Oat milk hot chocolate is your go-to for a creamy, dairy-free treat with rich chocolate flavor—perfect for cozy nights or the holiday season! Perfect as is but even better marshmallows!
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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!
Today I’m bringing you another warm and cozy drink recipe, with a smooth, velvety texture and rich cocoa flavors that will warm you from the inside out!
Our oat milk hot chocolate stands out with its perfect balance of sweetness, deep chocolatey notes, and just a hint of cinnamon and a pinch of salt to enhance every sip. Made with creamy oat milk, this version is completely dairy-free, quick to make, and uses only simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen (just like our healthier protein hot cocoa version)
The inspiration for this recipe came during one of our family movie nights, right in the middle of a freezing Canadian winter. We usually rely on store-bought cocoa mixes, but that night, we ran out. Plus, finding dairy-free options is a struggle—and they can be expensive. So, we decided to experiment and create our own! It had to be quick, comforting, and a hit with everyone—because no one wants to miss out on the fun.
The result was a rich, creamy hot chocolate recipe that has become our winter movie staple! So, whether you’re looking for a cozy treat during the holiday season or something to sip on a chilly evening, this recipe will surely become your favorite too.
😍Why You Will This Recipe
- 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.
Be sure to check out all our other healthy, allergy-friendly drinks recipes!
🧠 Nutrient Boost: Why We Love Cocoa
Cocoa isn’t just delicious—it’s a feel-good ingredient with perks! Known for its natural compounds, cocoa is often associated with boosting mood, supporting brain health, and offering protective properties (1,2,3). Its richness and flavor make it a wonderful choice for this creamy, cozy drink. And if you want a protein version of this recipe, be sure to try our protein hot chocolate recipe (also dairy-free).
☕Simple Ingredients & Flavors
Each ingredient in this oat milk hot chocolate was carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. Together, they create a rich, velvety drink that’s simple yet indulgent. Here’s how they shine:
- Oat Milk: The star of the recipe! I chose creamy oat milk for its naturally smooth texture and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate. It's my favorite dairy-free option because oat milk doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Cocoa Powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor begins. Using a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a deep, authentic taste without added sugar.
- Cinnamon: A subtle dash adds a hint of warmth and spice that balances the sweetness and makes every sip feel extra cozy.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Melting chocolate chips into the mix adds a silky, velvety texture and enhances the chocolatey depth. Choose dairy-free or dark chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch works magic by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the chocolate’s intensity.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of warmth and richness. If you’re making this for kids, adding a bit more sweetness is always a win!
- Vegan Marshmallows (optional): While optional, these fluffy toppings make the drink extra indulgent and are always a hit for a classic hot chocolate feel.
For The Coconut Whipped Cream:
Another optional add-in but totally recommended! Making dairy-free whipped cream is easy and totally elevates this hot chocolate recipe further!
- Coconut Cream (1 can): Refrigerate a can of coconut cream overnight to separate the heavy cream from the liquid. We’ll use only the solid cream for the fluffiest, richest whipped topping. Then use the leftover to make our coconut margarita for the adults :0)
- Powdered Sugar: Just a touch adds the perfect sweetness to balance the whipped topping.
No time to make your own? Store-bought dairy-free whipping cream works just as well!
⚠️Celiac Alert: 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.
🌟 Loved this homemade hot chocolate recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!
👩🏽🍳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.
Pro 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.
🎉 Fun Tip: How to Roast Marshmallows Indoors
Add some campfire charm to your creamy hot chocolate by roasting marshmallows indoors!
- With Candles (Kid-Friendly): Use unscented candles to avoid unwanted flavors. Supervise as kids skewer marshmallows and gently roast them over the flame.
- With a Gas Stove (Adults Only): Carefully hold a marshmallow over a low gas flame, rotating it for an even roast.
⚠️Safety Note: Always supervise children and keep flammable materials away from flames. Adults should handle any stove roasting.
🔁Recipe Substitutions
If you are out of an ingredient when making your homemade oat milk hot chocolate, here are some substitutions that have worked for us:
- 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).
- Maple Syrup Alternatives: If you're out of maple syrup, consider using honey or agave syrup.
- Chocolate Chips Substitution: If you are our of chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, shaved baker's chocolate, or doubling up on the cocoa powder and skipping the chips. Ensure you choose a diary-free version!
🍴Recipe Variations
- 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.
🥣Recipe Pairings
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!)
🥡How To Store
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.
❔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.
👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!
📖 Recipe
Creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)
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.
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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