Who doesn’t like a cup of warmth on a chilly day or craves something as comforting and delicious as vegan hot chocolate?
A drink as old as time and excellent for the soul, making homemade hot chocolate yourself is something you don’t need to miss out on just because you follow a vegan lifestyle.
1. Tips for Ingredients for Vegan Hot Chocolate
The right ingredients from the right brand can make all the difference in the world, enhancing flavor and giving you a perfect cup of hot chocolate.
1.1. Milk
When perfecting a delicious hot cocoa recipe, the type of milk you use matters a lot!
If you do not have any hard and fast rules about your dairy preferences, opt for creamy ones with a mild flavor so that the taste of chocolate pulls through and gives you the soft drink we all love and enjoy.
1.2. Cocoa Powder
Starbucks uses high-quality Dutch cocoa powder to flavor its drinks. Select a high-quality cocoa powder to give your drink a deep chocolate flavor.
Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder rather than any other processed alternatives. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a smoother and richer taste.
1.3. Sweeteners
While using plain white sugar will not harm the flavor profile of your drink, experimenting with other alternatives might give you a whole new experience with this drink.
Explore sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia, replacing them with traditional dairy sweeteners like condensed milk and honey.
1.4. Flavor Enhancers and Add-Ons
Undoubtedly, when choosing your favorite add-ons for this drink, the world becomes your oyster! Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance this chocolate drink, or sprinkle it with some cinnamon for a warm and aromatic touch.
Drizzling vegan caramel sauce will give your drink a warm, comforting touch. Marshmallow and marshmallow fluff become great fun toppings that will make you want to enjoy the glass in a warm setting.
Add some expresso coffee to your drink to enrich the taste profile. Adding nut butter like almond or peanut butter can completely change your game. Not only does it give your drink a rich creaminess, but it also brings out flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Again, while using the ingredients for making vegan hot chocolate, do not forget to check the labels and packages to ensure they are vegan-friendly and do not contain any animal by-products.
With these tips, you will become a well-equipped master of a delightful cup of hot chocolate that you and everyone can enjoy!
2. Delightful Recipes for Vegan Hot Chocolate
Prepare to have your kitchen smell like cozy goodness with these hot chocolate recipes: sugar, milk, chocolate, ice, and everything nice!
2.1. The Classic Vegan Hot Chocolate
There is something inherently nostalgic about this simple and easy hot chocolate drink. Some might argue that this is the best vegan hot chocolate recipe.
Being vegan does not mean you must compromise the creamy and velvety texture that is the signature of this hot drink. Let’s dive into the journey of making this beloved dairy-based hot chocolate beverage for all ages.
2.1.1. Ingredients
- Use 2 cups of plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc).
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar (depending on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute this with maple syrup or agave).
- Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- A pinch of salt.
- Some chopped vegan dark chocolate for extra flavor.
- Any fun topping of your choice.
2.1.2. Instructions
- Add the plant-based milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan without turning the stove on and whisk until thoroughly combined. Pour the milk slowly and steadily and continue mixing to prevent the cocoa powder from forming lumps.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and keep whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer and turns smooth.
- Add the chopped vegan dark chocolate and continue mixing until the dark chocolate bar melts and gives your drink a velvety texture.
- Pour into mugs and garnish them with vegan whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your classic vegan hot chocolate!
2.2. The Creamy Hot White Chocolate
Making vegan hot chocolate void of rich cocoa powder might seem absurd or controversial. There is a definite divide in loving white chocolate—either you love it to the extreme or unbearable.
Well, this recipe is for vegan readers who love white hot chocolate bars, or we might convert you into a white chocolate lover with just how good this recipe tastes.
2.2.1. Ingredients
- Two cups of plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc).
- 1/2 cup of vegan white chocolate chips.
- Two tablespoons of maple syrup or agave.
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- A pinch of salt.
2.2.2. Instructions
- Add the plant-based milk, maple syrup or agave, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
- Also, add vegan white chocolate and continue whisking until the mixture turns smooth and creamy.
- Continue heating the mixture on low heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Pour the creamy vegan hot cocoa mix of chocolate into mugs and top it up with some vegan marshmallows and grated vegan white chocolate.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
2.3. Brownie Batter Vegan Hot Chocolate
What would you prefer—A warm plate of decadent brownies or a cup of creamy hot chocolate?
You don’t need to choose one because we present to you a recipe that combines them both to make the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers! Indeed, this would be the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted.
2.3.1. Ingredients
- 2/3 cup of coconut cream.
- 1 cup of coconut milk.
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1/2 cup of powdered light brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- 1 cup of almond butter (room temperature).
- 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- A pinch of salt.
- Some dark chocolate chips for garnish.
2.3.2. Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, except coconut milk, until well combined.
- Add coconut milk to a saucepan on medium heat and let it simmer until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Add the mixture to the milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour into mugs and garnish them with vegan chocolate sauce, chocolate chips, and brownie chunks.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your brownie batter vegan hot chocolate!
2.4. The Ultimate Spiced-up Vegan Hot Chocolate
Kick your hot cocoa by infusing the drink with aromatic spices. This vegan hot chocolate recipe will awaken your tastebuds with its symphony of flavors!
2.4.1. Ingredients
- Two cups of plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc).
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar (depending on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute this with pure maple syrup or agave nectar).
- Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- A pinch of salt.
2.4.2. Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk gently to ensure no lumps remain.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep whisking occasionally and ensure that the mixture doesn’t come to a boil.
- Heat the mixture until you achieve your desired temperature.
- Pour into mugs and top it off with some vegan marshmallows and a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your spicy vegan hot chocolate!
2.5. Decadent Rich and Thick Vegan Hot chocolate
If you love a wealthy hot chocolate or hot cocoa that coats the back of your spoon and ensnares all senses, fret not! Read this recipe below to embark on your journey to make the best vegan hot chocolate ever!
2.5.1. Ingredients
- Two cups of plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, etc).
- Three tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Two tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Three tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste).
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt.
2.5.2 Instructions
- Take cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a small bowl with a dash of milk. Mix until it forms a slurry-like consistency; this will prevent lumps from forming when you add this to the warm milk.
Add the plant-based milk to medium heat in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Make sure not to let the milk boil.
- Slowly whisk in the cocoa powder mixture you made earlier until it’s incorporated completely. Keep whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add maple syrup or agave nectar and stir well.
- The mixture will not take much time to thicken, so keep an eye on it and turn the heat off immediately.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Pour the thick vegan hot chocolate into mugs and enjoy it with fresh vegan whipped cream.
Customization Tips
The plant-based milk you use for your beverage matters a lot! Here are a few details to help you select plant-based milk for your best vegan hot chocolate.
- Almond Milk: This milk is right if you want a slightly sweet taste and a nutty undertone. The smooth texture of almond milk allows the cocoa flavor to shine through.
- Soy Milk: This milk is creamy and will ensure that your homemade hot chocolate has a velvety texture. Soy milk also allows the super chocolatey flavor to shine through.
- Oat Milk: Oat milk will be your best hot chocolate friend if you like thick and creamy vegan hot chocolate. It will also give your beverage a rich and luscious texture.
- Coconut Milk: The flavor profile of this milk is strong, and when used to make hot cocoa, the coconut flavor will shine through. So, if you like to add a tropical twist to your hot cocoa, coconut milk is your choice.
- Cashew milk: This milk will give your vegan hot cocoa a nutty undertone and be rich and creamy, leaving your mouth with a pleasant feel.
Bottomline
A cup of vegan hot chocolate is like a dream come true with a luscious texture and a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe that will leave your kitchen smelling like comfort.
These decadent hot chocolate vegan recipes will leave you craving more. All you need to do now is grab your favourite blanket and find a cosy spot in your house to indulge in this warm drink.
Vegan hot chocolate recipes are also a perfect way to impress your guests with a delicious vegan twist on the classic hot cocoa.
Last Updated on by Namrata