This dairy-free hot chocolate is the perfect treat for winter time. It has all the richness and creaminess of the classic hot chocolate without the dairy. Skip the store bought hot chocolate mixes and enjoy a homemade mug of hot chocolate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It's a great option for anyone with a dairy allergy
- It's versatile and you can easily customize the flavor
- You can serve it as a treat or a complement to breakfast
- The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Ingredient Notes
- Dairy-free milk of choice - coconut, almond, or cashew milk will all work great here. Oat milk will also work. Depending on whether you use unsweetened or sweetened milk, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup. Full-fat coconut milk will create a more decadent hot chocolate than unsweetened almond milk, so keep that in mind depending on what you prefer. Not dairy-free? Feel free to use cow's milk.
- Cocoa powder ( or cacao powder) - feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. You may need less if you use a dark unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Pure maple syrup - adjust to your preference. You can also use cane sugar or coconut sugar here instead of a liquid sweetener if desired.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips - optional but extra delicious! Enjoy Life and Trader Joe's have our 2 favorite dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Peppermint extract, optional - you only need a small drop.
- Toppings of choice - dairy-free whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint all make a great addition.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mugs
Step by Step Directions
Add the milk to a small pot over medium low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, sea salt, and dairy-free chocolate chips and a drop of peppermint extract if desired. Continually whisk until the cocoa is completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the stove when the milk is warm and steaming. Do not let the milk boil. Serve in a mug with dairy-free whipped cream or mini marshmallows and crushed candy cane if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Feel free to mix it up and make different versions! Add a pinch of cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate. You can also use a drop of vanilla extract instead of peppermint.
- You can also make this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe in the microwave if you have a big mug. Ensure that the milk gets warm and steamy but does not boil.
- We do not recommend swapping the milk for water.
FAQ
For best results, we recommend serving the hot chocolate fresh when it is made.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. Ensure that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed. For a vegan hot cocoa, be sure to use vegan marshmallows.
If you like this delicious hot chocolate, check out a few of our other recipes perfect for winter:
If you make this creamy dairy-free hot chocolate, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups dairy-free milk of choice (coconut, almond, or cashew)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (feel free to adjust to your preference)
- 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Small pinch of sea salt
- 1 tbsp dairy-free chocolate chips, optional
- Peppermint extract, optional
Instructions
- Add the milk to a small pot over medium low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, sea salt, and dairy-free chocolate chips and a drop of peppermint extract if desired. Continually whisk until the cocoa is completely dissolved.
- Remove the pan from the stove when the milk is warm and steaming. Do not let the milk boil. Serve in a mug with dairy-free whipped cream or mini marshmallows and crushed candy cane if desired.
Notes
The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Dairy Free Hot Chocolate."
The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
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