5-Min Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate

Vegan hot chocolate is a silky smooth dairy free spin on your favorite winter drink made with only five ingredients! Ok, six if you count salt. I don’t.

You’ll love this rich and luxurious hot chocolate made with oat milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, and cocoa powder.

The oat milk gives the hot chocolate a creamy, smooth texture. The dairy-free chocolate chips and cocoa powder provide the perfect amount of sweetness and intense chocolate flavor.

This hot chocolate is such a warm and comforting drink that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Whether you’re lactose intolerant, looking for a dairy-free alternative, or just love oat milk in any form, this hot chocolate is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling cozy and content.

Why you’ll love this recipe

1. Delicious and creamy texture: The oat milk gives the hot chocolate a smooth and creamy texture. You can use any dairy-free milk here but oat milk has long been a favorite of mine. The texture of oat milk is incomparable to other dairy-free alternatives.
2. Dairy-free and lactose-friendly: This hot chocolate is made with dairy-free chocolate chips! The chocolate chips plus the oat milk make it a great option for anyone looking for a dairy free alternative.

Ingredients for Vegan Hot Chocolate

• Oat milk: Oat milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess to the hot chocolate without the use of dairy, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.
• Chocolate chips: The dairy-free chocolate chips add sweetness and intense chocolate flavor to the hot chocolate. They also help to create a silky and indulgent texture.
• Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder is an essential ingredient in hot chocolate and adds rich chocolate flavor to the drink.
• Agave nectar: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that adds a subtle sweetness to the hot chocolate.
• Vanilla: Vanilla adds a warm, sweet, and slightly floral flavor to the hot chocolate, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the hot chocolate! It brings out the sweetness of the chocolate and other ingredients. It also helps to balance the flavors and create a more satisfying drink.

How to make Vegan Hot Chocolate

1. Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat until it starts to steam.
2. Whisk until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
4. Serve the hot chocolate immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.

Recipe success tips

1. Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients like dairy-free chocolate chips and cocoa powder will result in a better-tasting hot chocolate.
2. Heat the milk slowly: Heating the milk slowly over medium heat will prevent it from scorching and ensure that the chocolate and other ingredients blend smoothly into the drink.
3. Stir constantly: Stirring the hot chocolate constantly while heating it will help to prevent burning and ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Adjust the sweetness to your liking: The amount of sweetener you use can be adjusted to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
5. Experiment with flavors: Try adding different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try using different types of sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to create unique and delicious hot chocolate flavors.

Variations

Spiced hot chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your hot chocolate for a warm and cozy twist.

Mint hot chocolate: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to your hot chocolate for a refreshing and minty flavor.

Orange hot chocolate: Add a teaspoon of orange zest and a drop of orange extract to your hot chocolate for a bright and citrusy flavor.

Peanut butter hot chocolate: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter into your hot chocolate for a nutty and creamy twist.

Salted caramel hot chocolate: Stir in a drizzle of caramel sauce and a pinch of salt into your hot chocolate for a sweet and salty treat.

Storing

it is best to store leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator. If stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Whisk frequently to ensure a smooth consistency.