Nothing is better than a hot chocolate in the winter. You are in the right place! You have found a vegan treat that is tasty and good for you. Making a smooth, dairy-free hot chocolate does not take much work. We have all you need to make a delicious homemade winter classic. Choose from unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, and plant-based milk. Pair it with vegan marshmallows or chocolate shavings for that extra cosy vibe.
By the end of this post, you will have a reliable recipe for creamy cocoa. Find answers to common questions about making the best sugar-free, vegan hot chocolate.
The Health-Conscious Cocoa Revolution
Many hot chocolate recipes use refined sugar, dairy, and processed mixes. These tasty options are not great for anyone wanting to cut sugar or stick to a plant-based diet.
Our vegan, sugar-free hot chocolate is the healthier version you have been waiting for. Using maple syrup as a sweetener gives a natural touch. Cacao powder adds a rich, chocolatey flavour. Nondairy milk, such as oat, almond, or light coconut milk, completes the mix. This combination offers a guilt-free indulgence.
Now, let us get straight into it!
Vegan Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of powdered coconut milk (optional for coconut flavour)
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of nondairy milk (light coconut, unsweetened almond, or cashew milk works best!)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice like monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- Vegan marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Drops of peppermint extract for a peppermint hot chocolate twist.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered coconut milk, and a pinch of salt into a saucepan. Whisk in nondairy milk—we like light coconut or homemade oat milk! Do this on medium and slow. It could be oat, canned coconut, or plain almond milk—whatever tastes unsweetened.
- Heat and Sweeten: Finally, stir the mixture as it heats—it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to four minutes, depending on the microwave used. A drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to add that flavour dimension.
- Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, ensuring smooth lumps. In this step, you can add optional ingredients. Try drops of peppermint extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.
- Adjust and personalise: Taste and adjust the sweetness. You can use an optional sweetener, like organic cane sugar or monk fruit, if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour your hot chocolate into your favourite mug. Garnish with vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, or chocolate shavings for a decadent touch. Add a candy cane for a festive kick!
Top Tips for the Perfect Vegan Hot Chocolate
Choice of Milk:
- Choose light coconut milk for creaminess.
- Pick oat milk for smoothness.
- Try homemade nut milk for a personal touch.
- Experiment with milk alternatives to find your favourite!
- Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, reheat them on medium heat.
- Hot Chocolate in the Slow Cooker: Are you serving hot chocolate to a crowd? You can make this dairy-free hot chocolate and keep it warm for hours in a slow cooker. Keeping it warm to maintain the temperature without changing the flavour.
Wrap Your Hands Around Healthier Hot Chocolate
You can make a comforting and delicious drink with a few simple ingredients. It is easy to incorporate into your sugar-free, plant-based diet. Enjoy this vegan, sugar-free hot chocolate with a book or friends over. It will become your new favourite treat.
Feeling inspired? Share your creations using #VeganHotChocolate and tag us to showcase your masterpiece!
FAQs
Hot chocolate does not freeze well due to the separation of nondairy milk used, so it is best made fresh or stored in the fridge.
Yes. Prepare it in a slow cooker on low or warm settings for a party-friendly option.
By avoiding refined sugar, this version is more stable on blood sugar. Using sweeteners like monk fruit adds no added sugar impact.
Add 2-3 drops of peppermint extract while heating the mixture for a refreshing, minty twist.
Yes! Add a vegan protein powder or collagen powder for additional protein.
A natural sweetener like monk fruit sweetener or organic cane sugar also works excellently. Maple syrup is our favorite.
Absolutely. Melted dark chocolate bars can bring a more profound, decadent richness to your hot chocolate.
Not exactly, but it enhances the coconut flavor and adds richness.
Yes! You can prepare the base and store it in an airtight container. Reheat over medium heat or in a slow cooker as needed.
Combining oat or almond milk with canned coconut milk perfectly balances creamy milk and a rich texture.