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    Home » Beverages

    Published: Nov 24, 2021 · Modified: Jul 19, 2022 by Kayla · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Vegan Hot Cocoa

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I've been making this Vegan Hot Cocoa recipe for years, even before I was dairy free. I've made a couple of swaps since then to make it not only dairy free, but refined sugar free as well. This version is just as delicious as the original and I'm happy to share it with you!

    A white mug filled with vegan hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows and grated chocolate.

    Even still when I make one batch of this, my husband always begs me to make double because it's seriously so addicting. You can't get this kind of flavor from a packet. It only takes few ingredients and a few minutes of your time. It's absolutely worth it!

    Jump to:
    • 📝Ingredient Notes
    • 🥛Substitutions/ Variations
    • ✅Instructions
    • 🧊Storing
    • ❓Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other beverages you may like:
    • 📖 Recipe
    Ingredients to make vegan hot cocoa.

    📝Ingredient Notes

    Unsweetened cocoa powder- I like to use cacao powder, it's a little less processed than cocoa powder but either is fine to use.

    Unsweetened/ unflavored almond milk- I like to use my homemade almond milk because it has no after taste and is just simply delicious. If you've read any of my blog posts, you know this is what I use for just about all of my baking and cooking. For a good reason, too!

    🥛Substitutions/ Variations

    Almond milk- Use your favorite tasting unsweetened/ unflavored plant milk of your choice. Some other good options are oat milk, homemade cashew milk or coconut milk (from the carton, not canned).

    Peppermint extract- Try a few drops (or to taste ) of peppermint extract for a peppermint hot chocolate.

    Caramel hot cocoa- Add a little bit of vegan caramel in your hot cocoa and maybe a drizzle on top!

    Mocha hot cocoa- Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the dry mix of the cocoa mix.

    Mexican hot cocoa- Mexican hot cocoa uses spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder and cayenne powder. You can add ½  teaspoon of cinnamon powder, ½  teaspoon of chili powder ( or to taste), a dash of nutmeg and optionally, a pinch of cayenne for a little more heat.

    ✅Instructions

    In a pot, mix the dry ingredients.

    Dry ingredients for vegan hot cocoa in a stainless steel pot.

    Add water, mix it together and bring it to a boil while whisking. Then briefly remove from heat so that the mixture does not burn.

    Dry ingredients mixed with water and boiled. A stainless steel whisk is sitting in the pot.

    Next, add the almond milk and then the pure maple syrup.

    Pouring non-dairy milk into the stainless steel pot of hot cocoa.

    Heat the hot cocoa until it is the temperature you like, but do not let it boil. If it boils for a prolonged amount of time it will become thick.

    Remove from the heat, add the vanilla, stir and serve.

    Homemade vegan hot cocoa in a stainless steel pot.

    You can optionally top with vegan marshmallows, or regular if you are not vegan, as well as dairy-free shaved dark chocolate for a beautiful and delicious addition.

    Enjoy!

    Extra marshmallows in a white mug of vegan hot cocoa with grated melted chocolate on top.

    🧊Storing

    Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container/glass bottle (such as a carafe or large mason jars) for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or slowly in a pot over the stove on medium-low heat.

    ❓Frequently Asked Questions

    Is vegan hot chocolate healthy?

    Healthy is a relative term. I consider this recipe to be a healthier alternative because it's refined sugar-free as it uses pure maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is a little bit lower on the glycemic index and contains some antioxidants. In comparison to refined sugar, which has no nutritional value, it does appear as a healthier option. However, it's important to still consume it in moderation.

    Is vegan hot chocolate dairy free and vegetarian?

    The term vegan refers to being free of all animal products. So, yes. This vegan hot chocolate is dairy free and vegetarian.

    One important note for vegans and vegetarians is to make sure you use marshmallows that are vegan. Regular marshmallows are made with either egg whites or gelatin.

    Does vegan hot cocoa have caffeine?

    Yes. Cocoa powder naturally contains caffeine.

    Can you make this recipe in the crockpot?

    Yes. Just scale up this recipe for the amount you will need and then keep it warm in the crockpot. Stir before serving.

    Do you have to add salt to the hot cocoa?

    The salt adds a good balance of flavor with the chocolate. It doesn't leave a salty taste. This recipe uses a coarse kosher salt. Coarse kosher salt doesn't typically measure the same as fine salt. So if you are using a fine salt, you may want to add less salt.

    Where can you get dairy-free whipped cream and vegan marshmallows?

    SoDelicious and Reddi-whip make a dairy-free whipped cream. I am able to purchase these at my local Walmart. I'm unsure of local stores that sell vegan marshmallows; however, you can find some from Amazon.

    Other beverages you may like:

    Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Healthy Vegan Chocolate Milk

    If you try this Vegan Hot Cocoa, please leave a review and let me know if you enjoyed it! Also, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thedairyfreemenu. I'd love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    A white mug filled with vegan hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows and grated chocolate.

    Vegan Hot Cocoa

    Kayla
    This Vegan Hot Cocoa is incredibly addictive and will easily become your go to hot cocoa recipe. It's the best traditional tasting hot cocoa as it's the perfect balance of richness, sweetness and lusciousness.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 7 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 159 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
    • ½ cup pure maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
    • ⅓ cup water
    • 4 cups unsweetened/ unflavored almond milk
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a saucepan, mix the dry ingredients.
    • Add water, mix it together and bring it to a boil while whisking. Then briefly remove from heat so that the mixture does not burn.
    • Add the almond milk and the pure maple syrup, then whisk to combine.
    • Heat until the hot cocoa is the temperature you like, but do not let it boil. If it boils for a prolonged amount of time it will become thick. 
    • Remove from heat, add the vanilla, stir and serve.
    • You can optionally top with vegan marshmallows, or regular if you aren't vegan, as well as shaved dairy-free dark chocolate for a beautiful and delicious addition. 
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • If you aren't using a coarse salt, and your salt is fine, consider adding a little bit less. Coarse salt and fine salt do not typically measure the same. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 622mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gCalcium: 352mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword dairy free hot cocoa, vegan hot chocolate, vegan hot cocoa
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Note: Nutrition label is just an estimate. Amounts may vary.

    More Beverages

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    Kayla Daniels.

    HEY THERE! I'M KAYLA.

    I make delicious food that just so happens to be dairy free. It's my goal to help make you excited about what you can eat! So here's a menu of options. Enjoy!

    More about me →

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    • Dairy-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup
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