Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix | Vegan Recipe

My mantra is “vegans don’t need to miss out”. For every favorite food or drink, we can make a tasty vegan option. This vegan hot chocolate recipe is a perfect example! It has all the luxurious, creamy comfort of a dairy-based version. What’s more, we show you how to create a homemade hot chocolate mix!

Why is that exciting? Well, most hot chocolate mixes from the supermarket aren’t vegan (they contain dried cow’s milk). But instead of missing out, why not spend a few minutes with us and learn how to make a dairy-free version?

Cacao vs. Cocoa

Our hot chocolate recipe uses cacao instead of cocoa. You’d be forgiven for think that is two ways to spell the same thing. However, the two products are quite different.

Cacao

• Made from raw seeds from the Cacao fruit.
• Cold-pressed to make a paste that is dried into a powder.
• Tends to retain more nutrients compared to cocoa.

Cocoa

• Cacao beans are transformed into cocoa by roasting and grinding them into powder.
• Treated with an alkalizing agent to reduce acidity.
• Chocolate flavor is often more subtle compared to cacao.

We love the rich, dark chocolate flavors of cacao. However, you need to be careful when you buy it. Always check the cacao packaging and make sure it’s Fair Trade. This certification is important because it confirms that the cacao was not produced using forced or child labor.

Creating a Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

The keys to a successful hot chocolate mix are:

1. Pulverizing the sugar until it has the same powder texture as the cacao.
2. Making sure the cacao and sugar are very well mixed.
3. Adding a secret ingredient to the mix – a pinch of salt! It stops the sweetness from being overwhelming and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

We used raw (or turbinado) sugar, which has large granules. A basic food processor is perfect for grinding it up. We put both the sugar, cacao, and salt in the processor and whizz it up until thoroughly mixed and powdered. It may take a few blasts to get the right texture.

Put your hot chocolate mix in a sealed container and store in a cool, dry place (we use a mason jar). Under these conditions, cacao powder can last for up to 3 years.

If you don’t have a food processor, a blender or spice grinder will also work, but may take longer to achieve the right texture.

Our Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

Turning your hot chocolate mix into a homemade cup of happiness is simple. We also have two options for you:

Every Day Hot Chocolate Recipe

Microwave

• Put 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix in a large mug.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of boiling water and stir to dissolve.
• Fill the mug with oat milk, stir, and microwave until hot (use the high setting, and heat for around 1 minute per cup – then test and keep heating as necessary).

Stove

• Put 1.5 cups of full-fat oat milk and 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix into a pot (multiply these amounts by the number of people you’re serving).
• Whisk over medium heat until hot and frothy on top, making sure it doesn’t boil.
• Pour into a large mug (carefully).

Deluxe Hot Chocolate Recipe

This version is an extra special, rich, and decadent drink for special occasions. It requires a stovetop.

• Follow the same instructions as the stovetop recipe.
• While whisking, add 1 tablespoon per serve of vegan chocolate.
• Whisk until the chocolate is melted and mixed through. Again, don’t let it boil.
• Pour into a mug and top with delicious treats. We love marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and peppermint candy (all vegan, of course). Note: you don’t have to use them all at the same time ;-).

The Deluxe Hot Chocolate recipe is a great vegan dessert option. Also, feel free to substitute with low-fat oat milk or other plant milk. Bear in mind that these alternatives will give you a less creamy result.

We hope you love our recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate! If you try it, please let us know what you think with a comment and rating. Every bit of feedback helps make the blog even better.

Are you in the mood for another indulgent beverage? Then you might like some “Aussie Iced Coffee”, made with our Cold Brew Coffee.

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