Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Nov 28, 2016, Updated Nov 29, 2023

5 from 5 votes

61 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This ultra thick & creamy dairy-free hot chocolate recipe is for serious chocolate lovers. It’s made from scratch in 15 minutes with 6 ingredients! Truly is the best Paleo and vegan hot chocolate you will ever drink!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (2)

The temperatures are dropping, snow is falling, and Thanksgiving has come and gone, which can only mean one thing, hot chocolate season has arrived!

This dairy-free hot chocolate recipe is amazing. It’s rich and creamy and perfect for those of you who love hot cocoa but need to make it dairy-free, or vegan or Paleo!

Because nothing beats coming inside after playing in the snow, curling up with a blanket and a warm cup of cocoa (like this peanut butter hot chocolate) and watching a Christmas movie! And just because you can’t eat dairy doesn’t mean you should have to miss out.

Make a batch of these homemade marshmallows and you will be in serious hot-chocolate heaven!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (3)

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Substitutions

As written, this dairy free hot chocolate recipe results in an extra-dark hot cocoa. There are a few substitutions you can make to adjust the sweetness and chocolate intensity to cater to your family’s tastes.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (4)
  • Full-fat coconut milk. You can use coconut cream to make it extra thick. I do not recommend using almond milk because it is much less creamy than coconut milk. However, I have had great success with Silk’s almond/coconut blend!
  • ChoppedChocolate.Any form of chocolate works well (chips, discs or a chopped bar). You can choose the darkness of the chocolate, I use 70% dark chocolate, but have also use 60%, semisweet, and even milk chocolate. If you use unsweetened chocolate, add 1-2 Tablespoons more sugar (or to taste).
  • Granulated sugar.The amount and type of sugar used in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. For a paleo version use coconut sugar, or honey or maple syrup.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. The only adjustment to make here is the amount. I use a full 1 TBS of cocoa powder to make a super dark, rich dairy-free hot cocoa. You can adjust the amount to your tastes.
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (5)

How to make Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Let’s walk through how to make dairy-free hot chocolate together!

Begin by combining the coconut milk, granulated sugar, sea salt and cocoa powder in a 3-quart saucepan.

Then, warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking often until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (6)

Once the mixture is smooth, add the chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted. This takes about 5 minutes.

next, remove the pot from the heat and let the dairy free hot cocoa sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.

Note. The longer this recipe sits, the thicker it becomes. I have forgotten about it and it’s transformed into more of a super thick drinking chocolate than hot cocoa. If this happens, simply reheat it and add a splash of non-dairy milk.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (7)

Serve

Pour into 4 mugs and serve warm with marshmallows. This recipe makes enough dairy-free hot chocolate for up to four people because it’s very rich.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (8)

Store

Leftovers should be stored in a glass jar with a lid for up to 5 days. I actually love putting leftover dairy free hot chocolate in my coffee in the morning!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (9)

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs

What is the best non-dairy milk for hot chocolate?

Full-fat coconut milk is definitely the best choice.

What are some dairy-free chocolate options?

Here are some of my favorite paleo/vegan/dairy free chocolate options.
Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems. This is my favorite paleo chocolate. These gems are delicious and easy to toss into cookies (no bar chopping required).
Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Bars. You can also buy dark chocolate bars and chop them up to toss into these paleo chocolate chip cookies.
Lily’s Dark Chocolate. They make chips and bars that are stevia sweetened, low carb, keto, etc.
Enjoy Life Foods Dark Chocolate Chips are a good option that are vegan, dairy-free but not fully paleo.

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (10)

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (11)

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (12)

SavePinPrint

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate

Laura

This ultra thick & creamy dairy-free hot chocolate recipe is for serious chocolate lovers. It's made from scratch in 15 minutes with 6 ingredients! Truly is the best Paleo and vegan hot chocolate you will ever drink!

5 from 5 votes

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings (about 1/2 cup each)

Calories 220.5

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Resting time10 minutes minutes

Total Time15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine coconut milk, granulated sugar, sea salt and cocoa powder in a 3-quart saucepan.

  • Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking often until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

  • Add chocolate and vanilla and whisk until the chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and let cocoa sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.**

Video

Notes

*for a darker version, use 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder.

**The longer this recipe sits, the thicker it becomes. If it becomes too thick, simply reheat it and add a splash of non-dairy milk.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Full-fat coconut milk. You can use coconut cream to make it extra thick. I do not recommend using almond milk because it is much less creamy than coconut milk. However, I have had great success with Silk’s almond/coconut blend!
  • ChoppedChocolate.Any form of chocolate works well (chips, discs or a chopped bar). You can choose the darkness of the chocolate, I use 70% dark chocolate, but have also use 60%, semisweet, and even milk chocolate. If you use unsweetened chocolate, add 1-2 Tablespoons more sugar (or to taste).
  • Granulated sugar.The amount and type of sugar used in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. For a paleo version use coconut sugar, or honey or maple syrup.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. The only adjustment to make here is the amount. I use a full 1 TBS of cocoa powder to make a super dark, rich dairy-free hot cocoa. You can adjust the amount to your tastes.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 220.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 13.6g | Saturated Fat: 9.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Sodium: 66.3mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 22.5g | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try these recipes

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of milk in hot chocolate? ›

I recommend using light coconut milk from the can. You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential.

Which hot chocolate is dairy-free? ›

Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to explore new flavours, Cocoba Chocolate's dairy-free hot chocolate collection offers something for everyone.

Does Starbucks do dairy-free hot chocolate? ›

Starbucks

Starbucks hot chocolate can be made vegan! While the standard order comes with dairy milk and whipped cream, you can swap it for plant-based options like soy, coconut, and almond – and in Europe, you can even choose oat.

How do you thicken hot chocolate without milk? ›

Yoghurt or Mascarpone: A tablespoon of thick yoghurt or mascarpone can lend a creamy, dense texture to your hot chocolate. Gelatine: A less common method, but gelatine can provide thickness if used sparingly. Be sure to dissolve it properly to avoid any lumps. Oats: Ground them finely and whisk them into the beverage.

Is hot chocolate better with or without milk? ›

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.

What is the creamiest vegan milk? ›

Oat Milk. Oat milk is perhaps the creamiest of all the plant milks. Its thick creamy texture means it's one of the closest plant-based milks to resemble dairy milk. Oat milk is quickly becoming a favorite non-dairy alternative to milk with popular brands like Oatly disrupting the traditional milk industry.

Does Swiss Miss hot chocolate have dairy? ›

From the Package

SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED WHEY, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, NATURAL FLAVOR.

Can I have hot chocolate if I'm lactose intolerant? ›

Since milk ingredients can vary from brand to brand as well, check the label of the package to see if milk or milk ingredients are present. If there's a concern, choose pure chocolate (no lactose because no milk solids have been added). Unsweetened cocoa powder plus sugar could be used as an alternative.

Is Nesquik hot chocolate dairy free? ›

No Nesquik Milkshake powders and Nesquik Hot Chocolate powders do not contain milk or milk powder.

Does Trader Joe's have dairy free hot chocolate? ›

Trader Joe's Winter: 25 Cool Dairy-Free Seasonal Items. Grab a mug of dairy-free hot chocolate, and relax as you peruse this list of dairy-free winter items at Trader Joe's.

Does Mcdonalds hot chocolate have dairy? ›

McDonald's Hot Chocolate recipe features steamed whole milk with rich hot chocolate syrup and is finished with whipped light cream and chocolate drizzle. Available in small, medium and large sizes. There are 370 calories in a small Hot Chocolate from McDonald's.

Does Hershey's hot chocolate have dairy? ›

SUGAR, WHEY, NATURAL COCOA POWDER, NON-DAIRY CREAMER, [CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, COCONUT OIL, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CASEINATE (A MILK DERIVATE) TITANIUM DIOXIDE, SILICON DIOXIDE (FLOW AGENT), MONO & DIGLYCERIDES, TURMERIC AND ANNATTO EXTRACTS AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR], MALTODEXTRIN, SILICON DIOXIDE (ANTI-CAKING AGENT), ...

Why add cornstarch to hot chocolate? ›

The cornstarch version thickened quickly, making the hot chocolate very thick and creamy, and in the end we decided on a combination of cornstarch and confectioner's sugar, for the ideal texture and sweetness.

Can you use water instead of milk for hot chocolate? ›

Use unflavored or vanilla soy milk. Believe it or not, you can also use water instead of milk. Water allows the chocolate to show off its true flavors and unique characteristics, however, you lose the creamy feel and flavor.

Is there any chocolate without milk? ›

Dairy Free Milk-Style Chocolate

For options with cleaner ingredients, try Raaka oatmilk bar, Baiani vegan milk chocolate, and Mast oat milk chocolate.

Do you need to put milk in hot chocolate? ›

Milk is an essential ingredient to easy hot chocolate. I do not recommend using water for making hot chocolate as the cocoa will be thin and lacking in body and creaminess.

Top Articles
5 Awesome Recipes for the Man’s-Man
Tofu Mushroom "Quiche" Recipe
Google Jobs Denver
Best Places To Get Free Furniture Near Me | Low Income Families
Davaba19
Barber Gym Quantico Hours
Rickrolling Link Generator
Use Caution: Herds of wild horses escaping Davis Fire spotted evacuating up Geiger Grade
Celebrity Guest Tape Free
16Th Or 16Nd
Ecolab Mppa Charges
Short Swords Resource Pack (1.21.1, 1.20.1) - Texture Pack
Havasu Lake residents boiling over water quality as EPA assumes oversight
Five Guys Calorie Calculator
Standard Bank Learnership Programme 2021
Four-Legged Friday: Meet Tuscaloosa's Adoptable All-Stars Cub & Pickle
Sky Park Stl Coupon
Water Leaks in Your Car When It Rains? Common Causes & Fixes
Brake Masters 208
The Athenaeum's Fan Fiction Archive & Forum
Craigslist Goats For Sale By Owner Near Me
Meine Erfahrung mit Textbroker als Autor (inkl. Beispiel zu Verdienst)
Zillow Group, Inc. Aktie (A14NX6) - Kurs Nasdaq - MarketScreener
Zen Leaf New Kensington Menu
Moss Adams Client Portal
Weer Maasbracht - Vandaag - Morgen - 14 dagen
G4 Vore
321 Flea Market Gastonia Nc
Cal Poly 2027 College Confidential
Jill Vasil Sell Obituary
Lincoln Financial Field Section 110
Optimizing Sports Performance Pueblo
Courierpress Obit
Rule 34 Supreme Court: Key Insights and Implications
After the Yankees' latest walk-off win, ranking which starters might be headed to the bullpen
What Auto Parts Stores Are Open
Oprichter Haagse rapgroep SFB doodgeschoten, wie was hij?
Adding Performance to Harley Davidson & Motorcycles is Easy with K&N
Watch ESPN - Stream Live Sports & ESPN Originals
Rolla Mo Craigslist
10000 Divided By 5
Mere Hint Crossword
My Vidant Chart
Trực tiếp bóng đá Hà Nội vs Bình Định VLeague 2024 hôm nay
David Knowles, journalist who helped make the Telegraph podcast Ukraine: The Latest a runaway success
Craigslist Farm And Garden Atlanta Georgia
Amazing Lash Bay Colony
Pioneer Library Overdrive
Penn Highlands Mon Valley | Penn Highlands Healthcare
H'aanit's Third Chapter | Gamer Guides: Your ultimate sou...
O'reilly's Covington Tennessee
Enchiladas Suizas | Mexican Food Recipes, Quick and Easy.
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5467

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.