Drinks
Vegan Hot Cocoa
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan Hot Cocoa comes together in just 5 minutes with only 4ish simple ingredients!
- As written, this recipe is vegan, dairy-free, gluten free and grain free.
- This hot chocolate makes for the perfect nightcap!
- Completely free from refined sugars.
- Enjoy with marshmallows, whipped cream or marshmallow fluff.
- Tastes great with my mint chocolate chip cookies or Iced Oatmeal Cookies.
- Perfect for the colder weather!
- Your kids won’t even know it’s secretly healthy.
- Made with organic cacao powder which is a great source of antioxidants.
- If you loved this recipe, check out my espresso martini!
Ingredients And Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Vegan Hot Cocoa . Scroll down to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
You can use any type of milk or nut milk alternative such as cashew milk, almond milk, hemp milk, or regular cow’s milk. I used oat milk for this recipe which made it really creamy and delicious!
Cacao powder is a great source of antioxidants and adds a really rich flavor to this hot drink. You can also sub for coco powder.
Vegan dark chocolate chips adds a rich flavor as well, however, you can use any type of chocolate that you prefer such as milk chocolate or your favorite chocolate bar.
Maple syrup is an unrefined sweetener that I love using in my recipes, you can also use honey, agave, date syrup or just sugar such as brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
A touch of vanilla extract adds flavor to anything! You can simply leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.
Finish off your hot cocoa with some vegan or regular marshmallows, whipped cream or marshmallow fluff. I also added on some cacao nibs for a little crunch.

How To Make
ONE: Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium to low heat, stirring consistency until ingredients are well incorporated and your hot chocolate is heated all the way through.


TWO: Pour into a mug and add on your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks
The more cacao powder you add, the richer tasting and thicker your hot chocolate will be.
Feel free to add in more maple syrup if you want a sweeter hot chocolate.
Consistency stir your mixture on the stove to avoid any clumps.
How To Serve And Store
Serve this Vegan Hot Cocoa hot or warm and enjoy with vegan or regular marshmallows, vegan or regular whipped cream and some more cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a garnish.
This hot cocoa is best served immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, simply add back into a small saucepan or re-heat in the microwave.
Taste
This vegan hot chocolate is perfectly sweet and has a rich chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can use any type of milk or nut milk alternative such as cashew milk, almond milk, hemp milk, or regular cow’s milk.
I believe it adds a richer flavor, but if you don’t want to add it in, the cacao powder will still work.
Yes, totally! You can also use honey, agave, date syrup or just sugar such as brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Andes Mint Chocolate Chips Cookies
- Iced Oatmeal Cookies
- Pretzel Crack
- Candied Pecans
- Gluten Free Gingerbread Muffins
If you make this Vegan Hot Cocoa , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest!