Cold nights need rich creamy vegan hot chocolate and this healthy recipe does not disappoint. Double the chocolate with a secret ingredient!
This post was originally published on December 9, 2014.
I looooove a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly night. And just because it's dairy free does not mean it can't be frothy and amazing.
Store bought hot chocolate mix might get the job done, but I feel it's seriously lacking. I want thick, luscious, and rich decadence in my mug! Thankfully, it's not difficult to create such deliciousness. Even better is I know exactly what it's made of!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this dreamy dairy free hot chocolate!
- coconut milk
- pistachios (you can also use another nut if you prefer!)
- dairy-free chocolate chips
- unsweetened baking cocoa
- medjool dates
- tomato paste
- seasonings
How To Make Vegan Hot Chocolate
This recipe takes slightly more effort than dissolving a packet of mix in hot water, but that tiny bit of extra effort goes an incredibly long way:
- Blend everything.
- Pour into your favorite mug.
- Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
- Top with Dairy-free whipped cream for extra creaminess!
- Vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, or nuts also make great toppings.
- If you have a bigger crowd, make extra and keep it hot in a slow cooker for serving.
Preparation and storage tips
- If you don’t want to use pistachios you can sub another nut or even seed, however it may not come out as thick and frothy with seeds.
- You can use any dairy-free milk but coconut gives it the richest flavor.
- Adjust the chocolate chips and cocoa powder to get the sweetness you prefer. Add more chocolate chips and less cocoa powder for extra sweetness. And the opposite for a more dark chocolate flavor.
- This recipe is already pretty thick, but if you want it even thicker, reduce the coconut milk, or add more nuts.
- This will make enough for a few people, if you just need one serving you can divide the recipe. Or even better, store leftovers so you can enjoy again without the work!
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers will settle a bit, so make sure you stir well while reheating.
Common Questions
Not all hot chocolate mixes are vegan! This is why I prefer to make my own, so I know exactly what is going into it! There are some store bought vegan mixes though, just make sure to read the labels.
There are a number of ways! Follow the recipe above, use your own homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix, or make it with a vegan store bought mix.
Lite coconut milk is the best for that rich flavor and texture. You can use any other dairy free milk you prefer like cashew or almond, but it will change the consistency and flavor.
More Vegan Chocolate Recipes
Your sweet tooth is calling and it's demanding more chocolate! I've got you covered with these recipes:
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake
- Easy Vegan Chocolate Truffles
- Chocolate Ice Cream
- The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes
- Chocolate Mocha Cannoli
Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cup lite coconut milk , see note
- ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios (see note)
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (see note)
- ¼ cup unsweetened baking cocoa or cacao powder (see note)
- 5 medjool dates , use medium to large
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon , optional
Optional toppings:
- Dairy-free whipped cream
- Marshmallows , make sure they are vegan to keep it vegan
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
- If you have a high speed blender, you can blend until hot. If not, you can warm the hot chocolate on the stove top.
- Serve with toppings of choice!
Notes
- If you don’t want to use pistachios you can sub another nut or even seed, however it may not come out as thick and frothy with seeds.
- You can use any dairy-free milk but coconut gives it the richest flavor.
- Adjust the chocolate chips and cocoa powder to get the sweetness you prefer. Add more chocolate chips and less cocoa powder for extra sweetness. And the opposite for a more dark chocolate flavor.
- Makes 4 cups total.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
izabela
why tomato paste?
Sophia DeSantis
It enhances and deepens the flavor of the chocolate! Give it a try! Or feel fee to leave it out.
Emily Kemp
This sounds to die for, can't wait for Autumn!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
I want to snuggle up to a warm cup of this tonight - so perfect for Winter! YUM!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Ceara! It's so rich and yummy!
Audrey | Unconventional Baker
Yum! Totally sharing your pistachios + chocolate <3 🙂 This looks awesome!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Audrey! I went through a small pistachio obsession phase...hence this recipe plus my Pistachio Buffalo Cream. LOL!
Richa
pistachio milk!! i can imagine how decadent this hot chocolate must be. pistachio milk and that much cocoa. swoon!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Richa! It is quite decadent indeed. I wanted a little something over the top! Lol. You can definitely take it down a notch with less cocoa but its the holidays so why not indulge a bit right?!
The Vegan 8
These look so dang good Sophia!! Hot chocolate is one of my alltime favorite indulgences! 3/4 cup is a lot of cocoa powder, so I can imagine how chocolatey these must be, like in a good way!. If I make it, I will just half the recipe because I have enough pistachios for a couple of Christmas recipes and then this. I absolutey love pistachios. Yum!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!! It's a LOT of cocoa!! Yes!! So indulgent but that's what I was going for. Lol. And the pistachio milk goes so good what it. Definitely a different spin on hot cocoa! You could definitely add less to make it thinner and not as thick and chocolatey though. But since cocoa powder has no sugar why cut it out?! More antioxidants right
bscartabello
Pistachio milk.... my gosh <33333
veggiesdontbite
Lol. SO good!!!