Quick, quicker, quickest recipes for vegan hot chocolate.

Hot Chocolate is one of cold weather’s pleasures, and nothing feels better than coming in from the cold to a hot steaming mug of it. Traditionally made with dairy milk, hot chocolate (hot cocoa) is a favourite drink for kids and adults alike. While most people gravitate towards store-bought dried hot chocolate mixes, these are expensive and less nutritious. Most – if not all - contain milk products and a lot of hydrogenated oils, meaning saturated and trans fats.

For some reason, vegan hot cocoa products do not seem to have made their way onto store shelves. But don’t fret – here are three easy recipes to warm your toes. Making hot chocolate at home is a fun gourmet treat, and it needn’t take long.

A Note About the Ingredients

Note regarding cocoa: some brands contain milk ingredients. Be sure to check the label before purchasing.

These recipes were tested using plain unsweetened soy milk. If using a flavoured or sweetened (sometimes labelled as “original” or “plain”) beverage, decrease the added sugar accordingly. Soy milk will produce a thick, rich beverage because of its fat content. For this reason, all-natural brands work exceptionally well.

Vegan Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe

This recipe comes first because it provides exceptional flavour and texture. If there is time, the stovetop version is well worth it.

Total time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. organic vegan sugar
• 3 tbsp. vegan cocoa
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 1/3 cups plain non-dairy (soy, almond, or rice) milk
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, cocoa and cinnamon (if using) in a small saucepan.
2. Gently stir in milk.
3. Warm over medium heat, stirring or whisking constantly, until hot. Do not boil.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Microwave Hot Chocolate for One Recipe

Hot cocoa in the micro isn’t quite the same, but is still delicious and much faster. Emulsifying the cocoa with a touch of liquid before heating it ensures a smoother texture.

Total time: 5 minutes

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder (see note above)
• 1-2 tbsp. vegan sugar
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• ¼ tsp. vanilla or almond extract

Directions:

1. In a large mug, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, and 2 tbsp. non-dairy milk.
2. Whisk together with a small fork until blended.
3. Add the rest of the non-dairy milk and microwave on high for one minute; stir.
4. Add almond or vanilla extract

Easiest Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

For those times the need for chocolate is imminent.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate- or carob-flavoured non-dairy beverage

Directions:

1. In a large mug, heat non-dairy beverage in the microwave approximately 1 minute or until hot.
2. Enjoy the easiest one-minute hot chocolate!