This is the best homemade Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder. It’s dairy free and made in only 10 minutes. This hot cocoa is a decadent drink that’s perfect to keep you warm in cooler weather.
Did you know that you can make a delicious dairy free hot chocolate using only cocoa powder and no chocolate chips? This is the best hot chocolate recipe I’ve ever had! When the holidays roll around I always look forward to a nice warm cup of hot cocoa. And while I might not be able to drink it during Florida’s sweltering summers, this is definitely a drink I look forward to all year round!
This hot cocoa recipe is smooth, creamy and made with two types of dairy free milk, oat milk and coconut milk. This hot chocolate recipe is far more flavorful and nutritious than Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa. It uses cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor and it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It’s a quick homemade hot chocolate recipe that's so easy to make in only 10 minutes with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and it’s perfect for the cooler weather.
For more cozy drink recipes check out my turmeric milk latte or chai latte recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a vegan and dairy-free hot chocolate
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes
- Chocolatey, rich and delicious
- Made with simple ingredients
- Its creamy and comforting for cooler weather
Equipment You'll Need
- Whisk - to whisk all the ingredients together
- Small saucepan - just large enough to whisk the ingredients.
- Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
Ingredients You'll Need
This homemade hot chocolate recipe is made with only a few ingredients, which most you probably already have in your pantry:
- Unsweetened oat milk - this recipe uses oat milk as the base but feel free to substitute any type of milk you like.
- Coconut milk - used to help add flavor and thicken the hot chocolate but it’s still lighter than hot chocolate made with whole milk or heavy cream.
- Cocoa powder - Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. For a dark hot chocolate use dark cocoa powder.
- Maple syrup - It helps naturally sweeten this healthy hot chocolate
- Vanilla extract - Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon - Adds warming flavors to the already rich drink
- Sea salt - just a pinch!
How to Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder
- Add oat milk, coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt to a pot and heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk all of the ingredients frequently for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and continue to whisk for 1 minute. Taste and adjust if needed. Then pour the hot chocolate into two mugs and top with marshmallows or dairy free whipped cream and enjoy.
Storage and Reheat
The hot chocolate is best when freshly made however you can store the hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 1 day. It’s best to reheat the hot chocolate on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium to low heat. You may also use a microwave but make sure to stir the ingredients well.
Add-ins, Substitutions and Toppings
- Add protein powder to the hot chocolate - to help add an extra boost of protein you can add in your favorite protein powder to the hot chocolate. I suggest using a chocolate protein powder mix to help keep the flavors the same.
- Low carb hot chocolate - to make this a low carb hot chocolate you can use a variety of other dairy free milks like hemp milk or soy milk. Just note that the flavors and consistency may slightly change.
- Toppings: You can top your hot chocolate with vegan marshmallows, dairy free whipped cream and sprinkle some extra cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings on top. You can even make it festive and add holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
Recipe FAQ
I’ve found that the combination of oat milk and coconut milk is perfect. You can use one or the other if you’d like. You can use other non-dairy milk’s, like almond milk or cashew milk, however the consistency of the hot chocolate may be a bit more on the watery side.
Always use Milk! I always make my hot chocolate with dairy free milk.
Unlike store-bought hot cocoa mixes, this is a healthier hot chocolate since it uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener and it’s free from artificial preservatives and artificial flavors.
If you’re in a rush you can. Instead of heating the milk on the stovetop, add all the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and whisk them together. Then, heat it up using 20 - 30 second intervals. Remove the bowl from the microwave and whisk the ingredients in between until the hot chocolate is the desired temperature.
Yes, you can double or triple this recipe if you’re making hot chocolate for a crowd. The current recipe only makes about 2 servings. Just remember to use a larger pot.
More Recipes You Make Like
Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail
Traditional Puerto Rican Coquito
Turmeric Ginger Wellness Shots
Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup , or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a pot and heat over med/low heat until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk all of the ingredients frequently for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and continue to whisk for 1 minute. Then pour the hot chocolate into two mugs and enjoy.
Nutrition
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to receive 6 Free exclusive homemade healthy smoothie recipes. You'll also get a sneak peak at upcoming recipes and nutrition and wellness tips.
I’d love to know if you try this recipe! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest , Facebook Tik-Tok and Twitter for updates, recipes, and more!
Leave a Reply