Vegan Hot Chocolate

Vegan hot chocolate is just the ticket for a cold, snowy winter day. This recipe tastes decadent and feels a little fancy (especially when topped with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce!), but it’s actually super simple to make. Calling for ingredients you might already have on hand, you’ll combine everything on the stovetop and simmer for just a few minutes. Serve it with chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies or your favorite biscotti for an afternoon pick-me-up that’ll leave you feeling cozy and relaxed.

Ingredients for Vegan Hot Chocolate

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• Sugar: Because we’re using baking cocoa with this recipe, sugar helps to balance out the bold and extra bitter flavors. You can switch it up and use coconut sugar or even pure maple syrup, if you’d prefer.
• Baking cocoa: Use dark or regular, your choice.
• Vanilla almond milk: This is the liquid base for this recipe, but you can sub any type of vegan milk that you prefer.
• Vanilla extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract; if you don’t have any on hand, you can sub pure maple syrup, almond extract or honey.
• Optional toppings: Vegan marshmallows, vegan strawberry marshmallow creme, assorted sprinkles or this lovely vegan whipped cream.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the sugar and chocolate

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In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and dark baking cocoa; gradually whisk in the almond milk. Heat it until bubbles form around the sides of the pan, whisking occasionally.

Step 2: Add the vanilla and toppings

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Once bubbles have formed remove it from heat. Stir in vanilla. If desired, top with vegan marshmallows or other chosen garnishes.

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Recipe Variations

• Sub another non-dairy milk: If almond milk isn’t your thing, use coconut milk (canned coconut milk with all the fat is a delicious option), soy milk, hemp, cashew or even a blend of a few.
• Make it festive: Use peppermint extract in place of the vanilla extract for a cheerful holiday twist.
• Spike it: Spike your vegan hot chocolate with anything from bourbon or rum to Baileys or Kahlua.

How to Store Vegan Hot Chocolate

If you want to make a large batch to enjoy later, it’s actually quite simple to store. Just make the recipe, pour everything into a Mason jar and cap it.

How long does this vegan hot chocolate drink last?

Provided that you store it in an airtight container, you can enjoy your hot chocolate for up to one week. When you want it warm again, simply pour it into a pan and reheat until desired temperature has been reached.

Vegan Hot Chocolate Tips

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Can you use vegan chocolate chips instead of dark baker’s chocolate?

Yes. If you love your hot chocolate a little more on the sweet side and the vanilla and sugar just aren’t cutting it, swapping the baker’s chocolate for vegan chocolate chips is a fine option. Just be sure to melt the chips fully and stir well to combine.

Can I add protein powder to beef up this recipe?

Trying to make your macros? We got you. If you want to make your vegan hot chocolate recipe a little more filling, you can add your favorite vegan chocolate protein powder to the mix. You may need to add a bit more milk for the best consistency and taste but otherwise adding a protein powder works well here.

Could I turn this into an iced drink?

Yes. We recommend heating it at first to dissolve the sugar fully. Once it cooled, you can add ice to make this an ice chocolate drink that’s perfect for summertime. You can also add ice coffee if you need a little perking up.