Our Oat Milk Hot Chocolate has a creamy, smooth texture with rich cocoa flavors and minimal sugar. This perfectly balanced hot chocolate with oat milk is the perfect treat for anyone seeking an allergy-friendly cozy drink. Enjoy as is or topped with vegan marshmallows!
Jump to:
- 👪Why You Will Love Oat Milk Hot Cocoa
- ☕Ingredients
- 👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
- 💡Recipe Tips For Creamy Texture
- ⏲️ Save Time with These Tips
- 🍫Substitutions
- 🍵Variations & Leftover Ideas:
- 🎉 Fun Tip: Indoor Marshmallow Roasting
- 🥡Storage
- 🧠Nutrient Boost: Benefits of Cocao
- ❔FAQ
- 🥣Recipe Parings and More
- 📖 Recipe
- 📝Information Source
Nothing beats sipping on a warm, cozy hot cocoa on a chilly afternoon or a cozy Sunday morning. Today we are making a dairy-free and gluten-free hot cocoa with oat milk. It is my family's favorite movie night drink and the best way to warm up after any chili outdoor adventure.
Our hot cocoa with oat milk is made with healthy oat milk (of course), powdered cocoa, dairy-free chocolate chips, and cinnamon, and sweetened with maple syrup for a creamy delicious hot chocolate recipe. We love to enjoy a big mug of hot chocolate topped with coconut cream and roasted marshmallows (roasted over the stove; I'll show you how below)!
👪Why You Will Love Oat Milk Hot Cocoa
- Balanced Flavor: Our hot cocoa with oat milk recipe is perfectly balanced and will quickly become your new favorite cozy drink.
- Allergy-Friendly: Completely dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free!
- Festive and Fun: There's something inherently festive about this hot cocoa with oat milk and perfect for the holiday season.
- Perfect for Chocolate Cravings: It satisfies those chocolate urges in the most comforting and heartwarming way.
Enjoy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate With These:
For the ultimate chocolate healthier snack, pair this oat milk hot chocolate with:
- Healthy Cocoa Bliss Balls
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins!
- Fudgey Gluten-Free Brownies (also sugar-free)
☕Ingredients
To make our hot chocolate with oat milk you just need a few simple ingredients which you can find listed below:
- Oat Milk: Obviously, you need some dairy-free oat milk to make hot chocolate with oat milk 🙂 I prefer oat milk as my go-to plant-based milk for its creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: To create that rich chocolate flavor, cocoa is essential! I used powdered cocoa found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon helps balance out this hot cocoa recipe, adding a little sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Adding in chocolate chips helps create a rich velvet texture and adds more of a chocolatey flavor. Look for dairy-free or vegan chips or use dark chocolate.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances all the flavors.
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch to help sweeten your oat milk hot chocolate. If you are making this for kids adding in a bit of sweetness is recommended.
- Vegan Marshmallows: An optional topping but one we recommend!
⚠️To ensure this recipe is celiac-safe, be sure to check all the ingredients for possible gluten-containing items. Not all oat milk brands are gluten-free, so be sure to check.
For full quantities, see the recipe card
For The Coconut Whipped Cream:
An optional step but worth the time if you have it.
- Coconut Cream (1 can): The base for our fluffy, dairy-free whipped cream (Refrigerate the night before!).
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten our whipped cream just right.
Alternatively, you can just buy dairy-free whipping cream.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Hot Cocoa Ingredients:
Into a medium saucepan, add the oat milk, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, chocolate chips, and maple syrup (if using).
Step 2: Heat and Stir:
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat to start to heat oat milk mixture. Keep the heat low to prevent burning, and stir. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes or until all the chocolate chips have melted. Then, take the saucepan off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare Coconut Cream (If Making)
Gently open your can of coconut cream without shaking it. Scoop out the thick cream that's settled at the top, leaving the liquid behind.
Tip: If the cream hasn't separated from the liquid, chill the can in the fridge for about an hour.
Step 3b: Whip the Coconut Cream
Transfer the coconut cream to a chilled mixing bowl (you can chill the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes). Using a mixer on low speed, begin whipping the cream, slowly adding powdered sugar as you go. Whip for about a minute until soft, fluffy peaks form. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Into heat-proof glasses or mugs, pour in your hot cocoa with oat milk recipe. Top it with a generous dollop of your homemade coconut whipped cream. Feel free to garnish with vegan marshmallows, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, depending on your mood.
💡Recipe Tips For Creamy Texture
- Heat Slowly: Warm your hot cocoa with oat milk slowly to avoid boiling.
- Sift Clumpy Cocoa: If your cocoa powder is clumpy, sift it first.
- Choose the Right Chocolate: For a creamy and smooth melt, look for vegan chocolate that doesn't contain wax. Mini chocolate chips are ideal as they melt faster. If using chocolate bars, grate or cut them into small bits for easier melting.
- Making the Perfect Coconut Cream:
- Chill the coconut cream overnight in the fridge, not the freezer.
- Use a good quality brand of coconut milk or cream.
- Before whipping, chill your mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- If the whipped cream is too stiff, add a bit of the reserved liquid from the can to achieve a smoother blend.
- Whip until you see light peaks form, but avoid overwhipping as it can cause separation.
Minimalist Baker has an amazing post on making coconut cream if you need more information or direction!
⏲️ Save Time with These Tips
- Opt for Store-Bought Whipped Cream: If you're pressed for time, skip making coconut whipped cream and use a ready-made vegan whipped cream instead. It's a quick and convenient alternative.
- Batch Preparation: Make a larger batch of this hot cocoa and store it in the fridge. It doesn't separate and can be easily reheated in the microwave or added to your morning coffee for an extra treat.
- Use Mini Chocolate Chips: They melt faster, reducing the overall cooking time.
🍫Substitutions
In the spirit of "using what we have," it's perfectly fine if you're missing an ingredient or two when making our homemade oat milk hot chocolate. Here are some substitutions you could try:
- Milk Alternatives: No oat milk? No problem! Almond milk or cashew milk can be great plant-based milk alternatives. And they offer unique nutty flavors. If you are not dairy-free, this recipe works well with dairy milk as well (my husband prefers it this way).
- Sweeteners: If you're out of maple syrup, consider using honey or agave syrup.
- Chocolate Chips: You can make hot cocoa with oat milk by using dark chocolate chips, shaved baker's chocolate, or doubling up on the cocoa powder and skipping the chips. Just be mindful that this will change the texture and flavor of this recipe.
🍵Variations & Leftover Ideas:
- Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a festive touch, add a dash of pumpkin spice to the mix or a scoop of any leftover pumpkin puree.
- Caffeine Kick: Top with a shot of espresso for that extra caffeine boost (adults only).
- Sugar-Free Version: Replace the maple syrup with vanilla. This will add a bit of natural sweetness and aroma without extra sugar.
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the chocolate experience.
- Boozy Delight for Adults: Adults might enjoy a splash of Irish cream for a decadent, boozy twist.
🎉 Fun Tip: Indoor Marshmallow Roasting
Want to add a bit of campfire charm and cozy vibes to your creamy hot chocolate? Here's a fun and safe way to roast marshmallows indoors, making it an exciting activity, especially for kids!
Note: Roasting marshmallows is a fun addition to your hot cocoa beverage experience, but safety comes first. Always supervise children and keep flammable materials away from the flame.
Using Candles (Kid-Friendly): Use non-scented candles to avoid adding any unwanted flavors. Set up a mini roasting station with a candle for each child, supervised by an adult. Skewer the marshmallows and let the kids gently roast them over the candle flame. It's a delightful experience and a great way to involve them in the kitchen!
Using a Gas Stove (Adults Only): For a quick roast, use the flame of your gas stove. Skewer a marshmallow and carefully hold it over the low flame, rotating it slowly for an even roast.
- Safety First: This method involves an open flame and is very hot, so it's strictly for adults. Always keep a watchful eye if kids are around.
🥡Storage
Fridge Storage: Allow your homemade hot chocolate to cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place into the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Pour the hot chocolate into individual servings or an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
Reheating: This recipe is pretty straightforward to reheat. Gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
🧠Nutrient Boost: Benefits of Cocao
You know I can not resist talking about the brain benefits of this recipe. As a neuroscientist and mom, I am always looking at the nutrients in my recipes and how they may affect my kid's overall health.
- Boosts Mood: Did you know that some studies have shown cocoa has a mild stimulant effect that can enhance mood and overall mental well-being (2).
- Cognitive Performance: Studies have also shown that regular consumption of cocoa flavanols, can improve cognitive functions like attention, processing speed, and memory(1). This is due to increased blood flow to the brain and the neuroprotective effects of these flavanols (1).
- Neuroprotective Properties: Those same flavanols (found in cocoa) have neuroprotective properties meaning that they may help protect the brain from damage related to aging and neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to long-term brain health (3).
❔FAQ
To heat your hot chocolate with oat milk in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe mug. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to ensure even warming. This method helps maintain a creamy texture and prevents hot spots.
Clumpiness or a grainy texture in hot cocoa with oat milk is often due to the cocoa powder not being fully dissolved or the chocolate not melting properly. To prevent this, ensure that your cocoa powder is sifted and free of lumps before adding it to the mixture. Also, use finely chopped chocolate or small chocolate chips to ensure they melt easily and evenly. Stirring continuously while heating can also help achieve a smooth consistency.
If your coconut cream isn't whipping, consider these factors:
1. Quality of Coconut Cream: Choose a high-fat coconut cream known for its whipping quality, like Savoy or Aroy-D.
2. Chilling Time: Ensure the coconut cream is thoroughly chilled, ideally overnight, to help the fat separate and solidify.
3. Whipping Technique: Whip gently and avoid overmixing, as this can make the cream grainy.
4. Cream Separation: Scoop out only the solid part of the coconut cream, leaving any liquid behind.
🌟 Loved this homemade hot chocolate recipe? I’d be thrilled to hear all about it! Please take a moment to leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s connect! Find me on Facebook and Instagram for more tasty conversations and tips. Your feedback not only helps me improve, but it also helps other readers to discover new favorites. Can’t wait to see your creations and chat with you online!
🥣Recipe Parings and More
I hope you enjoyed our vegan hot chocolate with oat milk! If you need some fun dairy-free and gluten-free snacks to enjoy with your hot cocoa, be sure to check out these (I recommend the vegan Zimtsterne cinnamon cookies!)
📖 Recipe
Creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups unsweetened oat milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Whipped Coconut Cream
- 400 mls coconut cream ( 1 can, refrigerated)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add oat milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt.4 cups unsweetened oat milk, ½ cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon, 3 tablespoon maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cook the mixture on medium-low heat. Stir regularly to prevent burning and ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly for about 5 minutes. Don't let it boil.
Preparing the coconut cream (optional)
- Open a chilled can of coconut cream without shaking. Scoop out the solid cream from the top.400 mls coconut cream
- Whip the coconut cream in a bowl using a mixer for 30 seconds. then slowly add in the powdered sugar. Whip until it's fluffy with soft peaks, but be careful not to overdo it, about 1-2 minutes total.¼ cup powdered sugar
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish as desired.
Video
Notes
- Nutritional content is only based on the oat milk hot chocolate and does not include any toppings.
Nutrition
📝Information Source
- Nehlig, A. (2013). The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. Journal of Nutrition, 139(3), 1-6.
- Scholey, A., & Owen, L. (2013). Effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review. Nutrition Reviews, 71(10), 665-681.
- Socci, V., Tempesta, D., Desideri, G., De Gennaro, L., & Ferrara, M. (2017). Enhancing Human Cognition with Cocoa Flavonoids. Frontiers in Nutrition, 4, 19.
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