Decadent Vegan Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows
I want to share something really special with you—a recipe for Vegan Creamy Hot Cocoa. I love warming up with a hot cup of cocoa, especially on those chilly days in San Francisco.
Being a nutritionist, I always look for ways to make my favorite treats healthier and suitable for everyone in my family, including those who prefer vegan and gluten-free options. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients, which are great for keeping our bodies happy and healthy.
I got the idea for this recipe during one of my morning tai chi sessions in the park. It was a bit cold, and I thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a warm, creamy cocoa that fits my diet?” So, I decided to create a dairy-free version that’s just as comforting and delicious as the traditional one.
What’s great about this cocoa is that it’s really easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients, and it’s all about mixing them together and heating them up. Plus, you can find everything you need at your local farmers’ market, which I love visiting to get the freshest and most nutritious ingredients.
I hope this Vegan Creamy Hot Cocoa brings warmth and joy to your day just like it does for me and my family. Enjoy making it, and stay cozy!
Chef’s Notes – Vegan Creamy Hot Cocoa
- High-Quality Ingredients: For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate. It makes a significant difference in the taste and texture of the hot cocoa.
- Vanilla and Spices: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for additional warmth and depth. You can also experiment with a hint of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker hot cocoa, simmer the mixture for an additional minute or two. This will allow it to reduce slightly and become even creamier.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of vegan cookies or biscotti for a delightful treat. It adds a perfect crunch to complement the smoothness of the cocoa.
- Frothing Option: For a frothy texture, use a milk frother or a whisk to aerate the hot cocoa just before serving.
- Alternative Milks: If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, almond milk or soy milk are great substitutes. They will still provide a creamy texture, though coconut milk gives the richest flavor.
- Sweetener Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of agave syrup based on your sweetness preference. Maple syrup or coconut sugar can also be used as sweeteners, each adding their unique flavor notes.
- Melting Chocolate: Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped for quicker melting. Stir continuously to prevent any burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the hot cocoa in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the mixture if needed.
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as a dusting of cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. Vegan whipped cream is also a fantastic addition.
- Dietary Customizations: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
Vegan Creamy Hot Cocoa
Indulge in this rich and creamy vegan hot cocoa, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day! With just five simple ingredients—coconut milk, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, agave syrup, and a hint of sea salt—you can whip up this delightful treat in under 10 minutes. Top it off with vegan marshmallows for an extra touch of decadence. This recipe is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious!
4
cups5
minutes5
minutes180
kcal10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
Full-Fat Coconut Milk
1/4 cup Dark Chocolate finely chopped
2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2-3 tbsp Agave Syrup (adjust to taste)
A pinch Sea Salt
Vegan Marshmallows
- Alternative Ingredients:
Coconut milk substitute: Almond milk or soy milk
Dark chocolate substitute: Vegan chocolate chips or carob chips
Agave syrup substitute: Maple syrup or coconut sugar
Sea salt substitute: Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt
Directions
- Heating the Base – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the full-fat coconut milk, finely chopped dark chocolate, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Sweetening the Cocoa – Add the agave syrup to the saucepan. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness level and whisk until well combined (about 1 minute).
- Serving the Cocoa – Pour the hot cocoa into four mugs. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each serving.
- Garnishing – Top each mug with vegan marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy drink!
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- saucepan
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 2mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQ – Vegan Creamy Hot Cocoa
What makes this hot cocoa vegan?
This hot cocoa is made with coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and uses dark chocolate and marshmallows that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk. Keep in mind that the creaminess and flavor might vary slightly with different milk alternatives.
Is this hot cocoa gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are not processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products if you’re sensitive to gluten.
How can I make this hot cocoa sugar-free?
To make this hot cocoa sugar-free, you can substitute agave syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference and the sweetener’s sweetness level.
Can I store leftover hot cocoa?
Yes, you can store leftover hot cocoa in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to ensure it’s evenly warm.
Is this hot cocoa suitable for kids?
Absolutely, this hot cocoa is kid-friendly and makes a delicious treat for children. You can adjust the sweetness and skip the sea salt if serving to younger kids.
