This dairy free hot chocolate is actually thick and creamy, full of deep chocolate flavor, and made vegan with natural ingredients. It's the coziness in a mug kids and adults a like will want to sip on all winter long.
Dairy-free Hot Chocolate
As chocolate's number 1 fan-girl, nothing sounds better than sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate on a brisk chilly day. But not just any hot chocolate, thick, creamy, swoon-worthy hot chocolate. Which is exactly what we have here!
This coconut milk hot chocolate is actually thick and not watered down like the typical dairy free hot chocolate. The coconut milk works like whole milk in traditional hot chocolate in that is has a creamy consistency with some added fat to make it decadent treat. Trust me, after this homemade vegan hot chocolate, you'll never go back to those packets of hot cocoa mix again.
If you're also team chocolate, check out my chocolate espresso martini and skinny peppermint mocha!
My salted caramel oat milk latte and maple almond milk latte need to be on your fall drink list too!
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Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients
This hot chocolate only requires a few simple dairy-free pantry staples. It's probably the best part about this recipe! You can go from craving to a warm cup in hand in no time!
- Chocolate chips - Contrary to most hot chocolate recipes, we use real chocolate. I like a very deep chocolate flavor so I use a 80% cacao chocolate. If you prefer your hot chocolate a little lighter, use a lower % chocolate chip. Make sure to use dairy free chips to make this recipe vegan.
- Coconut cream - You can use a can of coconut cream or use the thick creamy part on top of a can of full-fat coconut milk. No, there will not be a strong coconut flavor, I promise!
- Dairy free milk - This adds some bulk to the hot chocolate. The combination of dairy free milk and coconut cream provide the perfect mount of creaminess. Any non-dairy milk will work - almond, oat, etc. Make sure it's unsweetened and plain.
- Maple syrup - To sweeten. If you like your hot chocolate a little more sweet, add an additional tablespoon until you reach your desired sweetness. Substitute with honey or agave if desired.
- Cocoa Powder - Used to add the chocolate flavor. Make sure to use high-quality cocoa powder. This one is my favorite and provides some serious dark chocolate flavor.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Hot Cocoa
Guys, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires one pot. Probably a blessing and a curse at the same time.
Step 1 : Melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate chips to a pot and heat over low-heat until they're smooth and melted.
Step 2 : Pour in the milk. Add the dairy free milk and coconut cream to the pot and stir gently to combine. The chocolate should start to loosen up and the mixture will look like chocolate milk after a few minutes.
Step 3 : Add remaining ingredients. Stir in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla and let everything cook for a few minutes. You will want to stir occassionaly to prevent burning. Once the cocoa powder is dissolved in the mixture and it has thickened up, the hot chocolate is done.
Step 4 : Serve! Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with toppings.
Dairy Free Hot Cocoa Variations
- Add ⅛ teaspoon (very tiny splash) of peppermint extract for a candy cane flavoring.
- Add ½ tablespoon creamy nut butter (like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter) for a chocolate nutty twist.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice for a hint of citrus.
- Add 1 Tbsp caramel sauce for an elevated flavoring.
Tips for Making Non Dairy Hot Chocolate
Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure your hot chocolate hits the spot every time!
- Make sure to use high-quality coconut milk. Unfortunately, all coconut milk is not created equal. You want to use a coconut milk that has a nice thin layer of cream on top. Light coconut milk will not work for this recipe. My favorite tried and true brands are Thai Kitchen, Native Forest, and Whole Foods.
- Whisk well. To ensure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, you'll need to whisk well until the texture is smooth.
- Stir pretty consistently to prevent burning. Keep the burner on low heat the entire time.
Vegan Hot Chocolate Topping Suggestions
There are endless topping possibilities when it comes to hot chocolate. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Marshmallows - You can't go wrong with the classic. Use mini marshmallows or the jumbo sized ones for a little something extra.
- Chocolate chips or shavings - If you need even more chocolate flavor in your cup, add a sprinkle of chopped chocolate on top 😉
- Peppermint - For some added holiday cheer, add a candy cane or peppermint stick to the mug.
- Whipped cream - Another classic hot chocolate topping. Use coconut whipped cream to make this dairy free.
- Cayenne - If you want to add a nice kick to the drink, whisk in a pinch of cayenne to the pot.
Frequently asked questions
I find coconut milk to be the best alternative. It has a higher fat content than most other dairy free milks which ensures a creamy consistency.
My favorite non dairy chocolate is Enjoy Life.
No, unfortunately Nestle's hot chocolate mix does contain dairy ingredients.
This is a matter of personal preference. I prefer hot chocolate made with milk which makes it creamy. When it's made with water, it's thinner and you lose some of the chocolate flavor.
For more chocolate goodness, check out my:
PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!
Recipe
Vegan Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips - dairy free
- 2 cups dairy free milk - plain and unsweetened, I used almond milk
- ⅓ cup coconut cream - this is the thick part at the top of a can of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup - you can also use honey or agave
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings - marshmallows, chopped chocolate, cinnamon, etc.
Instructions
- Add the chocolate to a pot and heat on the stove over low heat, stirring consistently until melted.1 cup chocolate chips
- Add the dairy free milk and coconut cream and stir gently to combine.2 cups dairy free milk, ⅓ cup coconut cream
- Stir in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Let the hot chocolate cook for 3 - 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cocoa is fully incorporated.1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Serve the hot chocolate warm with desired toppings and enjoy!Optional toppings
We made this today since it was a semi cold day and my kids were head over heels for it! It was easy to make too. Thanks Ansley!
Hi Loren! That sounds so fun! I'm glad it was a hit with the kids.