A decadent, dairy-free hot chocolate made with creamy almond milk, rich cacao, sweetened with date syrup, and topped with vegan marshmallow — talk about a sweet treat! This winter-time must tastes EVEN BETTER than regular hot chocolate, and can be made in less than 5 minutes!
If you love this warm winter drink, then you’ll love my Dairy-Free Eggnog or my Golden Milk Latte recipe!
Did I mention this homemade hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious? Did I also mention that it is completely DAIRY-FREE!?
I have to say that this hot chocolate is perfect for those cold winter days when you need something quick and sweet to warm you up. Sometimes I even like to make spiked hot chocolate for those special occasions and holiday gatherings! That’s the beauty of this recipe, besides the fact that is super easy, it is perfect for kids and adults.
What is the secret to this richness of this hot chocolate?
It’s Cacao!
Cacao (Pronounced Kuh-Cow) is one of the most powerful superfoods!
- Cacao is the healthy substitute for chocolate.
- Cacao beans are seeds from the Theobroma Cacao Tree. Cocoa Powder comes from the same tree, but through heat and chemical processing loses all of its nutritional value!
- Raw Organic Cacao Powder, on the other hand, is minimally processed by cold-pressing raw cacao beans, therefore it retains all of its incredible nutrients!!
- Cacao has more antioxidants per gram than blueberries, goji berries, and pomegranates. (1)
- It’s High in magnesium- which helps relieve muscle tension, anxiety, and improves brain health (2)
- It has the highest plant-based source of iron! (3)
- Has a high level of Flavonoids- which boost heart health by lower cholesterol and blood pressure (4)
- It contains Amino Acids such as Tryptophan- which naturally helps to enhance relaxation and boost mood. (5)
If you’ve been following my food blog for a while, you know that I am obsessed with cacao and all its incredible nutrients and deep flavor! I use it often and for various dishes, like smoothies, chia pudding, and icing!
There are several ways to incorporate Cacao into your diet.
An easy way to make your chocolate desserts a bit healthier is to substitute Organic Cacao for Cocoa powder.
It is an easy 1:1 ratio (replace 1g Cacao for 1 gram Cocoa Powder)!
Here’s how to easily make this Creamy Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate in three simple steps!
Step 1:
Pour 2 cups almond milk into a pot over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons cacao, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional), and 3 tablespoons date syrup (or maple syrup). Stir well until all the lumps have dissolved and the mixture is a smooth texture.
Step 2:
Allow the mixture to come to a subtle boil (about 5 minutes), then lower the temperature. If you would like to make your hot chocolate boozy, now is the time to add any of your favorites spirits.
Popular alcohols to add to hot chocolate are
- Peppermint Schnapps, Cinnamon Liqueur
- Marshmallow Vodka
- Coffee Liqueur
- Bourbon
- Rum
- Whisky
Pick your favorite! 🙂
Step 3:
Pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug, top with vegan marshmallows (or regular marshmallows), and a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy!
In three steps you have delicious Homemade Hot Chocolate! Skip the store brought hot cocoa and make this one at home. I promise you’ll love it!
Here’s a 1-minute step-by-step video!
Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond Milk (or your favorite milk)
- 3 tbsp Cacao Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 3 tbsp Date or Maple Syrup
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Rum or your favorite alcohol
- 3-4 Vegan Marshmallows
- Pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the almond milk, cacao, syrup, and cinnamon into a medium sized pot over medium high heat. Stir until all lumps are removed.
- Allow the mixture to come to a subtle boil (about 5 minutes), then reduce the heat.
- Add the rum (optional). Stir well and remove the mixture from the heat.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with marshmallows and cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition:
- Serving: 2
- Fat: 11.6g
- Calories: 358
- Protien 6g
Resources
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits
2. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-11-best-sources-of-ma_b_1817556
3. https://begoodorganics.com/cacao-5-little-known-benefits-of-this-amazonian-superfood/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
5. http://www.wiseonesuperfoods.com/science-raw-cacao/
Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you and helps me keep my site running! I’m sharing these products because I use them, trust them, and cannot recommend them enough. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
21 comments
This hot chocolate was perfect! I could hardly tell it was dairy free.
That’s great! I think the almond milk does a great job at making this hot chocolate creamy 🙂
So very delicious – we loved this hot chocolate!
Delicious! I can’t wait for to get cold again… 🙂
Hi Terra! The cold weather will be here before we know it! 🙂
Was delicious! I love date syrup. It was the perfect addition.
Made mine with coconut milk! AMAZING!
Hi Kay! That sounds delicious!
Really great recipe, I love using the almond milk, I don’t think to use it enough.
great!
Glad you like, Emily!
I love this hot chocolate, especially added cinnamon. I must give this a try tonight. Also, love the rum you suggested. 🙂
Thanks, Natalie! I love the cinnamon too! Gives it an extra warm flavor
Yum….date syrup is the best for sweetening and I love the addition of cinnamon!
Yes! I love date syrup! It’s the perfect level of sweetness!
[…] you like this Dairy-free Eggnog, you’ll love my Homemade Hot Chocolate and my Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe! Both dairy-free and super […]
[…] you like this Dairy-free Eggnog, you’ll love my Homemade Hot Chocolate and my Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe! Both dairy-free and super […]
How delicious! I’m lactose intolerant so I’m always trying to find ways to enjoy the things I use to love but can’t have anymore. Definitely adding some coffee liqueur for a cheeky nightcap!
Oo! That sounds delish! I will have to do that myself. 🙂
We loved this recipe!!
I love dairy, but this looks delicious too! Great photos!