There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cup of hot chocolate in the late fall and throughout winter. There is something so soothing and nostalgic about this classic, warming beverage. The only problem is that hot chocolate is incredibly rich in sugar and processed ingredients, especially if you make it from a packet. Can we even acknowledge those packets as real hot chocolate? That is up for debate, as some people hold a special place in their hearts for them. If you want some very tasty hot chocolate that isn’t a giant cup of sugar and preservatives, you clicked on the right recipe.
Make no mistake about it, this hot chocolate is incredibly chocolatey. It thickens as you let the ingredients simmer, becoming velvety and absolutely beautiful. It is very important that you do not let the liquid come to a boil. You only want to warm it to a point where the chocolate can melt. This is why you have to stir it constantly. The movement helps prevent the liquid from boiling. Additionally, if you find that the hot chocolate is too thick after it reaches a smooth consistency, you can add more of your oat milk. That step will help thin it out without altering the chocolate flavor.
Now, how you serve this depends entirely on your mood. Some people may just want to get cozy under a blanket and sip the hot chocolate as is. Others may want to add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. You can also go the classic route and top it with some tiny vegan marshmallows and chocolate shavings. Choose your own destiny!
- Prep Time:5m
- Cook Time:5m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 2 servings
- Category: Desserts, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 c unsweetened oat milk
- 2 tbsp. raw cacao powder
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c dark chocolate bar (dairy-free), chopped
- 1 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla extract
- small pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Pour the oat milk, cacao powder, sugar, and chocolate chips into a medium pot over medium heat.
- Whisk as the liquid comes to temperature. The chocolate chips will slowly melt and the liquid will become smooth and creamy. Make sure that the liquid does not come to a boil.
- Once the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is warm and smooth, remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt and taste, adding more oat milk if necessary.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy.