Warm up with a mug of the best homemade hot chocolate this winter! This vegan hot chocolate recipe is ultra-rich and creamy, made without dairy. Instead, I'll show you how to prepare this cozy drink with almond milk, coconut butter, and a dash of cinnamon spice. It's the ultimate cure for the winter blues!
From peppermint hot chocolate to maple sea salt hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate is my antidote to any chilly winter day. While my classic vegan hot chocolate recipe is dairy-free, it's just as smooth and decadent as cream-based recipes, thanks to a special ingredient: Coconut butter. This drink is so creamy and satisfying, I won't judge if you're sipping hot chocolate in the summertime, too!
What Makes This Vegan Hot Chocolate So Good
- Warm and cozy. Does anything beat the cold better than a mug of sweet, rich, creamy hot cocoa?
- Simple ingredients, great flavor. Cocoa powder, almond milk, and coconut butter create a rich, chocolatey base that's sweetened how you'd like and spiced with cinnamon.
- Thick and creamy, without dairy. Trust me, you won't even miss the dairy! This hot chocolate recipe also happens to be refined sugar-free.
Ingredients Needed
You don't need fancy ingredients or special equipment to whip up this comforting dairy-free hot chocolate recipe. Here's what you need to make it. Scroll to the recipe card below for the full, printable recipe amounts.
- Almond milk – Opt for plain, unsweetened almond milk to keep this a refined-sugar-free drink. You can also substitute oat, cashew, soy, or coconut milk if you prefer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Pure cocoa powder adds that essential chocolatey flavor. I use unsweetened cocoa powder as I prefer to sweeten my hot chocolate to taste.
- Coconut butter – This is the secret ingredient for truly creamy vegan hot chocolate. You won't taste a strong coconut flavor, but it adds a subtle nuttiness and plenty of body to the drink.
- Ground cinnamon – Optional, but highly recommended for a cozy, gentle spice to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
- Stevia or monk fruit extract – Use as much or as little sweetener as you'd like. You can also substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
How to Make the Best Vegan Hot Chocolate
To bring this vegan hot cocoa together:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Warm the contents until the coconut butter is dissolved and the milk is heated through.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, cozy up inside a blanket with a plate of ginger molasses cookies, and enjoy!
Optional Toppings
Want to add some flair to your mug of hot chocolate? Here are my favorite hot cocoa topping ideas:
- Vegan marshmallows
- Coconut whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or extra cocoa powder
- A candy cane
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unless you're making your own vegan hot chocolate recipe, most hot cocoa that you can buy is not vegan. To ensure it is, double-check that it's made with plant-based milk. Also, note that some powdered hot chocolate mixes contain evaporated milk powder to add creaminess.
Yes. This recipe serves two, so if you end up with extra hot cocoa, it stores well. Simply pour the cooled hot chocolate into a bottle or mug with an airtight lid and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, warm the hot cocoa on the stove in a saucepan until heated through.
More Cozy Vegan Drink Recipes
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or raw cacao)
- 2 tablespoons coconut butter
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Stevia or monk fruit extract to taste
Instructions
- Head the almond milk in a small saucepan.
- Once warm, whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder and coconut butter. Sprinkle in some cinnamon and stevia/monk fruit extract, based on your taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
