This Easy Vegan Hot Chocolate recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes! It has a rich chocolate flavor, and it's made with simple and wholesome ingredients.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🍴Ingredient Notes
• Recipe Variations
• 🍴Step by Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• How to store leftovers
• Recipe Card
• Want more recipes?
• 💬 Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There is truly nothing better than homemade hot chocolate during the cold winter months! This recipe comes together in a few minutes and can easily be customized with your favorite dairy free milk, chocolate chips, and sweetener.

Unlike most store-bought hot chocolate packets, this recipe is made with only 6 simple ingredients. It’s a dairy-free delight that everyone—vegan or not—can savor!

If you love healthy hot chocolate recipes, you'll love my Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe!

🍴Ingredient Notes

• Almond Milk - You can swap for any unsweetened dairy-free milk like coconut milk, cashew milk, or oat milk. If you use a milk with added sweetness, you might want to modify how much coconut sugar you add in.
• Cacao Powder - I prefer using cacao powder because it's less processed, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder will work too!
• Coconut Sugar - Maple syrup will also work with this recipe.
• Chocolate Chips - I used Pascha dark chocolate chips, but you can use any dairy free chocolate chips you'd like! Enjoy Life, Hu Kitchen, and Alter Eco are also great brands!
• Vanilla Extract - I love adding vanilla extract into chocolate recipes to balance out the rich chocolate flavor.
• Salt - To bring out all the flavors, you'll need a pinch of sea salt. My go-to is Redmond Real Salt.

Recipe Variations

• Add in a shot of espresso for a kick of caffeine!
• For a boost of protein, try adding in a scoop or two of unflavored collagen.
• If you prefer your hot chocolate to be a bit sweeter, add extra coconut sugar or pure maple syrup.
• To give it a fun holiday twist, try adding in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
• Make a large batch in the slow cooker to serve at holiday parties!

🍴Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Add ingredients into Saucepan

Start by warming the almond milk in a saucepan on medium heat. Then add in the cacao powder, coconut sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Whisk Together

Whisk together for a few minutes on medium low heat until the texture is smooth and creamy. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Keep the temperature to medium-low to prevent the chocolate from burning at the bottom.
• Use a whisk to mix the ingredients together as it's simmering.
• Only simmer for a few minutes until the chocolate has melted.
• Taste test before pouring into your mug to ensure its sweet enough for you!
• If you're using coconut milk, I suggest trying light coconut milk in the can to avoid gums and fillers. It's usually only one ingredient!

Serving Suggestions

Because this is a hot drink, I suggest serving it in a ceramic or glass mug.

Hot Chocolate Topping Ideas

• Homemade coconut whipped cream
• Non-dairy whipped cream in the can
• Chocolate Shavings
• Mini marshmallows - They do make vegan marshmallows!
• So Delicious Coconut Whip - it reminds me of marshmallow fluff!

You can also use a milk frother to add a layer of frothy milk on the top.

For a fun twist, add frosting or chocolate to the rim of your mug and press into crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles! Both brands I linked are made without artificial colors!

How to store leftovers

This recipe is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, pour into an airtight glass container or mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To re-heat, add to a small saucepan and stir until it reaches your desired temperature.

More Winter Recipes!

After you make this Vegan Hot Chocolate, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

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