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Made with cocoa powder and almond milk, my vegan hot chocolate recipe comes together in less than ten minutes. It requires no special tools (just a saucepan and a whisk!) and features ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen cabinet.
This simple-to-make beverage also happens to be dairy free, gluten free, and vegan, so it’s perfect if you’re in need of a winter treat to suit friends and family with different dietary preferences. This vegan cocoa recipe pairs perfectly with a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream!
What’s Great About This Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe?
As written, this vegan hot chocolate recipe is also dairy free and gluten free. You can substitute another plant milk (like oat milk) if you want to make it nut-free as well.
All ingredients in this vegan cocoa recipe are shelf-stable, so it’s easy to prepare whenever a hot chocolate craving strikes. Just be sure to keep cocoa powder, sugar, sea salt, and a box of almond milk in the kitchen cabinet!
This recipe makes two small mugs of hot chocolate (I used this mug, from Ikea) but can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group of people.
There is plenty of room for creativity here. Feel free to substitute or embellish this hot chocolate with your own unique spin—see my notes below!
Notes on Ingredients
If you don’t like almond milk or are making this vegan cocoa recipe for someone with a nut allergy, you can prepare your hot chocolate with another plant milk (such as oat, soy, or coconut) instead. And if you aren’t vegan/dairy-free, you can always make this recipe with whole milk, too.
I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can substitute sweetened if you prefer a sweeter beverage. Vanilla almond milk would also work nicely in this recipe.
Vegan Hot Chocolate Garnish Ideas
- Coconut whipped cream
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings or dairy free chocolate chips
- Citrus zest, such as orange or lemon
- Vegan marshmallows
- Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries
Other hot chocolate recipes you might enjoy:
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
White Hot Chocolate
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 mugs (180-milliliter portions) 1x
Description
A simple vegan hot chocolate recipe prepared with cocoa powder and almond milk.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, or to taste
Pinch fine sea salt
380 milliliters unsweetened* almond milk (1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons, divided)
Coconut whipped cream, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings, to garnish
Instructions
In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons almond milk until a thick paste forms.
Cook over low heat, stirring gently, until the cocoa powder and sugar have dissolved, then pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups almond milk.
Continue cooking over low heat, whisking occasionally, until heated throughout.
Taste and adjust sugar as necessary.
Pour hot chocolate into mugs and garnish as desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes
You can also use sweetened almond milk if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop