Whether you’re staying in this Halloween or heading out with the kids, this healthier alternative to classic hot chocolate is sure to tick all the boxes. It’s:

• Rich
• Creamy
• Decadent

Can be made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand already and is a great way to nix a chocolate craving without all the inflammatory repercussions.

Print Recipe

5-Minute Stovetop Hot Chocolate (Vegan, Sugar-Free)

Warm up this season with this simple, healthy take on the classic hot chocolate.

Cook Time5 mins

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Keyword: Fall, Holiday Classics, Winter

Servings: 3 modest servings

Ingredients

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk canned
• 1 cup dairy-free milk (I use walnut for Omegas, but any dairy-free milk will work) can also sub for water for a lighter version
• ¼ cup cacao powder I used raw, organic cacao, not Dutch cocoa powder. You can try subbing for cocoa powder, you may need to reduce the sweetener
• 1-3 Tbsp maple syrup Can sub with honey or other sweetener of choice
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 pinch espresso powder or 1 pinch of instant coffee.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• To a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add coconut milk and additional dairy-free milk or water, if using.
• Next, add cacao powder and stir to combine, until there's no lumps.
• Add 1 Tbsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp of salt and pinch of espresso powder.
• Taste and adjust as necessary. If using raw cacao powder, you may want to add 1 or 2 more Tbsp of maple syrup or sweetener of choice.
• Bring to a simmer, remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Serve immediately.
• Optional toppings: Chocolate chips, vegan marshmallows, crushed peppermint