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We love a delicious mug of hot chocolate – especially during the holiday season! This homemade dairy free hot chocolate mix has that rich chocolate flavor that classic hot chocolate gives, but it’s made with just five simple ingredients that are a bit healthier (and pantry staples). Added bonus? It’s completely dairy-free! Ditch the grocery store hot chocolate mixes and give this recipe a try!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
This dairy-free hot chocolate mix is a great way to enjoy a cup of chocolatey goodness during the cold weather months, and there are so many reasons to love it! With just five simple ingredients, it’s free from any funky additives or fillers, letting the natural flavors shine. You can sip it as is or get fancy and add a drizzle of chocolate toasted coconut butter or a fluffy homemade pumpkin marshmallow on top – because why not?!
This mix is incredibly versatile—you can make it as rich and chocolatey as you like and pair it with your favorite plant-based milk to create the perfect cup every time. Plus, it comes together in just minutes, so you’ll always have a stash of homemade cocoa mix ready for cozy mornings or chilly evenings.
Whether you’re making it for you and your family to sip on while opening presents, setting up a hot cocoa bar with some vegan peppermint bark for guests, or gifting jars to loved ones or teachers, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredient Notes
- Powdered dairy-free milk: This is the creamy base that makes your hot chocolate dreamy and rich. Coconut milk powder or oat milk powder are my faves, but almond or soy milk powder works too.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and blends easily without clumping—substitute with coconut sugar or a powdered sugar alternative for a lower-glycemic option.
- Cocoa powder (Dutch-processed): The star of the show, bringing deep, chocolatey goodness—unsweetened natural cocoa powder will work if that’s what you’ve got!
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the mix into a luscious, velvety drink; tapioca starch or arrowroot powder are great swaps if you’re avoiding corn.
- Sea salt: A pinch of salt enhances all those rich, chocolatey flavors and balances the sweetness—swap with pink Himalayan salt or kosher salt if you need to.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until combined thoroughly.
Step 2: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container like a mason jar. Keep it at room temperature, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Step 3: When you’re ready to make your hot chocolate, scoop 1/4 cup of the mix into a mug.
Step 4: Pour hot water or your favorite non-dairy milk over it, and stir until smooth. For extra froth, use a handheld frother.
Expert Tips
- Cornstarch helps the hot chocolate mix not clump together during storage. If you plan to enjoy the whole batch in a week, you can leave it out.
- I’ve tried several dairy free milk powders and I like this coconut milk powder and this oat milk powder the best.
Serving Tips
- If you’re all about that extra-rich hot chocolate life, try adding vegan marshmallows (or regular mini marshmallows – just make sure they’re dairy-free), stirring in a candy cane, drizzling some peanut butter, or melting a few dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips right into the mug with the hot liquid.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a Mexican twist or a drop of peppermint extract for a festive flavor.
- Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee.
- Stir in some cashew milk to make your hot chocolate even creamier.
- Use it as part of a fun dessert charcuterie board along with white chocolate glaze paleo brownies, peppermint chocolate whiskey truffles, and some salted caramel thumbprint cookies for family gatherings or holiday parties.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Swap the powdered sugar with a powdered sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for a low-sugar option.
Yes, every ingredient in this mix is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your powdered milk to be sure.
More Easy Recipes
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Vegan & Paleo Mexican Hot Chocolate Ice Cream
- Hot Chocolate Matcha Latte with Almond Milk
- Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte
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Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 1½ cup powdered dairy free milk, I like this coconut milk powder or this oat milk powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder, Dutch-processed
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until combined thoroughly.1½ cup powdered dairy free milk, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- When ready to make your hot chocolate, add 1/4 cup of the mix to a mug. Pour hot water or milk over the mix and stir with a spoon until dissolved, or you can use a handheld frother to mix everything. Melt some chocolate chips in the liquid or add marshmallows on top, if you wish. Enjoy!
Notes
-
- Cornstarch helps the hot chocolate mix not clump together during storage. If you plan to enjoy the whole batch in a week, you can leave it out.
-
- I’ve tried several dairy free milk powders and I like this coconut milk powder and this oat milk powder the best.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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