Healthy Hot Chocolate

With its rich heritage as a wintertime staple reimagined for the modern era, this indulgent treat combines the creamy smoothness of oat milk, the subtle sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the deep, velvety notes of cocoa powder to create an unparalleled cold-weather delight. Rich, velvety, and indulgently chocolatey, this decadent treat requires mere moments to prepare – a mere 10 minutes, to be exact.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Flavor Variations Can’t resist a rich, creamy hot chocolate? Here’s the secret: use wholesome ingredients and skip the added sugars! Start by combining 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy alternative with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick). Brittany’s Tip!Healthy Hot Chocolate Toppings Storing Options Frequently Asked Questions More Drink Recipes to Try

As soon as winter’s chill sets in, I crave a warm mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate. As a child, I recall fondly spending hours outside in the snow, followed by a warm and comforting cup of hot chocolate upon returning to the cozy warmth of home. I’m eager to begin this new family ritual alongside my loved ones. This year, I’m thrilled to experiment with creating a nutritious and delicious hot chocolate recipe that we can share and savor as a family.

I crafted a refined, expert-endorsed variation using uncomplicated components that is notably low in sugar and free from dairy products. Don’t worry – this microwaveable mix is just as indulgent as its traditional counterpart, boasting a rich, velvety texture and deep, satisfying flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This decadent hot chocolate combines the deep, velvety smoothness of cocoa powder with the unmistakable allure of genuine chocolate, resulting in a luxurious and intensely flavorful treat.
Indulge in your preferred dairy milk, tailor the sweetness to your taste, and finish with a flourish – perhaps coconut whipped cream, plant-based marshmallows, or a light dusting of rich cocoa powder.
Ready to revitalize yourself in just 5-7 minutes, this effortless solution is ideal for thawing out on a chilly day.
Offering a creamy, comforting treat for those with dairy restrictions, this option uses oat milk or other non-dairy alternatives to deliver a satisfying taste experience.

Ingredients Needed

These alternatives – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or other non-dairy milks – are equally suitable.
Or, this unique blend of spices and sweet treats infuses your hot cocoa with the deep, velvety richness of premium dark chocolate. Make sure to opt for the unsweetened version. Utilize premium-quality cocoa powder as the crowning glory of this recipe.
adds an intense, velvety depth to the hot cocoa. Using Lily’s chocolate chips, which are renowned for their reduced sugar and calorie content, is a great choice; however, any high-quality dark chocolate can also serve as a suitable alternative.
a natural sweetener used in this drink. Consider using a liquid sweetener of your preference, such as honey, agave, or opt for the rich flavor that maple syrup brings to the dish.
The ultimate flavor booster for this beverage.
– trust me on this one! A dash of salt elevates this entire beverage to new heights!

Flavor Variations

Add a splash of Irish cream, whiskey, bourbon, or amaretto to create a richly indulgent and uniquely spirited hot chocolate.
Infuse a dash of fiery flair by adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a subtle hint of cayenne pepper for an added layer of complexity and a tantalizing kick.
Stir in ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to imbue the mixture with a refreshing essence, then top it off with a festive candy cane for an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Infuse the mixture with a hint of your signature date caramel sauce, then finish with an elegant drizzle on top.
Boost your morning with a rich and creamy cup of coffee, now infused with a satisfying dose of protein. Indulge in a rich and creamy treat by trying out this innovative protein-packed hot chocolate recipe!

Can’t resist a rich, creamy hot chocolate? Here’s the secret: use wholesome ingredients and skip the added sugars!

Start by combining 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy alternative with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick).

Combining in a small saucepan are milk, richly flavored cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate chips, the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, a hint of creamy vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Simmer the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer and the chocolate has fully melted, with any lumpy cocoa particles dissolved. This task should require around 5-7 minutes to complete.

As the rich aroma of hot chocolate wafts up, carefully pour the velvety liquid into a warm mug, filling it to the brim with indulgent delight.

Savor every bite with your choice of delectable toppings.

Brittany’s Tip!

Whisk constantly to prevent the mixture from boiling and burning the chocolate, as this can have disastrous consequences.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Toppings

The best part of hot chocolate is undoubtedly the creative freedom to add your favorite toppings! As a child, I delighted in sipping hot cocoa from my favorite mug and scooping out fluffy marshmallows for a sweet treat that has remained a beloved ritual into adulthood, with the added joy of exploring creative topping combinations. Here are some ideas:

Coconut whipped cream
Vegan marshmallows – I’m a big fan of Dandies’ delicious mini vanilla marshmallows.
Chocolate shavings
Chocolate chips
Dusting of cocoa powder
Drizzle of peanut butter
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Storing Options

Should leftover hot chocolate occur, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring the contents to an airtight container for storage. Store in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below for up to two days. Allow the dish to simmer gently on the stovetop at a low temperature or reheat it efficiently in the microwave, ensuring to stir thoroughly before presenting.
Want to make it ahead of time, perfect for busy days! Pour the excess liquid into a container to freeze at a later date. Add a few instant coffee cubes to a saucepan as desired, then combine them with a splash of milk over low heat to savor a rich, creamy cup in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’re welcome to utilise any milk variety that suits your taste – whether dairy-based or a plant-based alternative. While whole milk does impart a richer texture to hot chocolate, adventurous palates may also appreciate the subtle nuances afforded by alternative milks like almond, soy, or coconut milk varieties.

While cocoa powder undergoes extensive processing, resulting in a milder taste, its raw counterpart, cacao powder, retains a richer, subtly bitter flavour profile. Both ingredients work well, so feel free to use whatever you have available.

The richly sweetened hot cocoa of your childhood probably relied heavily on dairy, copious amounts of sugar, and a generous pour of corn syrup – no wonder you’re not keen on that nostalgic treat! Discover the simplicity and richness of indulging in a deliciously decadent cup of hot cocoa without relying on heavy cream, milk, or copious amounts of sugar. This rich and indulgent hot chocolate recipe boasts a creamy base courtesy of oat milk, rendering it both vegan and dairy-free in its purest form.