This simple but delicious DIY vegan hot chocolate contains only 5 ingredients, is sugar- and gluten-free and takes minutes to make.

Image shows a grey mug of DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate in the foreground on a marble surface. In the background is another mug, a silver spoon and some chocolate truffles.

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!

Image shows a woman's hand holding a grey mug of DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate in the foreground on a marble surface. In the background is another mug, a silver spoon and some chocolate truffles.

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.

Image shows a grey mug of hot chocolate in the foreground on a marble surface. In the background is another mug and some chocolate truffles.

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?

A grey mug of DIY vegan hot chocolate in the foreground on a marble surface. In the background is another mug and some chocolate truffles.

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5 from 3 votes

DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate (sugar-free & gluten-free)

This simple but delicious vegan hot chocolate contains only 5 whole food ingredients and takes minutes to make. It's also surprisingly good for you!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine: healthy, vegan

Servings: 1 serving

Author: Elizabeth Emery

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) or 2 tablespoon date paste
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!

Tried this recipe?Leave a rating above and mention @vancouverwithlove or tag #vancouverwithlove on Instagram!

Notes

Toppings - try adding whipped coconut cream or sprinkling cacao, cinnamon or raw vanilla powder on top of your hot chocolate to take it to the next level.

Nut Free - For a nut-free option, simply omit the brazil nuts and use seed butter instead of nut butter.

IMPORTANT - 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.

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!

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