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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

    Published: Dec 4, 2022 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links where I may receive compensation. Please see my disclosure for details.

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    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.

    Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder in a white mug with marshmallows
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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
    Hot Chocolate and an empty white cup with hot chocolate in the background
    Hot Chocolate pouring into cup white cup on marble counter

    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!
    Hot Chocolate Ingredients with labels in a clear class bowls

    How to Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

    1. 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. 
    2. Whisk all of the ingredients frequently for about 10 minutes.
    3. 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.
    Hot Chocolate Ingredients in a metal pot with a whisk laying next to it.
    Hot Chocolate Ingredients Mixed in pot with a whisk in the pot

    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. 

    Hot Chocolate pouring into white mug  on white marble surface with marshmallows and dark chocolate

    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.
    Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe in a white cup with marshmallows on top.

    Recipe FAQ

    What is the best non-dairy milk for hot chocolate?

    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.

    Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?

    Always use Milk! I always make my hot chocolate with dairy free milk.

    Is hot chocolate healthy for you?

    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.

    Can you microwave milk to make hot chocolate?

    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.

    Can I double the recipe?

    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)

    Vanilla Chai Latte

    Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe in a white cup with marshmallows on top.
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    5 from 2 votes

    Oat Milk Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

    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.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cocoa powder, healthy hot chocolate, hot chocolate
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 328kcal
    Author: Briana

    Equipment

    • Small sauce pan

    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

    Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 431IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 5mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Let me know! Leave a comment & recipe rating below or tag @HalfPastHungry on social media.

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    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!

    More Drinks

    • Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shots
    • Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail
    • Traditional Puerto Rican Coquito
    • Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
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    About Briana

    Briana is the blogger, recipe developer and food photographer behind HalfPastHungry. She's been blogging since 2017 sharing thyroid friendly and plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious.

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    Hi! My name is Briana. 
    After being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in my early twenties, I've struggled with hypothyroidism and weight gain. Through HalfPastHungry, I inspire home cooks with hypothyroidism that are looking for thyroid friendly and plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious.

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