Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

Name: Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 cup lite coconut milk (, see note); 1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachios ((see note)); 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips ((see note)); 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa or cacao powder ((see note)); 5 medjool dates (, use medium to large ); 1 teaspoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (, optional); Dairy-free whipped cream; Marshmallows (, make sure they are vegan to keep it vegan); Extra chocolate chips

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Cold nights need rich creamy vegan hot chocolate and this healthy recipe does not disappoint. Double the chocolate with a secret ingredient!

Spoon getting a scoop of thick hot chocolate from a grey mug

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

Ingredients to make a healthy dairy free version of hot chocolate in bowls

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.

Top view of two grey mugs filled with hot cocoa and topped with whipped cream and marshmallows

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

Which hot chocolate is vegan?

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.

How do you make vegan hot chocolate?

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.

What milks can you use?

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: