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This EASY Vegan Hot Chocolate comes together in under 10 minutes, all in one pot, and requires just SIX simple ingredients! There’s nothing that I love more on a cold day than a nice hot cup of hot chocolate and THIS has quickly become my new favorite recipe.
Want more vegan chocolatey treats? Try out my Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, my simple Chocolate Avocado Pudding, OR my Vegan Hostess Cupcakes!
I’ve been on a HUGE hot chocolate kick the past few months. I’m kind of a huge baby about the cold and don’t do very well throughout winter (I really should just move to a perpetually warm and sunny place already). But you know what always makes winter a little more bearable?
This HOMEMADE VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: Almond butter and dark chocolate create a luxurious texture you’ll go crazy for!
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking. I’ve got suggestions below to customize this recipe!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with plant-based staples and no refined sugars.
- Quick and easy to Make: Ready in just 10 minutes!
I posted these Vegan Hot Chocolate Bombs a few weeks ago and while they’re truly delicious and so fun to make, they do take a while to put together. So, I love having this option for dairy-free hot chocolate recipe that I can throw together in under 10 minutes.
Let’s quickly walk through this…
Simple ingredients we’re working with
- Non-dairy milk– I tested this with both almond milk and oat milk and they both turned out great. I’m a huge fan of the thick and creamy texture that oat milk provides and highly suggest giving that a try. I also tried it out by mixing together oat milk with a little but of dairy free creamer to create an ultra-thick texture.
- Cocoa powder– whatever you have is perfect but I highly recommend a good quality cocoa powder.
- Vanilla- I tried this with almond extract as well and LOVED it. For a holiday spin on this recipe, you could also use peppermint extract but I suggest starting with just a couple of drops as it’s very strong.
- Sweetener– The recipe as written calls for coconut sugar but really any sweetener works from brown sugar to maple syrup. You could also try leaving this out all together and adding it in at the end and sweeten to desired taste.
- Chocolate– a love a dark chocolate in this but really anything works. Make sure it’s vegan chocolate it that’s important to you.
- Almond butter– adds a delicious creaminess to the drink but you could also leave this out if you don’t want the extra fat.
How to make Vegan Hot Chocolate:
This is SUPER easy but we’re going to walk through it.
In a small-medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and set over medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture begins to bubble around the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Cook until the chocolate is fully melted, combined, and the liquid reaches your desired temperature.
Pour into 2 mugs, top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream, and ENJOY!
Flavor Customization ideas
- Peppermint. Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty twist.
- Spiced Mexican. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
- Salted Caramel. Drizzle in some vegan caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Nutella-Inspired. Use hazelnut butter instead of almond butter and add a splash of hazelnut extract.
- Chai-Spiced. Blend in chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a cozy, aromatic drink.
- Orange. Add a splash of orange extract or some orange zest for a citrusy touch.
Expert Tips
- Stir constantly to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t burn.
- For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat oat milk or add a splash of coconut cream.
- Start with a small amount of peppermint extract if using, as it’s quite strong.
I’ve found vegan mini-marshmallows at most stores recently but if all else fails, Trader Joes has some really good ones so check there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a little water for a thicker consistency. Thick coconut milk/ cream
Oat milk provides the creamiest texture, but almond milk and soy milk are also great options.
Yes, but the drink will be less creamy. You could add a splash of coconut cream instead.
If you try this Vegan Hot Chocolate recipe or any other recipe on Food with Feeling, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe, and I would love to hear about your experience making it.
And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @foodwithfeeling!
Easy Vegan Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk, I tested this with almond and oat milk and both were great!
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, vegan as desired
- 3-4 tablespoons of coconut sugar or other sweetener of your choice, maple syrup would also be great!
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract*
- optional fro serving: vegan marshmallow
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium heat, combine all ingredients.
- Cook until it begins to bubble around the edges, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until it is heated to your desired temperature and thickened slightly.
- Pour into 2 mugs and serve with optional marshmallows or whipped cream! ENJOY!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
