This dairy-free hot chocolate is just what you need to warm up on a chilly day. Made paleo friendly with coconut milk, real cacao, and coconut sugar. It's actually thick and creamy and full of deep chocolate flavor. It's the coziness in a mug you'll want to sip on all winter long!

Warm & Cozy Dairy-free Hot Chocolate

Ahh, hot chocolate season is finally here! Aka my favorite season. Aka I will take any excuse to drink liquid chocolate from a mug any day.

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 dairy-free hot chocolate is actually deliciously thick and not watered down like the typical dairy-free hot chocolate.

If you're also team chocolate, check out my chocolate espresso martini! It's the perfect post dinner libation.

What you need to make swoon-worthy dairy-free hot chocolate

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!

Coconut Milk - light coconut milk works best but you can also use full-fat if you prefer your hot chocolate on the thicker side.
Nut Milk - this adds some bulk to the hot chocolate. Any non-dairy milk will work - almond, oat, etc. Make sure it's unsweetened as we will sweeten it ourselves.
Coconut Sugar - to sweeten. If you like your hot chocolate a little more sweet, add an additional tablespoon until you reach your desired sweetness.
Cacao Powder - used to add the chocolate flavor. Make sure to use high-quality cacao powder. This one is my favorite and provides some serious dark chocolate flavor.
Vanilla - a little goes a long way. The vanilla actually amplifies the chocolate flavor and gives the milk a touch of flavor.
Nut Butter - this is what ensures a super creamy texture. Any nut butter will work, just make sure it's the creamy-style.
Toppings - what even is hot chocolate without toppings? These vegan marshmallows make great toppings! Other options include chocolate shavings, coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How to make hot chocolate at home

Guys, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires one pot. Probably a blessing and a curse at the same time.

First, heat the coconut milk , nut milk, and coconut sugar in a small pot over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
Once simmering, whisk in the cacao powder, vanilla, and nut butter. Stir until the cacao is completely incorporated and the mixture is thick and creamy.
Then, pour into mugs and top with toasted marshmallows and extra chocolate shavings if desired.

Paleo Hot Chocolate Tips

Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure your hot chocolate is swoon-worthy 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 works best for this recipe. M favorite tried and true brands are Thai Kitchen, Native Forest, and Whole Foods.
Whisk well. To ensure the cacao powder is fully incorporated, you'll need to whisk well until the texture is smooth.
Don't skip the nut butter. I know it may sound weird, but it adds a subtle creaminess to the hot chocolate.

More Chocolate Things

Swoon-worthy Dairy-free Hot Chocolate

Author: Ansley Beutler

Print Recipe

Description

This dairy-free hot chocolate is just what you need to warm up on a chilly day. Made paleo friendly with coconut milk, real cacao, and coconut sugar. It's actually thick and creamy and full of deep chocolate flavor. It's the coziness in a mug you'll want to sip on all winter long!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup coconut milk (light)
2 cups unsweetened nut milk
3 Tbsp coconut sugar
¼ cup cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp creamy nut butter
Optional toppings (toasted marshmallows, chopped chocolate, cinnamon, etc.)

Instructions

Heat the coconut milk, nut milk, and coconut sugar in a pot on the stove over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
Add the cacao powder, vanilla, and nut butter and whisk to incorporate.
Pour into mugs while warm, top with desired toppings, and enjoy!