Cozy up with this rich and creamy homemade oat milk hot chocolate. Made with 5 simple ingredients and real chocolate, this hot cocoa is a must this winter. Easily made vegan too!
Homemade hot chocolate with oat milk
Now that it is chilly outside, nothing screams sweater weather and the holidays more than this oat milk hot cocoa. This hot chocolate reminds me of going to a Christmas tree farm with my family all bundled up, snow on the ground, and hands clasped around a cup of hot chocolate to stay warm. Pure joy. In fact, I am sipping on a mug right now as I write this post. It makes me so happy.
Oat milk hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. I would go as far as to say that it’s better than traditional hot chocolate because oat milk is much creamier than regular milk or almond milk. It might be dairy-free, but no one will be able to tell. In fact, I bet they will ask why it’s so good.
This hot chocolate is made on the stovetop by whisking together all the ingredients on low heat. However, you can also make it in the microwave if you want. It’s an easy drink for all level bakers and cooks to enjoy.
Just pour a glass, top it with some whipped cream, and cozy up on the couch with a blanket and a book. Everyone will love this hot chocolate recipe – especially kids!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Rich & Creamy: this oat milk hot chocolate is warm and cozy!
- Healthy: Made without random ingredients, fillers, or preservatives.
- 5 Ingredients: this recipe is made with oat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and real chocolate.
- Sweet: This hot cocoa is sweet, but not too sweet.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love this recipe.
- Cozy Winter Drink: Oat milk hot cocoa is the perfect cold-weather drink.
- Make it Vegan: Easily make this hot chocolate vegan with dairy-free chocolate.
- Customizable: I left a long variations and substitution list below!
- Oat Lovers: Try these oat flour brownies for another delicious chocolate recipe.
Ingredients & substitutions
You only need five ingredients to make quick and easy homemade oat milk hot chocolate! It’s the perfect cozy winter drink! Here is a list of ingredients so you’re prepared:
- Oat Milk: The oat milk makes this hot chocolate much creamier and richer than traditional recipes. You will need 4 cups of your favorite brand. You can also use soy milk, coconut milk, cow’s milk, almond milk, or skim milk.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To develop that rich chocolate flavor. I don’t recommend the Trader Joe’s brand as I found it lacks flavor. You can also use hot cocoa mix as a substitution, but it will have extra sugar.
- Sugar: For some sweetness, add in your favorite sweetener. I used sugar, but you can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract: For the best taste, add a dash of vanilla.
- Semisweet Chocolate: My secret ingredient to making this hot chocolate super chocolaty and rich. We’ll melt 1/3 cup of semisweet chocolate into the oat milk for the best taste. You can use dairy-free chocolate to make this oat milk hot chocolate vegan.
Kitchen tools required
Homemade hot chocolate is easy to make. In fact, you only need a pot and a whisk. Here is a list, so you are prepared:
- Small Pot
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring Tools: 1/4 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/3 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make oat milk hot chocolate
Homemade oat milk hot chocolate comes together in three simple steps! It is rich, creamy, and sure to be a family favorite. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Step 1:
First, add oat milk to a small pot and heat over medium-low. Do not let the milk boil; it will burn.
Step 2:
Next, add in cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract and gently whisk until combined.
Step 3:
Once warm, add chocolate chips or chopped bar and continuously whisk until it melts. Then, serve immediately topped with your choice of whipped cream, toasted or mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.
Expert recipe tips:
- High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Look for cocoa powder labeled as “natural” or “unsweetened.”
- Heat Gradually: Heat your milk slowly over medium heat to prevent boiling. You run the risk of burning the oat milk or chocolate if you allow the hot chocolate to boil. Stir continuously to ensure even heating.
- Whisking Technique: Use a whisk to combine cocoa powder and sweetener with the milk. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Frothing: For a fancy version of the oat milk hot cocoa, use a milk frother, steam wand, or hand whisk to create froth on top of the hot chocolate.
- Toppings and Mix-Ins: Get creative with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, grated chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of cayenne for unique flavor twists.
- Customization: Adjust the sweetness level to your taste by adding more or less sweetener and play around with the milk-to-cocoa ratio.
- Make Ahead: If you’re hosting, you can make a larger batch of hot chocolate ahead of time and reheat it gently when needed. It keeps well for up to 4 days.
Oat milk vs coconut milk
Oat milk and coconut milk are both popular dairy-free milk alternatives, but they have distinct differences in terms of flavor, nutritional content, and uses. Here’s a comparison of the two:
- Flavor: Oat milk has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a creamy consistency. While coconut milk has a distinctive coconut flavor and a rich, creamy texture.
- Nutritional Content: Oat milk is packed with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 which makes it nutritionally comparable to dairy milk. It is also typically lower in fat than coconut milk. On the other hand, coconut milk is higher in fat and calories compared to oat milk. It contains healthy saturated fats and is not as rich in calcium.
- Allergies and Dietary Considerations: both are great for those following a dairy-free diet. If you are gluten-free, ensure your oat milk is gluten-free certified.\
- Cooking and Culinary Uses: Oat milk is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, such as coffee, cereal, smoothies, and baking. It has a neutral flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Coconut milk is often used in dishes that benefit from its distinct coconut flavors, such as curries, soups, desserts, and tropical beverages. It’s also a common ingredient in dairy-free ice creams and yogurts.
Does hot chocolate have caffeine?
Traditional hot chocolate recipes made from cocoa powder or chocolate do not contain caffeine. Cocoa beans do naturally contain a small amount of caffeine, but the processing involved in making cocoa powder or chocolate typically reduces or eliminates the caffeine content.
Is oat milk gluten-free?
Not all oat milk is gluten-free, so be sure to look at the packaging before purchasing. Most oat milk brands are since oats are naturally gluten-free; however, it is essential to double-check that the oats used are gluten-free certified since they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye, which are gluten-containing grains. This can lead to cross-contamination.
If you are making homemade oat milk, use gluten-free certified oats to ensure you oat milk is gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make oat milk hot chocolate in the microwave?
Yes, you can heat the oat milk in the microwave instead of the stove top. If you are doing this, melt the chocolate in short intervals (around 20 seconds long) and stir well between each interval to prevent overheating and brining the chocolate and milk.
What’s the best type of chocolate to use for homemade hot chocolate?
You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate for this oat milk hot cocoa recipe. I don’t reccomend white chocolate.
Are there specific types of cocoa powder that work best with oat milk hot chocolate?
I reccomend using natural unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for oat milk hot chocolate.
Is this oat milk hot chocolate vegan?
To make this hot chocolate vegan, then use dairy-free chocolate chips or cut up a vegan chocolate bar.
Can I add coffee?
If you want to caffeinate this hot chocolate, I recommend adding in 1 -2 espresso shots.
What are the best toppings for hot chocolate?
The sky is the limit! I love topping hot chocolate with whipped cream, toasted marshmallows, mini marshmallows, and even chocolate shavings. Have fun with it!
Can I use another milk instead of oat milk?
Yes, you can use almond, cow’s, cashew, coconut, or soy milk instead of the oat milk if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you are preparing it for a larger group. Just remember to use a larger pot.
What are some variations of oat milk hot chocolate?
You can customize your oat milk hot chocolate with various additions, such as whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup.
Does hot chocolate go bad?
Yes, hot chocolate can go bad. Look for signs like off odors, mold growth, unusual taste, texture changes, or discoloration to determine if it’s spoiled. I reccomend storing homemade hot cocoa for up to 4 days.
If you loved this oat milk recipe, try these next:
- Oat Milk Chia Pudding
- Oat Milk Pancakes
- Oat Milk Smoothie
- Vegan Baked Oatmeal
- Almond Flour Chocolate Cake
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups oat milk, I recommend Oatly
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 – 5 Tbsp sugar, based on your desired level of sweetness
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, chips or cut up bar
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Add oat milk to a small pot and heat over medium-low. Do not let the milk boil, it will burn.
- Add in cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract and gently whisk until combined.
- Once warm, add chocolate chips and continuously whisk until it melts.
- Serve immediately topped with your choice of whipped cream, toasted or mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.
Notes
Nutrition
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Andrea says
My favorite!!!! So unbelievably good.