Creamy Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa

This amazing dairy-free hot cocoa is just as rich and creamy as classic hot chocolate. You won’t have to sacrifice flavor or that perfectly smooth cocoa that you love with this recipe.

Once you make this recipe, you won’t go back to those store-bought packets of hot cocoa mix with mystery ingredients.

With unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and dairy-free milk, you can make a great cup of dairy-free hot chocolate that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can even use this recipe to make your own homemade hot chocolate mix so you have easy cocoa access on a whim!

Does Hot Chocolate Have Dairy?

Most hot chocolate recipes will use some form of dairy, whether it’s from milk or powdered milk. However, this recipe proves you can make a delicious cup of hot chocolate using your favorite non-dairy milk alternatives. 

Unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract make this warm drink so rich and flavorful, the choice of milk is an afterthought.

Looking for more epic and healthier desserts like this hot cocoa? You’ve got to try one of the recipes from my latest cookbook, Clean Treats for Everyone.

Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa

Thankfully, this homemade hot cocoa is easy to prepare on the stove-top with a few pantry staples. Here’s how to make it: 

1. First, combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring until smooth.
2. Add the non-dairy milk and continue to stir over medium heat, be sure not to boil.
3. Once the cocoa has reached the desired temperature, remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into mugs.
4. Top with marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles- whatever you’re heart desires!

Making Rich & Creamy Hot Cocoa with No Milk

Whether you run out of milk or have a dairy-free family member, this hot chocolate will not disappoint. To make a cup of this chocolatey goodness, you’ll need: 

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated white sugar
• Hot water
• Salt
• Non-dairy milk
• Vanilla extract

Vanilla is like alcohol and usually made with it, and it evaporates and cooks down when heated. When you’re making this dairy free hot cocoa recipe,  you add the vanilla last because the vanilla will evaporate and the taste will not be as strong, or it could completely disappear if you add it too early.

If you want to make this treat a little more clean eating friendly, swap the granulated white sugar for coconut sugar or turbinado. It will change the flavor slightly but is no doubt just as good. 

Now that you know how to make dairy-free hot cocoa, why not take the next step and make your own hot cocoa powder mix? It’s incredibly easy, healthier than store-bought, and much more cost-effective. A total win.

Best Milk Alternatives for Hot Chocolate

I’ve used many milk alternatives to make this hot chocolate, and so far, the three options below have yielded the best results. 

• Oat milk- super creamy!
• Soy milk
• Almond milk

Coconut milk is often brought up as a good option, but my family isn’t fond of anything coconut in their hot cocoa. Nonetheless, it does make delicious hot chocolate with a velvety texture.