This vegan hot chocolate made in your blender is the perfect healthier treat to warm you up this winter and satisfy your chocolate fix. This recipe is super simple and the blender keeps it clump-free. The result is ultra rich and creamy hot cocoa with just the push of a button. It is full of wholesome ingredients so you can feel good about every sip, plus it is sweetened naturally and refined sugar-free!
Whenever it snows my kids beg me for hot cocoa. We love to play in the snow and then warm our bellies with this fun treat. It is a winter tradition that I will always cherish.
This is the vegan hot chocolate recipe I've been making for them for years and we all love it. It uses simple nutritious ingredients to create a warming, soothing, thick and satisfying hot chocolate beverage that is truly unforgettable. If you are going to have hot chocolate this winter, this Vitamix hot chocolate recipe is the one you want. Plus it is ready in minutes!
Amazingly, this beverage is made directly in a high-speed blender. Companies such as Vitamix, KitchenAid and Blendtec all sell high-speed blenders and they are definitely worth it! I've tested and reviewed many blenders but each of these are capable of blending hot beverages (and soups too!).
Ingredients for Vegan Hot Cocoa
- hot water (or plant-based milk)
- unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- Medjool dates (or maple syrup)
- slivered blanced almonds (or raw cashews)
- pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
You can also add a drop of peppermint extract OR a pinch of cinnamon for a fun flavor twist. Everything goes straight into your blender so no need for your stovetop!
This easy blender vegan hot cocoa is perfectly rich, sweet, creamy and addictive. You won't be able to get over how delicious and easy it is!
5-Minute Vitamix Hot Chocolate (Vegan)
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan hot chocolate is the perfect healthier treat to warm you up this winter and satisfy your chocolate fix. It is sweetened naturally and refined sugar-free. The blender is wonderful for keeping this recipe super simple and clump free. The result is ultra rich and creamy with just the push of a button. It is full of wholesome ingredients so you can feel good about every sip!
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups boiling water*
- 6 soft pitted Medjool dates (or 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup)**
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (or raw cashews) OR 1 tablespoon raw creamy almond butter
- 2 tablespoons good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder)***
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (to bring out all the flavors)
Optional Flavor Enhancers (choose one):
- fresh mint leaves or a drop of peppermint extract
- ground cinnamon
Optional Superfood Boosters (you won't notice it):
- 1-2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds
Optional Garnishes:
- Homemade coconut whipped cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Dusting of cocoa or cacao powder
- Vegan, gluten-free marshmallows
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth (about 40 seconds on the highest speed setting).
- Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. You can also add a drop of peppermint extract (or a couple fresh mint leaves) OR a pinch of cinnamon for a fun flavor twist.
- Pour into two mugs and serve piping hot. Garnish with homemade coconut whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
Notes
* I use my stainless steel electric tea kettle to boil the water. For an even creamier hot chocolate you can warm up your favorite plant-based milk and use that instead. You can warm on the stovetop in a pot or in the microwave.
**The dates will make the hot cocoa thicker and give it a nice caramel flavor. If you substitute with maple syrup just know it will have a slightly thinner consistency. It is delicious either way - I just know not everyone always has dates on hand and maple syrup most definitely works here.
*** It is important to use a good quality cocoa powder. My favorite unsweetened cocoa powder is Whole Foods 365 brand. It is organic and fair-trade. It has a rich, deep dark brown color which indicates a strong chocolate flavor. Whenever I use anything else my kids notice the difference and don't like it as much. Same with me!
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 3
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Bobby Gordon says
Sara says
This is the best hot chocolate recipe of all time!!!! Thank you, Elaine!! Absolutely delicious!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Sara! I am so happy to hear you love this one so much! ~Elaine
Jeanne says
What a great simple and clean hot chocolate recipe. Love everything about it!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jeanne! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one for all that it is! Best, Elaine
Mary says
My girls and I love this recipe! We have tried it with both maple syrup and dates. I think I prefer the dates, but both are great! The last time I made it with almond milk instead of water, that was great too!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Mary! That is wonderful to hear. I agree, dates are my favorite too. And I'm sure making it with almond milk made it even creamier! Yum! Best, Elaine
Alison says
I’m not usually a commenter but just wanted to share- I made this today as written, except I used avocado in place of the nuts/butter as I’m avoiding at the moment. It was so delicious. So I’m case anyone can’t do nuts, that might be an option. Thanks for the recipe!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! And thank you for sharing the avocado nut-free substitution tip! I'm sure that will help a lot of people! And thx for the five star rating as well. Best, Elaine
Samantha says
Have been wanting to try this for ages but I live in the Far North of Australia where it's currently 102f! But today was the day. I promised my 2 year old, & she was very disgruntled when she had to wait for it to cool down in the freezer ???? Love love love ????????????
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Samantha! Wow all the way from North Australia! We were in the 20s here today so quite the opposite of course... So funny you had to let it cool down in the freezer... You know! I bet if you made it with cold water it would be delicious as a milk chocolate served over ice! Have you tried my Chocolate Hemp Seed Milk? https://www.eatingbyelaine.com/easy-homemade-chocolate-hemp-seed-milk-vegan-and-paleo/ - Either one would be fun for your hot weather now! Best, Elaine
Kiara B says
The hot cocoa is delicious! I used cashews, a little pumpkin pie spice, 4 dates, and 2 tablespoons of bourbon flavored maple syrup. I added coco whip on top. Absolutely amazing. You have the best recipes.
Elaine Gordon says
OMG thank you so much, Kiara! This literally makes my day! I love your additions - sounds super gourmet! Stay warm!
Dulcie says
I love this recipe . Super simple , clean and amazing ! I added a little cinnamon and a little splash of coffee for some of the water .
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Dulcie! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. I love your add-ins - sounds divine! Cheers!