Light, easy, no-fuss homemade dairy-free hot chocolate with a touch of cinnamon spice to make everything about this recipe nice.
The California heatwaves are starting to say their goodbyes as we welcome 50-degree evenings. It’s a sign that cooler temperatures are ahead and the magic of winter has finally approached.
After a few bouts of cruel heatwaves along with dry, smoky air, I am pretty excited to finally sit by the fireplace with a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate.
Growing up, hot chocolate from a packaged hot cocoa mix was one of my favorites. But when I found out that creating homemade hot cocoa only takes 5 ingredients and a few minutes, I was sold to making it from scratch.
Besides, you have complete control of how sweet, creamy, and chocolatey you want your hot chocolate – all by adjusting the ingredients to your liking.Â
More Warm Chocolate Recipes:
What Kind Of Vegan Milk To Use?
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Any non-dairy milk will work this recipe. However, if you opt for full-fat, canned coconut milk, I suggest thinning it out with water or lighter vegan milk. Coconut milk can be too creamy for this recipe.Â
My favorite kinds of milk to use include oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Cashew can work too, it’s just on the thinner side.Â
What To Add To Hot Chocolate?Â
If you’re looking for a little more depth to your common mug of hot chocolate, consider a few toppings or add-ins. These may include dairy-free whipped cream, chocolate chunks, a spicy cinnamon stick, or coconut shavings.Â
If you want to take a ride down memory lane, throw in a few fluffs of marshmallow to sweeten your hot chocolate.
Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup cashew milk (or vegan milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat the vegan, dairy-free milk over medium-high heat until it simmers.
- Once at a simmer, add the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and ground cinnamon.Â
- Stir well and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Serve immediately.Â
Notes
- You can use whatever dairy-free, vegan milk tickles your pickle. I had cashew milk. Not for any particular reason other than I got it for a deal.Â
- The cinnamon is totally optional, but I recommend it. You can even be fancy and throw in a couple of cinnamon sticks to your drink.Â
- Personally, the amount of sugar in this recipe is perfect. But if you’re into a sugar rush, just add more. Or add less. That’s up to you and your tastebuds.Â
- Additionally, if you don’t have vanilla, it’s okay to skip it. The more important ingredients include vegan milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Everything else is optional.Â
Did you try out this Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate recipe?
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Marta says
I love that you’ve made this hot cocoa dairy free with cashew milk. I have guests coming in this year who can’t have dairy so it’s right on time!
plantbasedandbroke says
It’s so good with cashew milk, but it can definitely work with other vegan milks, too. I am going to try out coconut milk too – since it’s creamier. Yum!
Calysta says
This looks simple, affordable, delicious and right on time for this cold weather!
plantbasedandbroke says
Yessss it’s perfect for the fall season! Enjoy!
Brittany Fiero says
I love that this is dairy free. I have a friend who is lactose intolerant. I will send this to her.
plantbasedandbroke says
Hope she loves it! Works with any vegan milk. Probably even better with something thick like coconut milk.
Adrianna Ruff says
I love a good homemade hot chocolate recipe! So much better than the packaged stuff. Can’t wait to try!
plantbasedandbroke says
Oh yeah, for sure! And so easy to make. 🙂
Eden says
Love that this is dairy free! #teamlactoseintolerant Wonder if this would be good with coconut milk. Do you know?
plantbasedandbroke says
I think it would be! I am planning on trying out this recipe with coconut milk once i get my hands on it. Might be really nice and creamy, which is perfect for hot chocolate.
SHANIKA says
This Hot Chocolate looks great! Just in time for the Holidays ahead. I love that this is Dairy-Free!
Katrina Adams says
I love hot chocolate and would love to try your recipe!!!
plantbasedandbroke says
Please do!!!
Kenya Rae says
I have been thinking about giving up dairy, at least for a little while. I need to give cashew milk a try. This sounds really good.
Jazz says
I love vegan hot chocolate but haven’t tried it with cashew milk yet. Thanks for the inspo!
Tamara J. says
My favorite part about this recipe is that it does not skimp on the flavor at all! Even without the dairy, it’s still rich and creamy.
Aline says
We have a number of lactose intolerant people in my family so I’m saving this recipe for the holidays!! Thank you!