Can I make vegan dark hot chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this vegan dark hot chocolate in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while whisking to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the texture and flavor.

What’s the best type of dark chocolate to use?

Look for a dairy-free dark chocolate bar with 70% cacao or higher. Higher cacao content provides a more intense chocolate flavor and less added sugar. Be sure to check the label to confirm it’s vegan and free from milk solids.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! While the flavor is rich and sophisticated, kids love it too — especially with fun toppings like vegan whipped cream or shredded coconut. If making it for younger kids, you can use slightly more sweetener or a lower percentage chocolate bar for a milder taste.

Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate – Easy, Creamy & Dairy-Free

Name: Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: forms the creamy base; 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder: adds deep chocolate flavor; 3–4 tablespoons dairy-free dark chocolate (70% or higher), chopped: for richness and natural sweetness; 1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar (optional): for extra sweetness; Pinch of cinnamon: adds a warm, spicy note

Description

Rich, creamy, and dairy-free, this Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink made with pantry staples like almond milk, cacao powder, dark chocolate, and a touch of cinnamon. Perfect for winter nights or holiday gatherings, it’s both indulgent and healthy-ish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsweetened almond milk: forms the creamy base
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder: adds deep chocolate flavor
3–4 tablespoons dairy-free dark chocolate (70% or higher), chopped: for richness and natural sweetness
1–2 teaspoons coconut sugar (optional): for extra sweetness
Pinch of cinnamon: adds a warm, spicy note

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Instructions

Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium until steaming.
Add 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder, 3–4 tablespoons of chopped dark chocolate, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and lump-free.
Taste and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of coconut sugar if a sweeter drink is desired.
Pour into mugs and garnish with optional toppings like shaved chocolate or shredded coconut. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) for best flavor.
To make it nut-free, use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove.
You can double or triple the recipe to serve more people.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Drink, Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free, Oil-Free, Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg