The temperatures are dropping, snow is falling, and Thanksgiving has come and gone…which can only mean one thing…Christmas season is HERE! There are so many wonderful things about this time of the year, the lights, the smells, the love in in the air. I just adore it! And absolutely nothing beats coming inside after playing in the snow, curling up with a blanket and a warm cup of cocoa and watching a Christmas movie!
This Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate is no joke. Only serious chocolate lovers should keep reading this post, because it truly is a chocolatey dream come true. Ultra-rich, insanely thick, and so creamy you won’t believe it. Plus, this dreamy drink is vegan and paleo-friendly! So even my dairy-avoiding friends can enjoy the goodness of the holiday season! Make a batch of these homemade marshmallows {which are also paleo} and you will be in serious hot-chocolate heaven!
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Method
Quick and easy! This dairy-free hot chocolate is made on the stovetop in 15 minutes flat! After an afternoon of building snowmen, you can have a batch ready to go before your kids get all of their snow gear off! 😉 Add some toasted marshmallows and cozy up with a warm mug of cocoa bliss.
Let it sit. The longer the cocoa sits, the more it will thicken up! I have forgotten about it and it’s transformed into more of a super thick drinking chocolate than hot cocoa! If this happens, simply reheat it and add a splash of non-dairy milk if necessary!
Feeds four. This recipe makes enough dairy-free hot chocolate for up to four people because it’s super rich. I make a batch for my family and all four of us (because Naomi is a bit too little to drink hot chocolate) have plenty to enjoy!
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Substitutions
As written, this recipe results in an extra-dark hot cocoa. There are a few substitutions you can make to adjust the sweetness and chocolate intensity to cater to your family’s tastes!
Full-fat coconut milk. You can substitute regular whole milk if you do not need a dairy-free option. I do not recommend using almond milk because it is much less creamy than coconut milk. The creamier the milk you choose, the better your hot cocoa will be. If you’re looking for a lower calorie version, I have had great success with Silk’s almond/coconut blend!
Chopped Chocolate. Any chocolate will do here (chips or a chopped bar), of any cocoa content. I use 70% dark chocolate because to me, darker is better! However my husband and kids prefer when I use milk chocolate. No matter how what you use you really can’t go wrong as long as you choose a high-quality chocolate! To make this totally refined sugar free, choose an unsweetened chocolate variety and then increase the amount of coconut sugar by 1 TBS!
Granulated sugar. The amount and type of sugar used in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. I use 3 TBS of regular granulated sugar, which produces a super-dark dairy-free hot chocolate. If you want it sweeter use 4 TBS. If you are looking for a paleo version use coconut sugar!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. The only adjustment to make here is the amount. I use a full 1 TBS of cocoa powder to make a super dark, rich dairy-free hot cocoa! You can adjust the amount to your tastes!
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 oz 6 TBS bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
- 3-4 TBS granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- ½ to 1 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder**
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add coconut milk and chocolate to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted.
- Add sugar, salt and cocoa powder and whisk until completely combined.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cocoa sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
Recipe Notes
*If you like sweeter hot cocoa, use 4 TBS of sugar. Use coconut sugar for a paleo option.
*If you like sweeter hot cocoa, use ½ TBS cocoa powder.
I absolutely love December. I am so excited to enjoy all the fun festivities this time of year brings! Everyone needs a stellar hot chocolate recipe in their arsenal…and this one is IT! So easily adaptable to fit any dietary need or taste, ready in minutes and super delicious!
Is hot chocolate an essential part of your Christmas celebrations? Have you tried making your own?
If you want to stay connected or you make something from JoyFoodSunshine I would love to see your creations! #joyfoodsunshine
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Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
I am a huge hot chocolate fan and actually have plans to make some this week! 🙂
Laura
Woo hoo!! 🙂 <3
Chelsey Amer, RD
Those marshmallows look INSANNNEEEE!!! Love that this recipe uses real ingredients!!
Laura
Thank you Chelsey! To be totally honest I do keep some packets of hot cocoa on hand for cocoa emergencies….organic though! 😉 This beats the pants off of that though!
rusty ryan
Will try it out on the grand kids with real milk this week….as long as it gets chilly enough in Chicago!
Kat
I have been seriously craving hot chocolate for WEEKS now. I have a mug a night! This dairy-free hot chocolate looks and sounds outstanding! I’m with you – I much prefer a darker, richer hot cocoa. Totally going to be trying this one out!
Kat recently posted…Savory Sweet Potato Waffles [Paleo / Dairy-Free]
Laura
Perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day! 😉 YES! If you like dark, rich cocoa this one is for you!
Ginger Hultin
These pictures are so beautiful! Great toast on those marshmallows!
Laura
Thank you Ginger! 😉
amanda -runtothefinish
I’ve never tried making my own hot chocolate, but i have so missed it since going dairy free that I have to give this a try!!! Perfect for a snuggle by the fire
Laura
Oh yes dairy-free doesn’t mean a life without hot chocolate!
Sarah
Thick, creamy, and delicious I love it! It’s like a version I make with my favorite maca chocolate! Definitely making this soon, thank you for sharing. I LOVE the toasted marshmallows!
Laura
OoOo maca would be so yummy! I need to try that!
Colorado Gal
This looks amazing; I’m a huge chocolate-anything fan 🙂 I love that photo with the liquid chocolate pouring into the mug in a thin stream!
Laura
Thank you so much! It was definitely a fun photo shoot!
Chloe
Oh my goodness I shall be trying this hot chocolate. It looks and sounds so delicious, Chloe https://pinkiebag.com/
Laura
You will LOVE it Chloe!
Lindsay Cotter
This is the perfect cup of hot chocolate! How is it that I’ve never thought to toast the marshmallows on top?! Genius!
Lindsay Cotter recently posted…Easy Homemade Gluten Free Potato Bread {Grain Free}
Laura
Adds a fun depth of flavor and deliciousness for sure! 😉
Elizabeth Shaw
LOVE a delicious hot cocoa! Your photos always amaze me Laura, you are a rockstar! Sending this to the must make list asap!
Laura
Aww thank you Liz! My hubby helped me set up some fun nighttime lighting here! I think I’m hooked on it now… 😉
Emily Kyle
These are some of the most beautiful pictures I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to make this for my toddler who can’t tolerate dairy milk!
Laura
Thank you so much Emily! That is so kind and means so much to me! Both of my older kids loved this! Trader Joe’s even sells vegan marshmallows so your little one could enjoy those too! 😉
rachel @ athletic avocado
SO thick and creamy! Just the way I like my hot chocolate to be 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Vegan Chocolate Chip Pear Streusel Mug Cake {Paleo + Gluten-Free!}
Laura
Oh my word it’s unbelievably thick and creamy! 🙂 <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is the most lovely looking hot chocolate!
Laura
Thank you Rebecca!
Taylor Kiser
Wish I had a mug of this hot chocolate right now! Looks so delicious…and those toasted marshmallows – yum!! I can’t wait to try this!
Taylor Kiser recently posted…Hawaiian Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Laura
Thank you Taylor! You will totally love it!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus
Can I just say, I love that the marshmallows are slightly charred. That’s exactly how I like them, and my fiance gives me so much crap for it! This looks delicious!
Laura
Thank you Nicole! My hubby is a toasty marshmallow guy….maybe your Fiance will come around?! 😉
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
Chocolate lover here and THANK YOU for this! Hello deliciousness! Perfect for the warmer weather 🙂
Laura
Chocolate soul sista! 😉
Quin @Butter Be Ready
This hot chocolate looks absolutely divine! Perfect for this holiday season and gorgeous photos too!!! 🙂
Laura
Thank you Quin! 🙂
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen
I pinned this because it sounds so delicious! And, wow! These photos are stunning!
Laura
Thank you Lauren! 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I feel cozier already just reading and gazing at this beautiful mug of chocolate! Mmm with the coconut milk I bet this is soooooo cozy and creamy <3 A perfect way to welcome the wintery holiday vibes!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…The Vegan 8s Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake by Cake in a Crate
Laura
Thank you Natalie! 🙂 It really is the perfect recipe to whip up and sip as you decorate your tree! 🙂 <3
Emily
Oh man. I bet coconut milk makes this SO AMAZING. 🙂
Laura
It really does Emily! 🙂
Alisa Fleming
That looks sooo wonderfully rich, and the toasted marshmallows on top are genius!
Laura
Thank you Alisa! Us dairy-free folks need to enjoy our hot chocolate too!
Rebecca | NOURISHED.
Haha – serious chocolate lovers only!! That is definitely me. This looks amazing. I’ve been wanting to try a homemade hot chocolate since it started getting chilly so I can’t wait to try this recipe! And those marshmallows on top are perfect!!
Laura
LOL Rebecca yay for chocolate connoisseurs! My family likes theirs a little sweeter but momma likes it dark! 😉
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
The coconut milks gives a nice twist to hot chocolate! And just look at those marshmallows!! Move over Swiss Miss!
Laura
Heck yes! Say goodbye to swiss miss forever! 😉
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen
Oh gosh, YUMM! I use full fat coconut milk in my version, too! So so sooo good!
Laura
Coconut milk is the best!
Jen
This recipe is so simple and it looks amazing! Those marshmallows!
Laura
Than you Jen! <3
Casey
Looks delicious!! And also I just have to mention how beautiful that cup and saucer are!! Xox.
Laura
Thank you Case! Home Goods is my happy place… 😉
Meg @ With Salt and Wit
I LOVE a couple things about this recipes! I love that it is dairy free but what I love most is the toasted marshmallows! Your picture is to perfection!
Laura
Thank you Meg!
carissa
can’t wait to try this – thank you! question: what brand of chocolate and cocoa powder would you recommend?
laura
Ok Laura, you’ve done it AGAIN! This is fantastic and so super creamy! We used nearly 1/4 cup of coconut sugar and it was a touch sweet for me, but most definitely not for the littles. My 2 year old son with a dairy allergy just downed half the batch after playing in the snow! You should see the sweet mess all over his little face right now…. squeal. This hot cocoa is the lightly charred marshmallow on top of a perfect Chicago snow day! Thank you!
Laura
Thank you Laura! This is one of my favorite recipes ever!