Can I use canned coconut milk?

Yes, you can. If using canned coconut milk, I'd suggest light coconut milk, or half light or full-fat coconut milk and half unsweetened almond milk. I like using just a bit of full-fat coconut milk for a creamier, richer hot chocolate - something like 1.75 cups almond milk and 1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk. You can play around with the ratio. You can use all full-fat coconut milk if you like, I just find it a bit too heavy and rich for this recipe.

Can I use raw cacao powder?

Definitely! Raw cacao powder and processed cocoa powder are interchangeable in this recipe and both work well.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Name: Healthy Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened plain or vanilla almond milk (500 mL); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or raw cacao powder (15 g); 1-3 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste (15-45 g); 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (45 g); 1/8 tsp kosher salt, optional; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla almond milk); vegan whipped cream for topping, optional

Description

Healthier hot chocolate for a cozy winter drink! Whip up this yummy treat in 5 minutes with just a few simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened plain or vanilla almond milk (500 mL)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder or raw cacao powder (15 g)
1–3 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste (15–45 g)
3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (45 g)
1/8 tsp kosher salt, optional
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla almond milk)
vegan whipped cream for topping, optional

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Instructions

Heat the almond milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice) in a small pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Suggested to start with 1 tbsp sweetener then adjusting to taste after you melt in the chocolate.
Whisk to combine and break up any clumps of cocoa powder. Avoid coming to a boil and burning the milk, it should just be nice and steamy! You can enjoy the hot chocolate now or proceed to melt in the chocolate (recommended) for an extra decadent and delicious drink.
Once heated, add the chocolate chips or dark chocolate and whisk until all of the chocolate has melted and everything is combined and creamy.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with non-dairy whipped cream or vegan marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder and/or cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

Milk Options: You can use any dairy-free milk you enjoy. Try soy milk, half light coconut milk and almond milk, cashew milk or oat milk.

Sweetening Options: Maple syrup, agave syrup, yacon syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, date paste or syrup, stevia, etc. Start with 1 tbsp and sweeten to taste.

Low-Sugar/Healthier Option: For a healthier, low-calorie option, omit the added chocolate. It won’t be quite as rich and creamy but it’s still yummy!

Nutrition facts include 2 tbsp maple syrup. The recipe makes a generous serving for 2 people. If serving 3, each serving will be 158 calories. The recipe can easily be halved to serve 1. If you omit the chocolate, it’s just 100 calories per serving for 2 people.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
Calories: 237
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 337 mg
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 4 g

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Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition