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Vegan Hot Chocolate: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Dairy-Free Treat

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Rich and creamy vegan hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Made with almond milk, cocoa powder, and your favorite sweetener, this customizable recipe is easy to make and completely plant-based.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup, agave nectar, or your preferred sweetener to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick!)
  • Vegan whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Vegan chocolate shavings (optional, for topping)
  • Vegan marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar (or your chosen sweetener), cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
  2. Slowly Add Almond Milk: Gradually pour in about 1 cup of the almond milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth paste.
  3. Incorporate Remaining Milk: Once the cocoa paste is smooth, slowly pour in the remaining almond milk, continuing to whisk until everything is well combined.
  4. Heat Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the hot chocolate is heated through and steaming. Be careful not to let it boil!
  5. Simmer Gently: Once the hot chocolate is heated through, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Taste your hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.
  8. Pour into Mugs: Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
  9. Top and Garnish: Top with vegan whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and vegan marshmallows, if desired.
  10. Serve Immediately: Serve your vegan hot chocolate immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the hot chocolate while it’s simmering for a refreshing twist. You can also garnish with a candy cane.
  • Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of vegan caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt to the hot chocolate while it’s simmering for a decadent treat.
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon to the hot chocolate for a spicy and warming flavor.
  • Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee to the hot chocolate for a caffeine boost.
  • Use Different Plant-Based Milks: Experiment with different plant-based milks, such as soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk, to find your favorite flavor. Each milk will impart a slightly different taste and texture to the hot chocolate.
  • Make it Thicker: For a thicker hot chocolate, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the cocoa powder mixture before adding the milk.
  • Make it Ahead: You can make the hot chocolate base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Lumpy Hot Chocolate: If your hot chocolate is lumpy, it’s likely due to the cocoa powder not being properly dissolved. Try whisking the cocoa powder with a small amount of almond milk before adding the rest of the milk. You can also use an immersion blender to smooth out any lumps.
  • Thin Hot Chocolate: If your hot chocolate is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer period of time or by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the cocoa powder mixture.
  • Not Sweet Enough: If your hot chocolate isn’t sweet enough, add more sugar or sweetener to taste. Remember to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
  • Too Spicy: If your hot chocolate is too spicy, add more almond milk or a touch of sweetener to balance out the heat.
  • Almond Milk Separating: If your almond milk separates, it’s likely due to boiling the hot chocolate. Avoid boiling the hot chocolate and keep it at a gentle simmer.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/vegan-hot-chocolate/