Thank you for sharing! The best part is we already had all of the ingredients. Perfect for the fall and winter months when we want something warm and delicious to sip on. I made it exactly as the recipe says above. YUM!
sipping one right now, bit too sweet for me so i add extra almond milk, but i love it 🙂