This dairy-free hot chocolate recipe is made with creamy almond milk, rich cacao, naturally sweetened with date syrup, then topped with vegan marshmallows — talk about a sweet treat! It’s a delicious, healthy hot chocolate packed with antioxidants, calcium, and amino acids, while still being super tasty and satisfying!
If you love warm winter drinks, then you’ll love my Dairy-Free Eggnog or my Golden Milk Latte recipe! OR, if you want to take your hot chocolate to a new level, try Hot Chocolate Bombs or Superfood Hot Chocolate!
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Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
This Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate is a winter-time must! It tastes EVEN BETTER than regular hot chocolate, and can be made in less than 5 minutes!
It 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: it is super easy to make and perfect for both kids and adults!
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Cacao helps to make the Hot Chocolate both rich in flavor and incredibly nutritious!
Cacao (Pronounced Kuh-Cow) is one of the most powerful superfoods!
- Raw Cacao is the healthy substitute for chocolate.
- The 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 brownies!
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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)!
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Because this hot chocolate is made completely from scratch, using healthy, clean ingredients, it is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Refined Sugar-Free! It’s a delicious healthy hot chocolate recipe with rich, warm flavors!
How To Make Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Heat The Ingredients In A Saucepan
Pour 2 cups almond milk into a pot over medium heat. Add cacao, ground cinnamon (optional), and date syrup (or maple syrup). Stir well until all the lumps have dissolved and the mixture is a smooth texture. Allow the mixture to come to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add any optional add-ins. Pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug, top with vegan marshmallows (or regular marshmallows), and a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy!
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In one simple step your Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate is ready to enjoy!
Want To Make Spiked Hot Chocolate? Here’s How:
Step 2 (optional): Add your favorite alcohol to your hot chocolate to make boozy hot cocoa.
Once you remove the hot chocolate from the heat, stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite alcohol.
What Alcohol Goes With Chocolate
- Peppermint Schnapps, Cinnamon Liqueur
- Marshmallow Vodka
- Coffee Liqueur
- Bourbon
- Rum
- Whisky
- Pick your favorite! 🙂
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I hope you enjoy this Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
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More Healthy & Delicious Chocolate Recipes To Try!
- Healthy Maca Hot Chocolate
- Easy Sea Moss Chocolate Bark | Vegan
- Baked Vegan Chocolate Donuts (Gluten-Free)
- The Best Healthy Chocolate Granola | Vegan + Gluten-free
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins | Vegan & Gluten-Free
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Bread | Vegan
- Chocolate Raspberry Sea Moss Smoothie
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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 Syrup or Maple Syrup, plus more if desired
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Rum or your favorite alcohol
- 3-4 Vegan Marshmallows
- Pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Heat The Ingredients In A SaucepanPour 2 cups almond milk into a pot over medium heat. Add cacao, ground cinnamon (optional), and date syrup (or maple syrup). Stir well until all the lumps have dissolved and the mixture is a smooth texture.
- Allow the mixture to come to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add any optional add-ins. Pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug, top with vegan marshmallows (or regular marshmallows), and a bit of cinnamon. Enjoy!
How To Make Boozy Hot Chocolate
- Once removing the saucepan from the heat. Stir in rum or your desired alcohol.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with marshmallows and cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition:
- Serving: 2
- Fat: 11.6g
- Calories: 358
- Protein 6g
Nutrition
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/
I love dairy, but this looks delicious too! Great photos!
We loved this recipe!!
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. 🙂