Best Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

Introduction

I don’t know about you but my absolute favorite beverage to drink on a cold, rainy day is a rich cup of hot chocolate. While there are many quick hot cocoa mixes you buy at the grocery store, very few of them are vegan. The good news is that with just a few simple ingredients, you can quickly whip up your own! Today I wanted to share with you my own recipe for this perfect vegan oat milk hot chocolate that is super easy to make. You don’t want to miss this!

White mug containing hot chocolate. In the background, there is a white napkin with a spoon of sugar next to the mug. On the opposite side, there is a small white bowl containing cocoa powder.

The Ingredients

Cocoa Powder

Dutch-processed cocoa is best for this recipe as it has a richer and more intense chocolatey flavor. The negative of dutch-processed cocoa is that it has less health benefits due to the loss of antioxidants that occurs during the processing.

Brown Sugar

I really like the extra richness brown sugar adds to this recipe. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, feel free to use pure cane sugar. It will still come out delicious!

Oat Milk

Oat milk is the new kid on the block in the world of non-dairy and vegan milks, and for good reason. This “milk” is creamy and has a fairly neutral palate that can easily blend into most recipes. It also works especially well in hot beverages such as lattes and hot chocolate because it foams well and does not give a peculiar flavor to these beverages.

Water

This hot chocolate recipe is rich and creamy, but I felt that adding water resulted in an improved texture and helped keep the cocoa from feeling heavy.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract pairs so well with hot chocolate. It has a natural sweetness and accentuates the chocolate flavor perfectly. If you want to make this recipe even more flavorful, you can throw in a dash of ground cinnamon.

How to Make Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

How to Make Smooth Hot Chocolate

First you will make a paste by mixing together the cocoa powder, the sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan over low heat. This is the most important step in the process as it ensures your hot chocolate is smooth and free from cocoa powder clumps. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Okay moving on…

Add the Liquids

Now you will add the oat milk and water. Stir to combine and increase the heat to medium. Continue to stir until the hot cocoa is beginning to steam and just heated through.

Saucepan on a gas stove containing hot chocolate and a bamboo-handled mixing spoon

Add Vanilla Extract

Now you will add the vanilla extract. Adding it at the end helps to retain its flavor. Since pure vanilla extract is based in alcohol, the longer it is heated the more it can evaporate and lose its delicious flavor in the process.

Pour in Mugs and Add Your Favorite Toppings

Now for the best part. Divide the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs and top with you favorite toppings. I like to top mine with whipped cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate FAQs

Is Hot Chocolate Better with Milk or Water?

Hot chocolate with milk will result in a richer, creamier outcome which makes for a more decadent beverage. The added milk helps to draw out the flavors of the chocolate and you may find the chocolate tastes more intense with hot chocolate made with milk. In fact, most powdered hot chocolate mixes sold in stores contain milk powder. While you can make hot chocolate with water, even adding a few tablespoons of milk can really enhance the beverage.

White mug containing hot chocolate. In the background, there is a white napkin with a spoon of sugar next to the mug. On the opposite side, there is a small white bowl containing cocoa powder.
White mug containing hot chocolate. In the background, there is a white napkin with a spoon of sugar next to the mug. On the opposite side, there is a small white bowl containing cocoa powder.

Best Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

This diary-free hot chocolate recipe is so warming and delicious, but the best part is how quick and simple it is to make!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup Cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons Dark brown sugar If you don't have brown sugar, white sugar will work.
  • 2 cups Oat milk
  • ½ cup +2 Tablespoons Water
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, mix together cocoa powder, sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over low heat using a small rubber spatula until you form a smooth paste. (Make sure you don't skip this step or the cocoa powder will not mix well into the oat milk and you will have cocoa clumps).
  • Add the oat milk and water and stir to combine.
  • Increase heat to medium and continue to stir occasionally until the cocoa is warm and beginning to steam.
  • Remove from heat. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
  • Pour into 2 mugs and top with marshmallows, vegan whipped cream, or enjoy on its own!
Keyword Dairy-free, Easy, Quick, Simple, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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