Vegan Hot Chocolate
Updated Dec 02, 2025
Homemade vegan hot chocolate made with plant-based milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and melted dark chocolate. Made on the stovetop in minutes.
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Try my vegan and dairy-free hot chocolate recipe!
I’ve got a lot of friends who can’t do dairy. Some are vegan, some are lactose intolerant, and some just feel better without it, so I started making this vegan hot chocolate whenever we have people over during the holidays. It’s thick and chocolatey without feeling like a “substitute,” and nobody ever realizes it’s vegan until I tell them. Vegan hot chocolate that everyone can drink just makes hosting way easier.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Vegan Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- Unsweetened almond milk: Oat milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk are also good options for this creamy vegan hot chocolate. Any plant-based milk works.
- Dairy-free dark chocolate: I use a bar, but you can also use chips.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Make sure you get cocoa powder, not cacao powder.
- Pure maple syrup: You can substitute with agave syrup or date syrup.
- Vanilla extract: Or vanilla bean paste.
- Salt: Just a pinch!
How to Make Vegan Hot Chocolate
Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
This vegan hot chocolate uses almond milk, real dark chocolate, and maple syrup for natural sweetness. It's a simple plant-based hot cocoa recipe that’s ready in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 ounces dairy-free dark chocolate chopped (about ⅓ cup chips)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Optional toppings:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder
- Mini vegan marshmallows
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth and warm, about 5 minutes; be careful not to boil.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Turn off the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed, then pour into mugs. Top with coconut whipped cream or vegan marshmallows, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Optional toppings are not included in the nutritional info.
1 cup raw cashews, soaked
4 cups water
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt (optional)
¼ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
Soak cashews in a mason jar overnight, or for at least 2 hours. When ready to use, drain and rinse.
Place cashews, warm water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender and blend until completely smooth to make the cashew milk.
Add the cocoa powder and blend again until smooth and the cocoa is fully incorporated.
Serve warm with whipped coconut cream and crushed peppermint, if desired.
- My Top Tip: Shift the cocoa powder for smooth, lump-free hot chocolate. It might seem okay at first glance, but cocoa powder can have tiny clumps.
- Storage: Store leftover vegan hot chocolate in an airtight container. It will last about 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
1 cup raw cashews, soaked
4 cups water
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt (optional)
¼ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
Soak cashews in a mason jar overnight, or for at least 2 hours. When ready to use, drain and rinse.
Place cashews, warm water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender and blend until completely smooth to make the cashew milk.
Add the cocoa powder and blend again until smooth and the cocoa is fully incorporated.
Serve warm with whipped coconut cream and crushed peppermint, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 8oz, Calories: 273kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 334mg, Potassium: 325mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Calcium: 349mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Recipe Variations
- Make it extra creamy: Whisk a splash of full-fat coconut milk into the almond milk mixture.
- Give your vegan cocoa a kick: Serve with a pinch of cinnamon and chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy vegan hot chocolate.
- Have fun with toppings: Add flavor and style with a sprinkle of cocoa nibs, a dash of nutmeg, or crushed vegan candy canes.
Recipe Tips
- Shift the cocoa powder. It might seem okay at first glance, but cocoa powder can have tiny clumps. Sieving it makes sure your hot chocolate is lump-free and smooth.
- Vary the sweetener level. While I don’t like my hot cocoa too sweet, I usually double the sweetener when I make it for my kids. I might even add some granulated sugar for them to dissolve in the hot chocolate.
- Enjoy the hot chocolate immediately for the best results. This vegan hot chocolate, like regular hot chocolate, may thicken as it sits. You can whisk it or thin it out with more water or milk, if desired.
FAQs
Why isn’t my vegan hot chocolate creamy?
It’s likely because the milk is too thin. Try adding some oat milk or coconut milk.
Can I make vegan hot chocolate in the microwave?
I don’t recommend it, but you can if you don’t have any other options. Heat the milk in intervals, whisking in between each one, to prevent scorching.
Comments
The ingredients list youโre saying 4 C of water but the text itโs 3 C. Which one
It should be 4 cups. Thank you for spotting that!
Tasty recipe.. so easy to make and super fun too.. I topped it up with whipped cream and shredded chocolate.. Amazing, will definitely try again ๐คฉ
Yay! So glad to hear it! Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays to you and to your lovely family..!! ๐๐๐๐พ
Happy Holidays!
What a great idea! I love that I can still enjoy my hot chocolate without all the dairy ๐
Looks amazing!!
Can I do the same with almonds or hazelnuts?
Thank you! And yes, you can absolutely make this with almonds or hazelnut. I would recommend if you’re making almond milk or hazelnut milk that you strain the milk with a cheesecloth though to make it more smooth like the texture of milk. Hope you enjoy it!