Hot chocolate is one of cold weather’s pleasures. Nothing feels better than coming in from the cold to a hot steaming mug of cocoa. Traditionally made with dairy milk, hot chocolate (cocoa) is a favourite drink for kids and adults alike.
It's easy to gravitate towards store-bought dried hot chocolate mixes, but they're expensive and not particularly nutritious. Most contain milk products, so they`re not vegan. They also contain hydrogenated oils, saturated and trans fats.
Vegan hot cocoa products are not common items on store shelves. But don’t fret – here are three easy recipes to warm your toes. Making hot chocolate at home is a fun gourmet treat, and it needn’t take long.
Find the Right Hot Cocoa Ingredients
- Some brands of cocoa powder contain milk ingredients. Be sure to check the label before purchasing.
- These recipes were tested using plain unsweetened soy milk. If using a flavoured or sweetened (sometimes labelled as “original” or “plain”) beverage, decrease the added sugar. Soy milk makes a thick, rich beverage because of its fat content. For this reason, all-natural brands work exceptionally well.
Vegan Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe
This recipe comes first because it has the best flavour and texture. This stovetop version is well worth the time.
Total preparation/cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 4 Tbsp. organic vegan sugar
- 3 Tbsp. vegan cocoa
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 1/3 cups plain non-dairy (soy, almond, or rice) milk
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
- Combine sugar, cocoa and cinnamon (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Gently stir in milk.
- Warm over medium heat, stirring or whisking constantly, until hot. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Microwave Hot Chocolate for One Recipe
Hot cocoa in the micro isn’t quite the same, but is still delicious and much faster than the stovetop. Emulsifying the cocoa with a touch of liquid before heating it ensures a smoother texture.
Total time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. vegan cocoa powder
- 1-2 Tbsp. vegan sugar
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- ¼ tsp. vanilla or almond extract
Directions:
- In a large mug, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, and 2 Tbsp. non-dairy milk.
- Whisk together with a small fork until blended.
- Add the rest of the non-dairy milk and microwave on high for one minute; stir.
- Add almond or vanilla extrac and stir.
Easiest Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
For times when the need for chocolate is imminent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chocolate- or carob-flavoured non-dairy beverage
Directions:
- In a large mug, heat non-dairy beverage in the microwave approximately 1 minute or until hot.
- Enjoy the easiest one-minute hot chocolate!
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