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Indulgent Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.7 from 83 reviews

This Indulgent Vegan Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and comforting drink made with almond milk, cocoa powder, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Topped with whipped coconut cream and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect cozy treat for chilly days or anytime you crave a dairy-free chocolatey delight.

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 Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the almond milk and cocoa powder, stirring thoroughly to eliminate any lumps of cocoa powder.
  2. Heat and Whisk: Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, slightly thickened, and emits rich chocolate aromas.
  3. Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to medium-low and heat the mixture just to a simmer without boiling, for about 3-4 minutes, until delicate steam appears around the edges.
  4. Add Sweetness and Flavor: Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, tasting and adjusting sweetness for your preference until the hot chocolate is velvety and rich.
  5. Final Simmer: Continue to simmer for another 45-60 seconds while whisking constantly, allowing the color to deepen to a luscious dark chocolate hue.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a generous swirl of whipped coconut cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon for extra flair and warmth.

Notes

  • Use unsweetened almond milk for a less sweet and more authentic cocoa flavor.
  • Whisking constantly ensures a smooth texture without lumps or burning.
  • Do not allow the mixture to boil to avoid bitterness.
  • Adjust maple syrup quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Whipped coconut cream adds richness while keeping the drink vegan.
  • Ground cinnamon on top adds a warm, spicy note but can be omitted if desired.