Rich, creamy, and so chocolaty, this Oat Milk Hot Chocolate will be your new favorite cozy hot drink! It's dairy-free, vegan, and ready in just 5 minutes!
On a cold day, sip a cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy vibes! It's sweet, creamy, decadent, and perfect for the holiday season!
This hot cocoa recipe is easy to make and features just 5 simple ingredients. It uses real chocolate, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and oat milk (which is my favorite of the milk alternatives out there). Top it with coconut whipped cream for even more indulgence and maybe enjoyed it with vegan churros on the side!
For more drinks made with oat milk, check out my Oat Milk Matcha Latte, and Oat Milk Eggnog.
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Ingredients and notes
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
- Oat milk. Use barista oat milk for the best results!
- Cocoa powder. I use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolaty flavor, but you can use cacao powder as well.
- Vegan chocolate chips. Make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate for the best results.
- Brown sugar. You can also use maple syrup or honey (if not vegan).
- Pinch of salt: To enhance the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (optional): A little vanilla goes a long way here.
How to Make Homemade Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
To a small saucepan, oat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk really well, until no clumps of cocoa powder remain. Let simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent it from burning.
When the mixture is warm enough to your liking, remove it from the heat. Then, pour the vegan hot chocolate into two mugs. Add your favorite toppings and serve right away!
We like to add a dollop of coconut whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect winter drink!
Expert Tips
- Use plant-based milk with a creamy texture for the best results. We recommend using barista oat milk if possible. It's the creamiest option and makes a great foam.
- If you want it extra creamy you can use half full-fat coconut milk and half oat milk. Just make sure to use coconut milk from a can.
- Taste and adjust as you go. You can add more brown sugar, cocoa powder, or salt to taste.
- Make your own hot chocolate mix by mixing all ingredients into a jar and storing it for later use.
- To make a foam without a foamer, add the hot chocolate into a high-speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Then, serve right away.
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate FAQ
Yes, you'll need to add the milk to a microwave-safe mug and microwave for 3-4 minutes or until the milk is very hot. This is important in order to melt the chocolate completely. Then, stir the rest of the ingredients and serve!
Yes. I recommend using use pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Keep in mind that the chocolate has added sugar too.
Yes, you can make this recipe with any non-dairy milk such as soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.
Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a mason jar, and save it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Optional Add-ins
- Peppermint extract. ¼ to ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract will brighten up this recipe.
- Cayenne Pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some spice and kick.
- Coffee. You can add either a shot of espresso or mix instant coffee with the oat milk.
- Peanut Butter. Add 1-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter.
- Spices such as ground nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. Add ¼ to ½ tsp.
Topping Ideas
My favorite part about this oat milk hot chocolate is the variety of toppings you can add! Here are some of our favorites:
- Vegan marshmallows
- Whipped coconut cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Crushed peppermints or candy canes
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate syrup
- Crushed cookies such as Oreo
More Vegan Chocolate Desserts
Healthier Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding
And if you're into oat milk, check out this oat milk rice pudding, I think you'll love it! 😉
📖 Recipe
Creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Stovetop
- Sauce pan
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups oat milk (barista type preferred)
- 3 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon vegan brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- To a small saucepan, oat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk really well, until no clumps of cocoa powder remain. Let simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent it from burning.
- When the mixture is warm enough to your liking, remove it from the heat. Then, pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Add your favorite toppings and serve right away!
Foaming (optional)
- Add hot chocolate to a blender and blend on high for 30-60 seconds, until foam has formed. The longer you blender, the more foam you'll have. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Stovetop: Add hot chocolate to a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat once it's warmed through, after around 5 minutes. Don't bring it to a boil.
- Microwave: Add hot chocolate to a mug and microwave on high for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Use plant-based milk with a creamy texture for the best results. We recommend using barista oat milk if possible. It's the creamiest option and makes a great foam.
- If you want it extra creamy you can use half full-fat coconut milk and half oat milk. Just make sure to use coconut milk from a can.
- Taste and adjust as you go. You can add more brown sugar, cocoa powder, or salt to taste.
- Make your own hot chocolate mix by mixing all ingredients into a jar and storing it for later use.
- To make a foam without a foamer, add the hot chocolate into a high-speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Then, serve right away.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.
Emma says
This hot chocolate was so creamy and indulgent, but not too sweet. I loved it!
Petranka says
Yay! Happy to hear!
Boris says
I can’t stop drinking this hot chocolate… somebody help!
Petranka says
Haha, I agree! it's so good!