How to Make Vegan Hot Chocolate Taste Heavenly (Plus Topping Ideas!)

Whether you’re strolling through holiday lights, ice skating, or enjoying other winter adventures, is there anything more comforting than a cup of rich, velvety hot chocolate? We don’t think so. 

But here’s the catch: getting a vegan version to be just as creamy and indulgent as the traditional dairy kind can be tricky. 

The good news? It’s totally doable.

With the right ingredients and few simple techniques, you can make the smoothest, most decadent vegan hot chocolate. Plus, we’ve got plenty of topping ideas to elevate your cozy mug of comfort to the next level. 

So, are you ready to take that first sip?

3 Secret Steps to the Best Vegan Hot Chocolate

What’s the secret to making the ultimate homemade vegan hot chocolate? It all comes down to three key steps. Follow these, and you’ll be sipping on something so rich and creamy, you’ll never believe it’s dairy-free. 

1. Choose the Right Plant Milk

You know we love all of our Elmhurst Plant Milks, and they work great in any recipe. But for this one, we’re getting picky to make sure your hot chocolate is next-level creamy. For that luxurious, velvety texture, we recommend Oat Milk, Cashew Milk, or Almond Milk. 

If you are aiming for that “coffee shop” vibe, check out our Barista Editions. They’re extra smooth, subtly sweet, and free from the artificial additives that often sneak into store-bought versions. This is the kind of vegan hot chocolate that’ll make your friends ask“ is this even vegan?”

2. Pick Your Chocolate

To get that deep, authentic chocolate flavor, you’ll need high-quality vegan chocolate chips. If you’re a chocolate connoisseur, go ahead and chop up your favorite vegan chocolate bar for the best melt. Want something quicker? Unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with natural sweetener is a foolproof combo. 

For a healthier twist, try cacao powder - it’s full of rich flavor and antioxidants, so your indulgence can be a little more guilt-free. 

3. Sweeten to Perfection

Here’s where you can really make it your own. Whether you prefer maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, or something else entirely, the right sweetener is key to your ideal flavor. There is no wrong choice - just make sure you’re adding it until your hot chocolate tastes like perfection in a mug. 

With these three secret steps, you’ll be sipping on a vegan hot chocolate that rivals the traditional version - smooth, creamy, and perfectly decadent. Ready to take the first, indulgent sip?

Vegan Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and spices

3 Simple Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Mood

Craving a cozy cup of vegan hot chocolate? We’ve got you covered with three simple recipes to make every mood and satisfy any craving. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out our Dairy-Free Homemade Double Hot Chocolate recipe for an extra-rich treat.

1. The Closest Thing to Milk Chocolate Recipe

Perfect for when you’re craving a sweet, creamy cup of nostalgia - just like the milk chocolate you remember, but completely vegan!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Elmhurst Unsweetened Oat Milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, heat your Elmhurst Oat Milk over medium heat until warm.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and maple syrup until smooth and velvety.
  3. Stir in the vanilla, then pour into your favorite mug.
  4. Sip, savor, and enjoy that sweet, creamy goodness!

This recipe creates a rich, velvety drink with the familiar taste of milk chocolate. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or just enjoying a cozy moment. 

 2. The Decadent Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe

For the true chocoholic who loves a bold, bittersweet sip- this recipe brings the deep, luxurious flavors of dark chocolate to life. Perfect when you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp coconut sugar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the Elmhurst Almond Milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt until fully combined.
  3. Bring to just below a simmer and cook for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and velvety.
  4. Stir in the vanilla, then pour into your mug and enjoy the deep, rich, chocolatey goodness.

This dark hot chocolate is perfect for those who love a more intense, bittersweet flavor. The addition of sea salt balances out the richness, giving it a luxurious depth you won’t be able to resist. 

3. White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Craving something sweet, creamy, and just a little more decadent? This white hot chocolate is your go-to for a cozy treat that feels extra fancy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Elmhurst Unsweetened Cashew Milk
  • ¼ cup vegan white chocolate drops (or a chopped vegan white chocolate bar)
  • 1 tbsp agave syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the Elmhurst Cashew Milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the white chocolate until it melts completely and becomes silky smooth.
  3. Add the agave and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the drink is velvety and smooth.
  4. Pour into your favorite mug, and top with vegan whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

This rich and creamy white hot chocolate is perfect for those times when you want something a little more refined and indulgent. It’s like a dessert in a mug! And speaking of toppings…

5 Heavenly Vegan Hot Chocolate Toppings

Ready to take your homemade vegan hot chocolate to the next level? These irresistible toppings will turn your cozy mug of cocoa into a gourmet treat you’ll want to sip on all season long.

1. Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

No hot chocolate is complete without a dollop of whipped cream! While there are great store-bought vegan options, why not take it a step further and make your own?  Simply whip up your favorite Elmhurst Creamer for a light and fluffy topping that’s as creamy as it is indulgent.

2. Marshmallows

Mini marshmallows are an instant classic for hot chocolate, and lucky for you, there are some great vegan-friendly brands out there. Keep an eye out the next time you’re shopping, or grab them online for the ultimate marshmallow melt!

3. Creative Drizzles

Add an extra touch of sweetness and elegance with a creative drizzle! Here are some delicious options to try:

  • Melted vegan chocolate - for an extra rich, chocolatey finish.
  • Dairy-free caramel sauce - adding a silky, sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the cocoa.
  • Nut butter swirl - almond, peanut, or cashew butter can add a smooth, nutty depth to each sip.

4. Crunchy Add-Ons

The perfect hot chocolate is all about balance, and adding some crunch can take it to the next level. Trey these for a fun, textured twist: 

  • Crushed candy canes – ideal for a festive holiday flavor!
  • Chopped nuts – try the same nut as your Plant Milk for a harmonious flavor (cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts work beautifully!). 

Granola or crumbled cookie – make it even more decadent with crumbled Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for a bit of chocolatey crunch. 

5. Spice Things Up

Want to get adventurous with your hot chocolate? Spice it up with any of these fun additions:

  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, or seasonal spices - perfect for cozying up during the holidays.
  • Chili powder - for a bold, spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of your drink. 
  • Pumpkin spice – for a fall-inspired twist (because who says pumpkin spice is just for lattes?)

Now you’ve got all the tools to craft the most indulgent, personalized vegan hot chocolate experience. So, go ahead - get creative, have fun, and sip away!

Final Pro Tips for the Perfect Hot Chocolate Every Time

Ready to become a vegan hot chocolate pro? Combine these three expert tips with the secret steps from earlier, and you'll be whipping up the perfect cup of hot chocolate every time.

1. Heat your milk gradually.

We never say “boil” when making hot chocolate, and for a good reason. Boiling your Plant Milk can affect its texture, making it less creamy. Instead, warm your milk slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This gentle approach will ensure you get the smooth, velvety consistency you’re craving.

2. Consider blending your drink. 

For that extra-special coffee shop experience, give your hot chocolate a quick spin in the blender. Just 15-20 seconds will help create a luxurious, frothy texture that takes your drink from good to gourmet. It’s like a velvety foam that makes every sip feel even more indulgent.  

3. Go even further with your flavors. 

While toppings are key, don’t forget about the flavor base! Play around with different extracts to add a unique twist to your hot chocolate. Swap out the vanilla extract for something like peppermint, orange, or even hazelnut for a custom flavor that matches your mood. The possibilities are endless!

The Final Sip

Now you’re fully equipped to make the most heavenly vegan hot chocolate ever. With the perfect balance of creamy texture, rich chocolate, and personalized flavor, your cozy mug of hot chocolate will be as satisfying as it is indulgent. Pick out your favorite mug and enjoy!

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