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Indulgent Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.6 from 57 reviews

Indulge in a comforting cup of vegan hot chocolate made with almond milk, rich cocoa powder, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Topped with luscious whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cozy drink is perfect for warming up on chilly days without any dairy or refined sugars.

Ingredients

Cozy Cocoa Mix

  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Extra Creaminess and Flair

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whipped coconut cream (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Combine Cocoa and Milk: In a small saucepan, whisk together the almond milk and cocoa powder until no lumps remain, creating a smooth chocolate base.
  2. Heat and Whisk: Place over medium heat and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens and rich chocolate aromas start to emerge.
  3. Simmer Gently: Reduce heat to medium-low and bring the mixture just to a simmer, allowing delicate steam to rise around the pot edges for about 3-4 minutes. Avoid boiling.
  4. Add Sweetener and Vanilla: Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, tasting as you go to adjust the sweetness to your preference, aiming for a velvety consistency.
  5. Final Simmer: Continue to simmer while whisking constantly for 45-60 seconds until the hot chocolate deepens to a luscious dark color.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped coconut cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

  • Use unsweetened almond milk to keep the drink naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
  • Whipped coconut cream can be found canned or made by refrigerating coconut milk and scooping out the solid cream.
  • Adjust the maple syrup amount to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
  • For an extra spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cinnamon.
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.