Cozy up to a cup of the best vegan hot chocolate…it’s rich, chocolatey, and perfect for a winter time treat! You won’t miss the dairy with this simple hot chocolate recipe.
Okay, it’s a cold fall morning…you’re chilly, and want a warm drink, maybe hot cocoa…but, oh no! You’re on a dairy free or plant-based diet. Now what?
Never fear, I have a super simple recipe for the best dairy free, vegan hot chocolate.
I LOVE hot cocoa. I don’t drink coffee, and hot cocoa was a staple item for me in the winter time. I would so look forward to hot chocolate from the coffee shop, but once I stopped eating dairy, that was no longer a part of my winter routine.
So I had to figure out how to make vegan hot chocolate at home. Thankfully, it’s surprisingly easy! Using just sugar, cocoa powder, and a non-dairy milk results in a delicious cup of vegan hot chocolate. And if you’re feeling extra festive, go ahead and add some vegan marshmallows or a candy cane thrown in just for fun.
Is there a dairy free hot chocolate?
Yes, you can go ahead and make hot chocolate with a non-dairy milk – it will be delicious.
Can you heat coconut milk or almond milk?
Yes, you can heat non-dairy milk the same way that you can heat regular milk.
How do you make vegan hot chocolate?
- Simply heat non-dairy milk in a pan on the stove until it’s steaming.
- Add the cocoa powder and sugar, and stir well until it’s smooth and combined.
- Pour into cups, and top with vegan marshmallows or coconut whipped cream if desired.
Can you make vegan hot cocoa in the microwave?
Yes, you can make a cup of vegan hot cocoa in the microwave. Simply microwave a cup of non-dairy milk, then stir in a heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder and a tablespoon of sugar. Top with marshmallows and enjoy!
Are marshmallows vegan?
Many marshmallows contain gelatin, which is an animal product, so they aren’t vegan. Dandies brand marshmallows are vegan, and there are a few other brands that are vegan. Read more about it here.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate.
This vegan hot chocolate is rich and warming, and a wonderful treat on a chilly day!
Ingredients
- 3 cups non-dairy milk Use any non-dairy milk that suits your dietary needs.
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- vegan marshmallows optional
Instructions
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Heat the non-dairy milk in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. You do not want to boil it.
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Whisk in your cocoa powder, and then your sugar. Whisk until it is smooth without any lumps.
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Pour into mugs and top with vegan marshmallows if desired.
Recipe Notes
You can use any non-dairy milk that works for your dietary needs. Try soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk, or coconut milk.
We like to use So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk beverage.
Of course, you can use any kind of dairy free milk that works for your diet. I used to prefer almond milk, because it has a nice creamy texture, but now we have nut allergies to deal with.
Thankfully, any non-dairy milk will work in this recipe. You can try coconut milk, soy milk, hemp milk – any plant-based milk will be fine.
If you would rather use a different sweetener, that would be just fine. You can make this recipe with date sugar, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. You could even make this vegan hot cocoa with maple syrup or agave syrup if you wish. I haven’t tried it with sugar substitutes, so if you try that, let me know how it works for you.
This vegan hot cocoa is:
- simple to make
- delicious and rich
- perfect for warming up after playing in the snow
Enjoy this hot cocoa with a sweet treat like these toasted coconut chocolate chip cookies).
This post is part of my series, 31 Days of Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Egg Free Comfort Food.
Sue
I use pure maple syrup instead of sugar. It is great!
Rachael
I just made this! It was sooooo yummy! Thank you for posting. Also, I love your cup.
Pam
Wonderful, easy recipe.
I love the fox mug. Where did you find it?
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Teresa
Oh yes this is happening, just got a couple bags of vegan marshmallows in the mail today!
Kelly
Yay! Enjoy!
Eileen
if you add a dollop of Trader Joes coconut creme it is exquisite!!!
Kelly
Sounds yummy!
Maureen
Super yummy and easy! Thank you!
Christine
Starbucks will make your Hot Chocolate with Soy milk if you request it. If you also say that you do not want whipped cream on top, it then becomes totally vegan. That being said, I also make an almond milk hot chocolate at home just like you do and it is delish!
eunises
Can you please tell me what brandas of.coco mix work? I always have.trouble
Kelly
I used pure unsweetened cocoa – either the Hershey brand or the Nestle brand is very good!
Brooke
adorable mug! May I ask where you purchased it?
Kelly
The brand is Danica Studio, and I bought it at a local store, but here are some different designs on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=danica+studio+mug&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adanica+studio+mug
TJ {Sugar Blossoms}
Hi there! I wanted to let you know I featured you on Sugar Blossoms today. Stop by and check it out! http://sweetsugarblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/10/18-amazing-hot-cocoa-recipes.html
Cassandra Tomlinson
Sounds like a great recipe, will have to try soon. Love the mug too, by the way!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Oh, good! I’m glad you don’t have to give up your hot cocoa. It’s my (year-round) drink of choice, too, so cheers to both of us!
Kelly
No, I can’t go without cocoa! :)
Janelle
Yes – it’s time for hot chocolate again! Yum. And, what a cute fox mug. :)