Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate

Close up of a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream on a small plate with a spoon and a small whisk.

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

Prep Time2

Cook Time5

Total Time7

Course: Drink

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Author: Deryn Macey

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

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. 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