This Vegan Hot Chocolate is super thick, creamy, and delicious. It’s made with just a few ingredients and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day.
I don’t drink coffee (gasp!), so hot chocolate is one of my favorite hot drinks in the winter. It’s sweet, creamy, and goes perfectly with a big scoop of whipped cream or a handful of mini marshmallows. This Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe is much better than any box mix and takes about five minutes to make.
Hot chocolate is such a nice treat this time of year; my kids can’t get enough of it. I pretty much always have these vegan hot chocolate ingredients on hand, and it’s so easy to make!
Vegan Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Plant-Based Milk – I used almond milk, but you can use any plant-based milk you like. Oat milk is great because it’s naturally a little thick. I always like to use unsweetened milk in my recipes and then add my own sweetness.
- Coconut Milk – I use a can of light coconut milk, but you can also use full fat. Coconut milk really helps make this vegan hot chocolate super thick and creamy!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Regular or Dutch-processed should work well. I used regular.
- Cane Sugar – I like to use cane sugar over granulated since it’s a bit less refined, but either will work.
- Coconut Sugar – You can also use brown sugar.
- Chocolate Chips – As you can see in the photo above, I used dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Any dairy-free chocolate will work. The chocolate chips help make the hot chocolate thick and creamy.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a nice flavor but is totally optional if you don’t have it.
- Sea Salt – The salt helps balance out the sweetness and goes so well with chocolate.
How To Make The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Homemade hot chocolate is super easy to make! There are only two steps:
- Use a large pot that allows you to stir without splashing out any of the hot chocolate. Add the almond milk, coconut milk, cocoa powder, cane sugar, and coconut sugar to the pot. Place over medium heat and use a whisk to combine all the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Bring hot chocolate to a simmer, and then add in your chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk again until the chocolate is completely melted. Heat to your desired temperature and serve immediately!
- Drink plain or top with dairy-free whipped cream or vegan marshmallows. I also like to add a bit of shaved chocolate. Enjoy!
The Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa
Personally, I’m not a stickler and have always used the words “hot chocolate” and “hot cocoa” interchangeably. However, if you want to get technical, here is the main difference:
- Hot Chocolate is made using actual chocolate melted into your hot milk.
- Hot Cocoa is made using cocoa powder.
Most often, you’re likely drinking hot cocoa rather than hot chocolate, but like me, most people refer to all of it as hot chocolate, and I think that’s quite OK!
Vegan Hot Chocolate Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add in any extra flavors? Yes!! Here are a few flavor suggestions to elevate your vegan hot chocolate: peppermint extract, crushed peppermints, cinnamon, espresso powder, caramel sauce, fruit syrup, and hazelnut syrup.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it. I suggest letting it cool completely and storing it in an airtight container. To prepare after frozen, let it thaw a bit, and then add it to a large pot to reheat.
- What should I top my hot chocolate with? We love to top ours with dairy-free whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Marshmallows also work great!
- Can I adjust the amount of sugar used? Of course, you can use as little or as much sugar as you like.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Looking For More Vegan Holiday-Inspired Recipes?
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See Exactly How I Make This Vegan Hot Chocolate Below!
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Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Hot Chocolate is thick and creamy and so delicious!
Ingredients
- 3 cups plain, unsweetened almond milk
- 1 (15 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk, I used lite
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- To a large pot, add the almond milk, coconut milk, cocoa powder, cane sugar and coconut sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Once hot chocolate is warm, add the chocolate chips, vanilla extract and sea salt. Cook until chocolate chips are fully melted and hot chocoalte is desired temperature.
- Enjoy immediately. Top with your favorite vegan whipped topping, marshmallows and shaved chocolate.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Drink, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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