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/paleo-friendly. 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!
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 is the recipe you want. It is made directly in your blender.
The only ingredients you need for this vegan hot cocoa:
You most likely already have the ingredients you need for my vegan hot chocolate in your pantry:
- liquid: boiling hot water or your favorite plant-based milk (canned light coconut milk, almond, oat or cashew milk [store bought or homemade] all work well here)
- raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder (read the full post for the difference)
- Medjool dates (or maple syrup)
- slivered blanched almonds or raw cashews (optional for added creaminess) - raw creamy almond butter also works here
- pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt to bring out all the amazing flavor
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 healthier hot cocoa will taste fantastic as is, but if you want bonus points for presentation, go ahead and try some of these garnish ideas:
- Homemade coconut whipped cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Dusting of cocoa or cacao powder
- Marshmallows
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Unsweetened cocoa powder is made by roasting and grinding cocoa beans. Years of nutrition research has shown that chocolate may provide health benefits from antioxidants called flavanols found in the cocoa solids (as opposed to the cocoa butter). When consumed in large amounts, studies have shown that flavanols in chocolate may lower blood pressure, promote lung and brain health, and even improve your mood (I know I’m always happy when I’m eating chocolate!). Look for cocoa powder that’s a vibrant dark brown color.
Note: Dutch-processed cocoa powder is cocoa powder that has been alkalized to remove the bitter taste. This actually substantially reduces the flavanols (about 65% of the flavanol content is lost).
Unsweetened Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is similar to unsweetened cocoa powder in that it does not contain added sugars, butter, milk or additives. It is said to be different from cocoa powder in the way it is processed, preserving more flavanols. Manufacturers of cacao powder say they use low-temperature processing to preserve the enzymes and nutrients.
Want more delicious refined sugar-free, vegan and healthier winter beverages?
Here are some of my favorite homemade warm beverages for you to cozy up to this winter:
- Easy Turmeric Golden Milk Latte
- Gingerbread Steamer
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Chai Latte
- Spiced Apple Cider
They are all vegan, soy-free, paleo, refined sugar-free and gluten-free.
Now, let’s make this easy blender vegan hot cocoa!
It is perfectly rich, sweet, creamy and addictive. You won’t be able to get over how delicious and easy this homemade hot cocoa is.
When you make this recipe, snap a pic and use the hashtag #eatingbyelaine on INSTAGRAM to be featured in my stories.
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Vegan Paleo Blender Hot Chocolate
- 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/paleo-friendly. 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
Keywords: vegan paleo hot chocolate
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!
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
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
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