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This homemade vegan hot chocolate recipe is deliciously creamy and rich, and really easy to make. Top it with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder!
Featured with this recipe
This homemade vegan hot chocolate has a smooth creamy texture and a rich decadent chocolate taste! Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or have a dairy allergy, you can enjoy delicious hot chocolate all holiday season! This recipe is for one serving, but you can scale it up for as many people as you need.
Everyone loves a good hot chocolate and this vegan hot chocolate is no different! The rich chocolatey flavor, easy-to-make ingredients, and steps to make this homemade hot chocolate in minutes are why we love this delicious vegan recipe. Impress your friends and family with this homemade vegan hot chocolate recipe today!
Ingredients in Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate
These pantry staple ingredients are always on hand and simple to make vegan hot chocolate with! Stir together all your ingredients for a lighter warm drink. Warm up with this vegan hot chocolate recipe over and over again!
- Almond Milk – I used almond milk as the base for this recipe because it is commonly found and it doesn’t have an overpowering taste. You can also make it with Oat Milk.
- Full Fat Coconut Milk – Full fat coconut milk gives vegan hot chocolate a very creamy texture. This recipe uses just the right ratio of almond milk to coconut milk so you won’t taste the coconut at all.
- Cocoa Powder – For that rich chocolatey goodness!
- Sugar – We start with just a teaspoon of sugar, but add more if your heart desires!
- Vanilla Extract – Adds more depth of flavor to the vegan hot chocolate.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips – You can find these in most grocery stores in the baking aisle. You can also use cacao nibs.
- Salt – Just a little salt to balance out the sweetness!
- Coconut Whipped Cream – Make your own or use Reddi Whip Coconut Milk Whipped Topping to give this homemade vegan hot chocolate that extra touch of goodness!
How to Make Easy Vegan Hot Chocolate
For all those chocolate lovers, this recipe is just for you! Vegan hot chocolate mix is a simple blend that is heated together making an unforgettable drink that kids to adults love! In a matter of minutes, you will have a batch of delicious hot chocolate ready to enjoy!
- Blend – Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Heat – Place blended mix into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is warm. Whisk frequently. Do not boil.
- Serve – Pour hot chocolate into a mug.
- Toppings – Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Variations
Try all the variations for this homemade vegan hot chocolate recipe! It is full of flavor and gives an extra rich chocolatey taste to each mug full of hot chocolate. Let us know in the comments when variation is your favorite!
- Non-dairy milk – Instead of almond milk, use another dairy-free milk or plant-based milk like soy milk, cashew milk, or oat milk.
- Syrup – Add a drizzle of vegan caramel or chocolate syrup on top.
- Seasonings – Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Extra chocolate – Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips on top or swap cocoa powder for Dutch cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. These almost taste like a dark chocolate combination!
- Flavors – Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract and also top with crushed peppermint candies for Peppermint Vegan Hot Cocoa.
- Marshmallows – Top with vegan marshmallows or mini-marshmallows.
- Mexican hot chocolate – Stir in some chili powder for Mexican hot chocolate.
- Low sugar – If you want a low-sugar hot chocolate, then use an artificial sweetener like Stevia.
Recipe Tip
If you like your hot chocolate sweeter, then add a little more sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup to your mug.
FAQs
Homemade vegan hot chocolate is made of dairy-free milk, cacao powder, chocolate, and a sweetener. Whisk until combined and then heat up. It is that simple!
It is actually easier than you think! Thicken your vegan hot chocolate by using cornstarch. It sounds different because this is what you do with stews and sauces to thicken them but it also works for this homemade vegan hot chocolate recipe.
In this recipe we use a blend of almond milk and coconut milk. That is my favorite combination. However, oat milk is also a great option because of how creamy it is.
Swiss Miss hot chocolate is not vegan. It uses whey powder and powdered milk.
No, almond milk stays smooth, especially when you cook it at a low temperature.
Storing the Best Vegan Hot Chocolate
Any leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days long. Place in an airtight container or mason jar to easily pour it back into a mug for reheating. When ready to reheat, place in the microwave or stovetop on low to medium until it is warmed through.
Read Next: How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
Warm up to a delicious cup of hot chocolate this winter season! These hot cocoa mixes are the perfect blend of sweet and savory with all the warmth you need. Try all the fun flavors and enjoy the delicious variations each mix has!
How to Make Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate
Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk Thai Kitchen is my favorite brand
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint extract
- 3 heaping tablespoons vegan chocolate chips
- pinch of salt
- whipped coconut cream for topping, Reddi Whip makes a great one!
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place blended mix into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is warm. Whisk frequently. Do not boil.
- Pour hot chocolate into a mug.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can scale this recipe up to feed more people.
- Make sure the hot chocolate does not boil. It will become too thick.
- Use organic sugar to ensure that your hot chocolate is fully vegan.
