Rich creamy vegan hot chocolate made with non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in less than 5 minutes and so easy to make.
Is there anything better when the weather starts to turn cold than curling up with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter night? I think not!
You might be even asking yourself, “Can you get vegan hot chocolate?” Trust me, all your questions will soon be answered and I guarantee you will be more than satisfied.
I feel very confident in saying this is the best and only vegan hot chocolate recipe you will ever need or want. And, if find yourself wanting more chocolate, try my easy vegan chocolate truffles and vegan chocolate ganache. Drool…worthy!
First, let me start by saying this ain’t some fancy French drinking chocolate. Nothing wrong with that. But I ain’t got time for 20 ingredients and 2 hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple, delicious, and requires cheap ingredients. Yeah, baby!
If you’ve been craving a blast from your past just wait until you taste this amazing cup of hot cocoa. Not only is it decadent it’s also healthy. You’re sure to get all warm and fuzzy in the happiest parts of your uttermost lower food regions.
Can Vegans Drink Hot Chocolate?
Yes, yes, and yes! And, it can also be healthy which is why this recipe is so awesome. It uses only a few very basic ingredients and the taste is absolutely amazing!
Serve this up and I guarantee no one will know it’s not only vegan but good for them as well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are 4 simple ingredients to make the world’s easiest and best vegan hot chocolate.
- Dairy-Free Milk: I used unsweetened almond milk in this recipe. Other delicious options would be cashew milk, creamy oat milk, or soy milk. Try making your own, it’s much better. You can click on the links I just mentioned for the recipes.
- Cocoa Powder: I like using raw cacao but any unsweetened cocoa powder will work just fine.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The perfect sweetener. Maple syrup has a buttery richness you just can’t get from table sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor that sets perfectly with the chocolate and maple.
How To Make The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate
This is the best dairy-free hot chocolate recipe. So simple, creamy, and has a deep rich chocolate flavor. Not too sweet, not too bitter. It’s just right.
NOTE: you can find a more detailed list of ingredients and instructions with amounts and nutrition info at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
- Add the milk to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Once the milk is hot add the remaining ingredients and whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps from the cocoa.
- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.
That’s all there is to it! A delicious cup of hot cocoa that is ready in less than 3 minutes using only 4 ingredients. It doesn’t get much easier.
What Plant-Based Milk Is Best For Vegan Hot Chocolate
Truthfully, it’s all about what you like. But, different types will yield slightly different results. I love using my own homemade almond milk, oat milk, and cashew milk.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: If you want to keep things on the lighter side, unsweetened almond milk is best.
- Oat Milk: perfect for creating a silky smooth texture while keeping it light as well.
- Cashew Milk: personally, this is my favorite. It’s thick, creamy, and makes the most amazing vegan hot chocolate.
- Canned Coconut Milk: if you are looking for more of a “drinking chocolate” this is your best option. It will give you that characteristic thick texture with a very decadent flavor. But, keep in mind, it’s also the highest in fat so enjoy sparingly.
Can I Make Vegan Hot Chocolate With Just Water?
Yes, you totally can, but it’s a bit thin and more like sweet chocolate water. But, if your goal is to keep the calories down while enjoying chocolate this may be your thing.
All you need to do is replace the plant-based milk with an equal amount of water and follow the same instructions.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan hot chocolate is perfect by itself. But, try adding some of these delicious additions to make for an unbelievable hot cocoa experience.
- A generous dollop of vegan coconut whipped cream. Oh, baby, I am in heaven!
- Pinch of salt or chili powder.
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon and a drop of peppermint extract.
- Make it extra thick and creamy by adding two tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk while it’s on the stove.
- Sprinkle with cocoa powder and non-dairy chocolate chips.
- And, for special occasions, a couple of vegan marshmallows never hurt anybody.
The Best Toppings For Vegan Hot Cocoa
Check out these healthy plant-based toppings for your next cup of delicious hot cocoa. Yes, this delicious hot chocolate is perfect all by itself but when it’s a special occasion these little extras just take everything over the top.
- drizzle of date caramel
- cacao nibs
- a drizzle of melted creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- sprinkled with cinnamon
- crushed cashews, walnuts, or pecans
- top with melted chocolate chips
More Vegan Chocolate and Holiday Recipes
I hope you enjoy this vegan hot chocolate recipe. It’s rich, creamy, decadent, and so delicious. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!
How To Make Vegan Hot Chocolate
What's better than a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This recipe is rich, creamy, and easy. Learn how to make healthy vegan hot chocolate here.
- Total Time4 minutes
- Yield1 cup 1x
- DietVegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the milk to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Once the milk is hot add the remaining ingredients and whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps from the cocoa.
-
Serve hot in your favorite mug.
Optional Topping Suggestions
- Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream
- Non-dairy Chocolate Chips
- A pinch of sea salt, cinnamon, or chili powder
Notes
Be sure and let the milk heat up before the remaining ingredients. The cocoa powder mixes better once the milk is hot.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12.5 g
- Sodium: 189.7 mg
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This is delicious as is but recently I have started replacing maple syrup with date paste I make myself. 1:1 ratio usually works great. Thanks for all you do to keep us on track with plant based eating!
I have made this numerous times using cashew milk from my almond cow. It’s the absolute best! Being vegan I can always count on your recipes. Every week we have fellowship dinners at our church. I am known for bringing the best vegan dishes. A lot are your recipes. I have a special digital file just of yours.
This is so delicious! I live in a divided household as far as plant based eating, so sometimes when my family is eating something I don’t want to have I make this and it satisfies my sweet tooth. Thank you so much!
Thank you!
This is one of my favorite recipes! I add vegan marshmallows.
Super simple and yummy. I put it all in a cup and heated in the microwave to save extra dishes. Easy to mix up a cup at a time.
Hi,
here is a microwave version with the same ingredients:
Put the cocoa powder and vanilla in a mug, add maple (or date) sirup and stir with a teaspoon until it is an even cream. You might add some drops of your “milk” for this. Then, fill the mug up and stir again.
There won’t be any lumps left. You can drink it cold or microwave until heated up.
No need to say- as always, one of Shane’s great recipes!
Delicious! So simple and tasty, perfection in a mug …..
Simple and delicious even without any additional toppings.
The best hot chocolate I’ve ever had- no joke!!! 🤎
So good! Great way to start the morning for extended energy through out the day! Thanks Shane for all your wonderful recipes!!!
Add a tiny, tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a cinnamon stick to stir it and you are in double heaven!!!
Your recipe reminds me of my dad. He would make hot coco for us when we were kids. Although what he made it with was not as healthy as yours. Have to remember it was in the 40″s and 50″s. I made your recipe and it is delicious! Thanks for the memories of my dad.
How did you know I was looking for hot chocolate today?? lol You’re the best – thank you!! 😊
Haha, I just sense these things. 🙂
Did this kind of hot chocolate for years, it is delicious! Adding vanilla is something I will try. Another added & addiction forming ingredient is candied ginger. I cut it into little pieces and add it in the cup to be scooped out with a small spoon. The best after dinner treat!
What’s better than a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This recipe is rich, creamy, and easy. Learn how to make healthy vegan hot chocolate here.