Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (2024)

This time of year I’m always CRAVING hot chocolate. That’s not anything new though. As soon as the winter months roll in, I try to get my hot chocolate fix in any way I can. Pile on the marshmallows plus homemade whipped cream and don’t forget that adorable cute cinnamon stick for stirring.

I’m all about that hot cocoa life. For years now I’ve been making this healthy hot chocolate recipe at LEAST 4x/week. Tony and I love it!

A couple of years back I started myself on a little quest to make a really, really freaking good HEALTHY hot chocolate that I could sip on while I binge-watch all the Christmas movies on Netflix. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this easy hot cocoa recipe.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (1)

Ingredients in healthy hot chocolate

I say, screw those Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix packets, my version is something you can feel good about sippin’ down. Here are the 4 (yes, four!) ingredients you’ll need for this healthy hot chocolate:

  • Milk: I like to use a combination of unsweetened almond milk and light coconut milk to keep the healthy hot chocolate dairy-free and ultra creamy. The coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and amazing flavor. I recommend using light coconut milk from the can. You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you’d like along with the coconut milk!
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli’s 100% cocoa. I think it has the best flavor for hot chocolate (and trust me, I’ve tried quite a few!)
  • Pure maple syrup: I love how delicious the maple syrup tastes in this recipe, plus it’s a natural sweetener. I recommend sticking with maple syrup and not swapping it for something like honey because the honey flavor will overpower the chocolate.
  • Vanilla extract: a splash of vanilla brings lovely flavor to the hot cocoa. Not completely necessary, but oh so good!

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (2)

What makes this hot chocolate healthier?

Traditional hot chocolate is made with full fat milk and/or half and half and lots of white sugar to make it creamy and sweet. While delicious and nostalgic, I wanted to make a healthy hot chocolate recipe with some more wholesome ingredients that you can enjoy even if you’re vegan or dairy free! This 4-ingredient healthy hot chocolate is:

  • Made with both almond milk and coconut milk to keep it vegan and dairy free
  • Naturally sweetened with only pure maple syrup

It took me a few times to perfect the recipe, but I truly believe that my healthy hot chocolate recipe is the BEST VEGAN & DAIRY FREE HOT CHOCOLATE EVER. It’s creamy, and perfectly sweet, with just the right amount of cocoa to keep it intense and rich-tasting.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (3)

Tips for making the best healthy hot chocolate

The best part about this dairy free hot chocolate recipe? How easy it is to make! I have a few tips for making it perfectly creamy and delicious:

  • Mix on low. Combine all of your ingredients in a small pot or small saucepan just over medium low heat.
  • Keep on whisking. Make sure to whisk continuously until smooth to get rid of any lumps from the cocoa powder.
  • Don’t let it boil. Be sure not to let the hot chocolate boil as the almond milk might burn and change the flavor — just whisk it until it’s nice and steamy.
  • Jazz up your mug. Remember to add your fav toppings! I love whipped cream, marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Want a nightcap?

Try adding 1 shot of amaretto to your hot chocolate for a little extra coziness! Tony LOVES it this way and it’s perfect for the holiday season.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (4)

How to make hot chocolate in your slow cooker

This delicious, healthy hot chocolate can be made on the stovetop or right in your slow cooker! To do so:

  1. Feel free to quadruple the recipe (x all ingredients by 4) so that it serves 8.
  2. Whisk ingredients together in the slow cooker
  3. Place your slow cooker on the warm setting and allow the cocoa to warm for 1-2 hours before serving!

More cozy treats to try

  • Chocolate Chunk Toasted Marshmallow Ginger Cookies
  • 24k Gold Vanilla Turmeric Latte
  • Rebecca’s Mulled Wine
  • One Bowl Gluten Free Gingerbread Snacking Cake

Get more of our dessert recipes here, and drink recipes here!

I hope you love this healthy hot chocolate recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (5)

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Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (6)

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

ServesServes 2 servings

My favorite delicious healthy hot chocolate recipe that's both vegan and dairy free! This dairy free hot chocolate recipe is made with a mix of both coconut milk and almond milk and is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup. The perfect nightcap during the chilly winter months!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup light coconut milk (from the can)
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Ghirardelli’s 100% unsweetened cocoa powder)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a small pot and place over medium low heat. Whisk vigorously to combine and to get rid of any lumps of cocoa. Do NOT let the hot chocolate boil or you risk burning the almond milk, which can turn the flavor into something you do not want. Simply warm in the pot until steamy, about 3-5 minutes.

  • Once hot chocolate is hot, remove from heat and pour into 2 mugs. Top with whipped cream, dairy free whipped cream, marshmallows or vegan marshmallows. Chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top are fun too! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

To make this recipe in the slow cooker: you can feel free to quadruple the recipe (x all ingredients by 4) so that it serves 8. Whisk ingredients together in the slow cooker and place on warm setting and allow to warm for 1-2 hours before serving to guests!

Optional: add a shot of amaretto into your hot cocoa before serving. My husband LOVES it this way and it makes a fun holiday cozy nightcap!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 166calCarbohydrates: 18.7gProtein: 1.8gFat: 10.2gSaturated Fat: 7.1gFiber: 2.6gSugar: 13.6g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by:Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on December 21, 2020, republished on December 15, 2021, and republished on December 17th, 2023.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (vegan & dairy free!) | Ambitious Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the best vegan milk for hot chocolate? ›

Coconut milk | This milk creates a creamy sweeter hot chocolate, this can add a slight taste of coconut. Soya | This milk is a very common plant based milk. This milk creates a slightly sweeter hot chocolate and you can taste the subtle flavour of the milk.

What's better hot chocolate with milk or water? ›

Although hot chocolate doesn't necessarily need an even more creamy, decadent taste, using milk certainly enriches the experience. We suspect that milk adds a creamier taste than water alone, and when combined with the notes of chocolate, the smooth undertones of the milk simply add a delicious backdrop.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in hot chocolate? ›

Rice Flour or Arrowroot Powder: These can act as thickening agents, similar to cornflour. Again, mix with a little cold liquid to create a paste and then stir into the hot chocolate.

Is hot chocolate healthy? ›

Hot chocolate can be a comforting and delicious treat, but it is important to remember that, like other sugary foods, it is also high in calories, sugar, and fat. If consumed in moderation, hot chocolate can be part of a healthy diet as it provides some essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Which plant-based milk is best in hot drinks? ›

The creamy nature of oat milk makes it perfect for coffee. We like it because it doesn't overpower the taste, unlike other milk alternatives for coffee or tea.

What replaces milk in vegan chocolate? ›

Vegan chocolates made with oat milk are an excellent alternative to milk chocolate made with dairy or nuts. Oat milk chocolate has a natural creaminess, reminiscent of traditional milk chocolate. Oat milk tends to be milder than nut milks, which gives room for the cocoa bean flavor to come through.

What can I use instead of milk in hot chocolate? ›

I recommend using light coconut milk from the can. You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential.

Should I drink coffee or hot chocolate? ›

Mood-boosting effects: Drinking hot chocolate has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress. A healthier option: Compared to coffee, hot chocolate contains less fat and calories and is a good source of antioxidants.

Can you make hot cocoa with water instead of milk? ›

All you need to make hot chocolate at home is cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water.

How do you thicken hot chocolate without milk? ›

You can use coconut cream to make it extra thick. I do not recommend using almond milk because it is much less creamy than coconut milk. However, I have had great success with Silk's almond/coconut blend! Chopped Chocolate.

What is a vegan substitute for cornstarch? ›

Arrowroot powder (also called arrowroot starch or arrowroot flour) may be extracted from the roots of several tropical plants, including cassava. Commonly used to add airiness to gluten-free and vegan desserts, it can also work as a thickening agent, just like cornstarch—but be aware that it's a touch more finicky.

What is the healthiest hot cocoa to drink? ›

Unsweetened almond milk (or any unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice, like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk) Unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder, which is raw chocolate powder) Honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up (use a natural sweetener so you can control the quality and amount of sugar)

What are the disadvantages of hot chocolate? ›

Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.

Is it OK to drink hot chocolate while on a diet? ›

While not a typical weight loss aid, hot chocolate can fit into a weight loss plan if consumed in moderation, made with low-calorie ingredients, and used as an occasional treat to satisfy sweet cravings. Opting for low-fat or plant-based milk and minimizing added sugars can help reduce its calorie impact.

Which vegan milk tastes most like milk? ›

The test made a few things clear: soy milk, at its best, tastes closest to cow's milk. Oat tastes like a sweetly nutty cereal milk while almond tastes like the water left in your sink after washing the breakfast dishes.

What is the best non-dairy milk to heat up? ›

In conclusion, when it comes to heating plant-based milk, soy milk and oat milk are the best options, while coconut milk can also be used without issue.

Which plant-based milk doesn't curdle? ›

Oat milk. With a range of barista grade oat milks available, this is probably the best choice when it comes to coffee. It froths beautifully, adds a creamy taste without overpowering the coffee, and doesn't leave a distinctive aftertaste. Most importantly – it's unlikely to curdle!

What is the creamiest vegan milk? ›

Oat Milk. Oat milk is perhaps the creamiest of all the plant milks. Its thick creamy texture means it's one of the closest plant-based milks to resemble dairy milk. Oat milk is quickly becoming a favorite non-dairy alternative to milk with popular brands like Oatly disrupting the traditional milk industry.

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