Healthy Hot Chocolate
13
Published Dec 03, 2024
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An upgraded version of a cold weather classic, this healthy hot chocolate is made with oat milk, pure maple syrup and cocoa powder. It’s creamy, chocolatey and comes together in just 10 minutes.
Winter and hot chocolate go hand in hand for me! As a kid, I vividly remember playing in the snow and then coming in for a cozy cup of hot cocoa. I can’t wait to start that tradition with Liv and Tucker! This year, I’m particularly excited to try making healthy hot chocolate that we can all enjoy together.
I decided to make an upgraded, EBF-approved version with simple ingredients that is low in sugar and dairy-free. But don’t worry… it’s still as rich, creamy and delicious as traditional hot cocoa!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – This hot chocolate is made with a mix of cocoa powder and real chocolate, giving it a perfectly rich and indulgent flavor.
- Customizable – Use your favorite milk, adjust the sweetness, and top it however you like; coconut whip, vegan marshmallows, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 5-7 minutes, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day without much effort.
- Dairy-free – Made with oat milk or any non-dairy milk, it’s a great choice for those avoiding dairy but still craving something cozy and delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- oat milk – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk or any non-dairy milk would also work!
- unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder – adds a rich chocolate flavor to the hot cocoa. Either option will work, just make sure it’s unsweetened! I recommend using a high-quality cocoa powder as this is the star of the show.
- chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips – adds a more rich, creamy chocolate flavoring to the hot cocoa! I like using Lily’s chocolate chips since they’re low in sugar and calories but any dark chocolate works.
- pure maple syrup – the natural sweetener for this drink. Feel free to use liquid sweetener of your choice (like honey or agave) but I think maple syrup compliments the rest of the ingredients well.
- vanilla extract – the perfect flavor enhancer for this drink.
- sea salt – trust me on this one! Just a pinch of salt brings this entire drink together!
Flavor Variations
- Spiked hot chocolate: Add a shot of Irish cream, whiskey, bourbon, amaretto or any liquor of choice for a boozy hot chocolate!
- Mexican hot chocolate: Add a shake of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Peppermint: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the mixture and garnish with a candy cane!
- Caramel: Mix a little of my date caramel sauce to the mixture and drizzle extra on top.
- Protein packed: Looking to add a boost of protein to this cozy cup? Try my protein hot chocolate recipe.
How to Make Healthy Hot Chocolate
Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
Step 2: Heat mixture on low medium heat until just simmering and chocolate is melted and the clumps of cocoa are gone. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Pour hot chocolate into a mug.
Step 4: Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tip!
Make sure you whisk constantly and don’t let the mixture boil or you will burn the chocolate!
Healthy Hot Chocolate Toppings
The best part of hot chocolate is the toppings right?! I loved fishing out the marshmallows from my mug when I was growing up and still love adding fun toppings today. Here are some ideas:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Vegan marshmallows (I love these Dandies mini vanilla marshmallows)
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate chips
- Dusting of cocoa powder
- Drizzle of peanut butter
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Storing Options
- In the fridge: If you have leftovers (unlikely, but just in case), let your healthy hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring well before serving.
- In the freezer: Want to make it ahead? Freeze it in an ice cube tray for future use. Pop a few cubes into a saucepan when you’re ready to enjoy, and heat them up with a splash of milk for a quick, creamy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use any milk you prefer—dairy or non-dairy. Whole milk will give you a creamier hot chocolate, but almond, soy, or coconut milk are great options too.
Cocoa powder is more processed and typically less bitter, while cacao powder is raw and has a deeper, slightly more bitter flavor. Either works in this recipe, so use whichever you have on hand.
The hot cocoa you had growing up was likely loaded with dairy, lots of sugar and corn syrup… no thank you! Turns out you don’t need to use heavy cream, milk or loads of sugar to have a tasty cup of hot cocoa! This healthy hot chocolate recipe is made with oat milk (or another dairy-free milk) making the drink vegan and dairy free and it’s sweetened with just pure maple syrup.
More Drink Recipes to Try
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Creamy Iced Coffee
- Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)
- Dairy-Free Eggnog
Be sure to check out all of my drink recipes here on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk, or non-dairy milk of choice
- 3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
- 1 Tablespoon chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Toppings: Coconut whip cream, vegan marshmallows, chocolate shavings, chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
- Heat on low medium heat until just simmering and chocolate is melted and the clumps of cocoa are gone, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let your hot chocolate boil or you could burn the chocolate.
- Pour into a mug, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made this on a snow day and it was absolutely delicious. I love the taste of rich dark chocolate and this has a more sophisticated flavor compared to the commercially sold packets. I used Hu dark chocolate chips. It was my 2 year old daughter’s first hot cocoa!
Yay! So glad this drink was a hit with you and your daughter. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Where did you get your mugs and saucers? I love them!!!!
I am actually not sure, they are my photographers so I am not sure where she got them!
Simple, quick, and delicious! Perfect for a cold afternoon pick me up! And basically guilt free without fear of a sugar crash later!
YAY! So glad you found this recipe and are loving it, Holly. Thank you for your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
Still cold enough at the end of March for Hot Chocolate – I love this recipe! It hits the spot, but still feels like a healthy choice 🙂
Perfect! I couldn’t agree more. I am so glad you are loving this recipe, Teresa. Thank you for your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
I made this last night while watching our first snowfall. It was creamy and chocolatey and now my favorite hot cocoa to make for those chilly nights!
Ah yay!! So pumped this hot chocolate was a hit, Bonnie. Thanks for the review :).
This was really easy to make! Any tips on how to make a big batch (10+ servings) for Christmas?
Hey Krystina- you could just make the recipe x10 🙂
Somewhere along the line, I missed the memo about vegan marshmallows. I need to check those out. Thanks for the tip!