This Vegan Hot Chocolate is super thick and 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 so much better than any box mix and takes just about five minutes to make.
Hot Chocolate is such a nice treat this time of year and 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 would be great because it’s naturally a little thick. I like to always use unsweetened milk in my recipes and then add my own sweetness in.
- Coconut Milk – You will want to use the can of coconut milk. I used the lite coconut milk but you can also use full fat. The coconut milk really helps to 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 sugar since it’s a bit less refined but either would work.
- Coconut Sugar – You could 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 would work though. The chocolate chips also help to 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 – 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:
- You want to use a large enough pot that you are able to stir without any hot chocolate splashing out. 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 thoroughly combine all the ingredients together.
- Bring hot chocolate to a simmer and then add in your chocolate chips, vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk again until chocolate is completely melted. Heat to your desired temperature and serve immediately!
- Drink plain or top with a dairy free whipped cream or vegan marshmallows. I also like to do a little 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. But, 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 just cocoa powder.
Most of what you drink is probably hot cocoa, rather than hot chocolate, but like me, most people refer to all of it as hot chocolate and I think that is ok!
Vegan Hot Chocolate Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add in any extra flavors? Yes!! Here are just a few flavor suggestions to elevate your vegan hot chocolate: peppermint extract, crushed peppermints, cinnamon, espresso powder, caramel sauce, fruit syrup, hazelnut syrup.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it. I would suggest letting it cool completely and then storing in an airtight container. Let thaw a bit and then add to a large pot to re-heat.
- What should I top my hot chocolate with? We love to top ours with dairy free whipped cream and a little shaving of chocolate. Vegan marshmallows would 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.
Looking For More Vegan Holiday Inspired Recipes?
Chocolate Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Cups
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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