This simple but delicious DIY vegan hot chocolate contains only 5 ingredients, is sugar- and gluten-free and takes minutes to make.
Anyone else with me when I say I can't stop drinking hot chocolate at this time of year? There's just something so comforting about its rich creaminess, particularly when it's cold outside.
Weirdly, I was never a big fan of hot chocolate, mainly because I didn't like dairy-based drinks growing up. It wasn't until I turned vegan that I developed a love of creamier drinks, and this DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate is therefore a godsend!
Not only is this recipe vegan and gluten-free, but it's made with whole food ingredients. There's so much added sugar in most of the drinks we buy that making your own is a great way to minimize this and up your dose of nutrients!
This DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate combines raw cacao with cinnamon, Brazil nuts, dates and plant-based milk. It's that simple, but it's still absolutely delicious.
You're getting a good dose of various nutrients in this drink, including selenium from the Brazil nuts. Raw cacao supplies iron and magnesium, and the dates provide fibre.
The plant-based milk and nuts also contain healthy fats to keep you warm over the colder months!
DIY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE - THE RECIPE
As with all my recipes, you're welcome to customize this one as you see fit. It can however be tricky to get the right balance of flavours with hot chocolate. Therefore if you do stray from the recipe I recommend only making minor changes, so that you don't change the flavour profile too much.
If you prefer a milkier, less strong cup of chocolate then feel free to use more milk. Likewise, if you prefer a really sweet drink, feel free to add another date or two to the mix.
IMPORTANT - One point to note is that you must use a high speed blender for this recipe, and blend until the drink is completely smooth. If you don't, you'll likely end up with lumpy hot chocolate, which is not fun. Trust me.
MORE DAIRY FREE DRINKS YOU'LL LOVE
Looking for a sweet treat to go with this hot chocolate? Why not try my 6-Ingredient Granola Bars or my Raw Walnut Brownies?
DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate (sugar-free & gluten-free)
Ingredients
- 1 heaped tbsp cacao powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1½ cups coconut, almond or oat milk
- 4 small pitted dates (use 2 if using larger Medjool dates)
- 1 tablespoon your favourite nut butter
Or
- 3 Brazil nuts
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a high speed blender until frothy and really smooth (about 1 minute).
- Pour into a small saucepan and heat (stirring regularly) until warm. Serve immediately!
Notes
If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a comment or tip for others below. I'd love to know how you’ve made it your own!
Follow Vancouver with Love on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!
Luke
Love this hot chocolate
Elizabeth
So glad!