Healthy Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with this vegan and dairy-free Healthy Hot Chocolate that’s rich, indulgent and made with just a few simple ingredients.
We’ve been making this recipe every night over Thanksgiving break – it’s too good!
There’s nothing like a warm cup of hot chocolate when it’s cold outside, especially when it’s homemade. Growing up, my dad used to make this hot chocolate that I would go crazy for. Some would say it’s on the verge of being a Mexican hot chocolate. Well, I’m not a fan of spicy beverages, so I toned it down a bit for this recipe. The result is a hot chocolate that’s rich, indulgent, creamy, superbly sweetened and perfectly spiced, all the while being made with healthy, better-for-you ingredients (much better than that store-bought packaged stuff).
This Healthy Hot Chocolate is vegan, dairy-free and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Everyone needs a go-to hot chocolate recipe, and I hope this one will become yours!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Hot Chocolate
- Made with better-for-you ingredients – this recipe is dairy-free and naturally sweetened. Say goodbye to Swiss Miss packets that are loaded with sugar, oils, dairy and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
- Amazing flavor – rich, indulgent and delicious. It tastes SO much better than Swiss Miss. My little sister much prefers my hot chocolate!
- Easy to make – all you need are a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.
Ingredients Needed
- Non-Dairy Milk – any non-dairy milk will work but I recommend using soy milk as it is the thickest and lends to the best flavor.
- Cocoa Powder – use your favorite cocoa powder as this will affect the chocolate flavor. I typically use Trader Joe’s cocoa powder.
- Dark Chocolate – grab your favorite chocolate bar and break off 2 squares to use in this recipe. I always use the brand Hu Chocolate – it’s made with clean, organic ingredients that are vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free. You can shop with my code booboo for a discount.Chocolate chips will also work, you’ll need about 2 tablespoons.
- Maple Syrup – to add some natural sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – to add a depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick – this adds a delicious depth of flavor – don’t skip out!
- Whole Cloves – this adds a warm spice and compliments the chocolate flavors so well – don’t skip out on this either!
- Salt – just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Healthy Hot Chocolate
- Combine all the ingredients to a small saucepan and place over low-medium heat.
- Whisk continuously while heating over low heat for about 8-10 minutes, and the chocolate has completely dissolved. Don’t let it boil!
- Remove from heat and remove the cinnamon stick and cloves. Pour into mugs and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Tips + Tricks
- Keep the heat on low – we don’t want the hot chocolate to boil, so keep the heat on low and watch it carefully.
- Whisk continuously – creamy hot chocolate is the goal here, so keep whisking to remove any clumps and make it as smooth as possible.
- Taste and adjust – if you want it a little sweeter, add more maple syrup. If you want it spiced more, add another clove. To me, this recipe is perfect as-is, but adjust to your preference!
Topping Ideas
My personal favorite is topping my hot chocolate with non-dairy cool whip, shaved dark chocolate and a cinnamon stick. Nothing beats it!
- Non-dairy cool whip or whipped cream
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Vegan mini marshmallows – I like to use Dandie’s vegan mini marshmallows.
- Cinnamon stick
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small pot and place over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously while heating for about 8-10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Once it's creamy and steamy, remove from heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Pour into mugs and top with dairy free whipped cream, shaved chocolate and cinnamon stick (or other desired toppings). Enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Soy milk is my favorite non-dairy milk to use in this recipe.
- Vegan dark chocolate – I use Hu Chocolate – it’s made with clean, organic ingredients that are vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free. Use my code BOOBOO for a discount.
