This Vegan Hot Chocolate is rich and chocolatey, sweet and delicious! It's the perfect allergy friendly beverage that takes minutes to make! Best yet it's also gluten free and nut free!
I used to make this Vegan Hot Chocolate daily in the winter when my daughter was allergic to dairy. She became hooked on this recipe and even though she can actually have dairy now, she still prefers it vegan! For celiac and multiple food allergies, pre-packaged hot chocolate mix was not a safe option for our family. But this hot chocolate only takes minutes to whip up and is that perfect drink for those chilly days or for any day!
For more no-bake chocolate recipes, try my New York Chocolate Egg Cream my Easy Chocolate Mousse and my Chocolate Ice Cream.
Reasons to Love This Vegan Hot Chocolate
- Allergy Friendly- This cozy drink is gluten free, nut free, egg free and dairy free (vegan)! It would pair nicely with my Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake.
- Silky Smooth- The texture of this hot chocolate is so smooth and luxurious!
- Easy to Make- The drink mixes up in a few minutes!
Ingredient Notes
- Water- This hot cocoa uses water instead of milk. For a creamy hot cocoa, replace with a milk of your choosing.
- Cocoa Powder- I love using two types: Natural Unsweetened and Dark to make a dark hot chocolate. Both cocoa powders give the hot cocoa a dark color and stronger flavor but if you only want to use one, use Dutch or Natural Unsweetened. Do not only use Dark alone as the hot chocolate will be too chalky and bitter.
- Granulated Sugar- Adds extra sweetness to the drink to offset the richness from the cocoa powder.
- Vanilla- Make sure to use pure vanilla extract otherwise the cocoa will have a chemical taste.
- Kosher Salt- I like to use kosher because it really brings out the flavors.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
How to ensure this is a Vegan Hot Cocoa
- Use a cocoa powder that’s free from dairy.
- Make sure the brand of sugar you use is vegan.
Make this Hot Cocoa with Dairy
- Swap out the water for equal parts milk.
This recipe has not been tested with some of these substitutions and/or variations due to celiac disease and food allergies. If you change any of the ingredients, please let us know how the recipe turned out in the comments below!
How to Make Gluten Free Vegan Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Water and Add in the Other Ingredients
Measure out 2 cups of water and microwave until hot, about 2 minutes.
Pour the hot water into the cocoa powder mixture, add in the vanilla and whisk until everything is combined and smooth.
Step 3: Serve
Pour into 2 mugs and top with vegan/gluten free mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup if desired.
Expert Tips
- Using 2 Types of Cocoa Powder- The 2 types of cocoa powders give the hot cocoa its dark hue. If you only have one type on hand, use natural unsweetened or dutch...just know the color will not be as dark as mine. Please do not use dark alone; it will make your hot chocolate too chalky, dry and bitter.
- Whisk Well- Make sure to whisk until the cocoa and sugars have completely melted or you will end up with chunky hot cocoa.
Recipe FAQs
I would not as it tends to not keep well. Make before serving.
Yes. You can use milk or any vegan milk instead of the water.
I would not store it. Drink and then discard whatever is left over.
More Cozy Recipes You'll Love
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @laneandgreyfare and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube! Enjoy!!!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder ( I use 2 tablespoons of Natural Unsweetened and 2 tablespoons of Dark)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder and the 1 pinch of kosher salt until combined. Set aside.
- Microwave or boil 2 cups of water until hot. If microwaving, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot water into the cocoa mixture. Add in the ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract and whisk well to combine util the sugars and cocoa powder have melted.
- Pour into 2 mugs and top with vegan/gluten free marshmallows and chocolate syrup, if desired. Enjoy!
Steve says
So good!
Lee says
Thanks so much!