An indulgent mug of Thick Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk is exactly what a cozy day needs! This rich and creamy vegan hot chocolate recipe can be made in 5 minutes and is full of deep chocolate flavor. (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)
This post was made in collaboration with Granny Goose
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Why You Will Love This Oat Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe
This decadent hot chocolate is a delicious way to stay warm and cozy on a cold day. It is full of deep and rich chocolate flavor and it is extra thick and creamy.
This yummy drink is also lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg which adds a delicious deep, spiced flavor which enhances the taste of the hot chocolate. Add a touch of sweetness and vanilla and this drink turns into the best decadent hot chocolate ever.
I love using oat milk for my hot chocolate recipes as it is creamy and it adds a touch of earthy flavor. It is a delicious dairy milk alternative and creates a hot chocolate that no one would ever know is dairy-free!
This vegan hot chocolate recipe is so easy to make and only takes 5 minutes of your time to make it. I love making this warm chocolate drink around the holidays and I always find it a crowd-pleaser!
This Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Is:
- Completely dairy-free. Oat milk is a creamy milk alternative that suits warm beverages perfectly.
- Homemade. Making your own hot chocolate at home is a great way to keep it healthy and cheaper than coffee shops and cafe versions.
- Highly customizable. This recipe can be adapted according to your exact preferences and works well with a variety of add-ins.
- Warm and cozy. This thick hot chocolate is creamy, sweet, and lightly spiced which is perfect for cold days.
Another delicious hot chocolate recipe to try out is my Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate!
Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa - what is the difference?
Although not officially, there is actually a difference between these warm chocolatey drinks. And it all has got to do with where the chocolate flavor comes from!
So as the name suggests, hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder rather than chocolate. Traditionally, hot cocoa consists of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It is, therefore, thinner and sweeter than hot chocolate and it isn't as rich.
The base of hot chocolate is melted chocolate, which is then mixed with either hot water or milk. Due to the chocolate in the recipe, hot chocolate has a richer and more decadent flavor and a thicker texture. And dependant on the chocolate used it usually contains no added sugar.
So although the names are often used interchangeably, there is a small difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. Both are delicious, but are made using different ingredients!
Ingredients & Notes
This recipe uses just a few pantry staple ingredients to make the yummiest hot chocolate ever. The ingredients used also contain various health benefits which is always a win.
What You'll Need:
- Oat milk. You can use cow's milk or any other milk alternative if you prefer but I really recommend using oat milk. Use whichever brand you best prefer!
- Dark chocolate. Use the best quality you can as this is where all the rich, chocolate flavor comes from. Make sure the cocoa percentage is high or use a vegan dark chocolate to ensure it fits within the vegan and/or dairy-free diet.
- Vanilla extract. Enhances the taste of the hot chocolate with sweet vanilla flavor.
- Ground cinnamon & ground nutmeg. Add a warm spiced flavor to the drink which enhances the taste of the chocolate.
- Sweetener. You can use whichever sweetener you best prefer, such as xylitol, granulated sugar, agave syrup, or maple syrup.
- Salt. Just a small pinch to enhance and balance the yummy flavors.
- Cornstarch (cornflour). This is what gives the hot chocolate a delicious thicker, decadent consistency.
- (Optional) Tahini. I like to add some tahini to my hot chocolate to give it a slight nutty flavor and thick, creamy texture.
Toppings and add-ins suggestions
- Whipped Cream. You can buy vegan whipped cream or use whipped coconut cream - both are delicious.
- More Chocolate: Top your hot chocolate with cocoa nibs, vegan chocolate chips, or grated dark chocolate for some additional chocolate flavor!
- Vegan marshmallows: Marshmallows are a very popular hot chocolate topping. To keep this recipe vegan, add vegan marshmallows to the top of your drink to enjoy the classic soft, melted marshmallow topping.
- Cinnamon Powder: An extra dusting of cinnamon powder for a more spiced flavor.
- Peppermint Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a fun, festive twist.
How to make Thick Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk
This is an easy recipe to make a delicious mug of warm hot cocoa that is thick and indulgent. This oat milk drink takes just 5 minutes to make and the recipe can be multiplied for however much you want to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
STEP ONE
Combine ingredients. To a small saucepan over medium heat, add the nutmeg, cinnamon, sweetener, oat milk, vanilla extract, and optional tahini.
STEP TWO
Heat. Allow the tahini mixture to come to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
STEP THREE
Add the chocolate. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Allow the chocolate to sit for one minute.
STEP FOUR
Whisk together. Use a small whisk to mix the mixture until it is well combined and the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
STEP FIVE
Serve. Serve the hot chocolate immediately. It is delicious as is, or you can add some whipped coconut cream or vegan whipped cream on top for even more delicious decadence.
WHICH MILK ALTERNATIVE IS BEST FOR HOT CHOCOLATE?
There are many milk alternatives available for hot vegan drinks. Oat milk gives a neutral creaminess to hot chocolates. While nut milk options add a subtle nuttiness to a hot drink which can be delicious.
Other alternatives that are also great include soy milk and coconut milk. All the above options will work great for vegan, dairy-free beverages. Personally, I love oat milk for hot chocolate and nut milk for coffee!
IS OAT MILK HEALTHY?
Oat milk is a healthy and nutritious milk alternative that offers many health benefits. Oatmilk is high in protein and other important nutrients and is also low in calories.
Oat milk is high in fibre and plant-based protein and promotes a healthy digestive system. So, therefore oat milk is a healthy dairy-free milk that tastes creamy and slightly sweet with a light oat-like flavor to it.
More Hot Drinks To Try:
I hope you love this Thick Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
Thick Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk
An indulgent mug of Thick Hot Chocolate with Oat Milk is exactly what a cozy day needs! This rich and creamy vegan hot chocolate recipe can be made in 5 minutes and is full of deep chocolate flavor. (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat milk (or any other preferred milk alternative)
- 350g vegan dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoon agave/maple syrup (or granulated sugar / xylitol)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Small pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornflour / cornstarch
- ¾ cup tahini (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, sweetener, oat milk, and optional tahini.
- Heat. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, occasionally stirring.
- Add the chocolate. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Allow the chocolate to sit for 1 minute.
- Whisk together. Using a small whisk, mix the mixture until it is well combined and the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Serve. Serve the hot chocolate immediately. It is delicious as is, or you can add some whipped coconut cream or vegan whipped cream on top for even more delicious decadence. (See notes for more toppings and add-in suggestions)
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled or multiplied for however many servings you need.
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
- Whipped Cream. You can buy vegan whipped cream or use whipped coconut cream - both are delicious.
- More Chocolate: Top your hot chocolate with cocoa nibs, vegan chocolate chips, or grated dark chocolate for some additional chocolate flavor!
- Vegan marshmallows: Marshmallows are a very popular hot chocolate topping. To keep this recipe vegan, add vegan marshmallows to the top of your drink to enjoy the classic soft, melted marshmallow topping.
- Cinnamon Powder: An extra dusting of cinnamon powder for a more spiced flavor.
- Peppermint Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a fun, festive twist.
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