The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe (5 Minutes!) (2024)

Published: Nov 10, 2021 · Modified: Jan 20, 2024 by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Rich creamy vegan hot chocolate made with non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in less than 5 minutes and so easy to make.

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Is there anything better when the weather starts to turn cold than curling up with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter night? I think not!

You might be even asking yourself, “Can you get vegan hot chocolate?” Trust me, all your questions will soon be answered and I guarantee you will be more than satisfied.

I feel very confident in saying this is the best and only vegan hot chocolate recipe you will ever need or want. And, if find yourself wanting more chocolate, try my easy vegan chocolate truffles and vegan chocolate ganache. Drool…worthy!

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First, let me start by saying this ain’t some fancy French drinking chocolate. Nothing wrong with that. But I ain’t got time for 20 ingredients and 2 hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple, delicious, and requires cheap ingredients. Yeah, baby!

If you’ve been craving a blast from your past just wait until you taste this amazing cup of hot cocoa. Not only is it decadent it’s also healthy. You’re sure to get all warm and fuzzy in the happiest parts of your uttermost lower food regions.

Table of Contents

Can Vegans Drink Hot Chocolate?

Yes, yes, and yes! And, it can also be healthy which is why this recipe is so awesome. It uses only a few very basic ingredients and the taste is absolutely amazing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are 4 simple ingredients to make the world’s easiest and best vegan hot chocolate.

Dairy-Free Milk: I used unsweetened almond milk in this recipe. Other delicious options would be cashew milk, creamy oat milk, or soy milk. Try making your own, it’s much better. You can click on the links I just mentioned for the recipes.
Cocoa Powder: I like using raw cacao but any unsweetened cocoa powder will work just fine.
Pure Maple Syrup: The perfect sweetener. Maple syrup has a buttery richness you just can’t get from table sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor that sets perfectly with the chocolate and maple.

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How To Make The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate

This is the best dairy-free hot chocolate recipe. So simple, creamy, and has a deep rich chocolate flavor. Not too sweet, not too bitter. It’s just right.

NOTE: you can find a more detailed list of ingredients and instructions with amounts and nutrition info at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Add the milk to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Once the milk is hot add the remaining ingredients and whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps from the cocoa.
Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.

That’s all there is to it! A delicious cup of hot cocoa that is ready in less than 3 minutes using only 4 ingredients. It doesn’t get much easier.

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What Plant-Based Milk Is Best For Vegan Hot Chocolate

Truthfully, it’s all about what you like. But, different types will yield slightly different results. I love using my own homemade almond milk, oat milk, and cashew milk.

Unsweetened Almond Milk: If you want to keep things on the lighter side, unsweetened almond milk is best.
Oat Milk: perfect for creating a silky smooth texture while keeping it light as well.
Cashew Milk: personally, this is my favorite. It’s thick, creamy, and makes the most amazing vegan hot chocolate.
Canned Coconut Milk: if you are looking for more of a “drinking chocolate” this is your best option. It will give you that characteristic thick texture with a very decadent flavor. But, keep in mind, it’s also the highest in fat so enjoy sparingly.

Can I Make Vegan Hot Chocolate With Just Water?

Yes, you totally can, but it’s a bit thin and more like sweet chocolate water. But, if your goal is to keep the calories down while enjoying chocolate this may be your thing.

All you need to do is replace the plant-based milk with an equal amount of water and follow the same instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan hot chocolate is perfect by itself. But, try adding some of these delicious additions to make for an unbelievable hot cocoa experience.

A generous dollop of vegan coconut whipped cream. Oh, baby, I am in heaven!
Pinch of salt or chili powder.
A light sprinkle of cinnamon and a drop of peppermint extract.
Make it extra thick and creamy by adding two tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk while it’s on the stove.
Sprinkle with cocoa powder and non-dairy chocolate chips.
And, for special occasions, a couple of vegan marshmallows never hurt anybody.

The Best Toppings For Vegan Hot Cocoa

Check out these healthy plant-based toppings for your next cup of delicious hot cocoa. Yes, this delicious hot chocolate is perfect all by itself but when it’s a special occasion these little extras just take everything over the top.

drizzle of date caramel
cacao nibs
a drizzle of melted creamy peanut butter or almond butter
sprinkled with cinnamon
crushed cashews, walnuts, or pecans
top with melted chocolate chips

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More Vegan Chocolate and Holiday Recipes

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan, Oil-Free)
Vegan Chocolate Gravy
4 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Bites
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Fluffy Vegan Chocolate Pancakes

I hope you enjoy this vegan hot chocolate recipe. It’s rich, creamy, decadent, and so delicious. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture onInstagramwith the hashtag#shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

How To Make Vegan Hot Chocolate

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4.9 from 9 reviews

What’s better than a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day? This recipe is rich, creamy, and easy. Learn how to make healthy vegan hot chocolate here.

Author: Shane Martin
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

UnitsScale

1 cup unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Add the milk to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Once the milk is hot add the remaining ingredients and whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps from the cocoa.
Serve hot in your favorite mug.