We don’t get much snow after we move (or whatever!), but the kids love playing outside when it snows during the day. There’s something almost sacred about going from cold to a cup of steaming cocoa. Cream cream. However, I wanted to find an alternative to the usual hot cocoa mixture loaded with refined sugar and powdered milk.
So I set out to create a healthy, easy, and completely homemade version that tastes even better than what I grew up with. This isn’t just another hot chocolate mix recipe, it’s real comfort food in a tub. And once you know how to make good hot chocolate, the packets just don’t taste the same.
Thanks to this recipe, I’m always happy when my kids ask for cocoa after hours outside. It has become our version of the ancient childhood ritual. And this one is made with the right amount of hot chocolate ingredients that I feel good about serving.
The Best Hot Chocolate Recipe (Dairy Free Option)
This hot chocolate combines cocoa powder. healthy fats, Warming spices, and natural sweeteners for a comfortable cup of cocoa. For traditional richness, you can use organic whole milk or swap out the dairy-free version with coconut or almond milk. Coconut milk is higher in fat to make it creamier. Gelatin helps in fattening and increases the health benefits of hair, nails and gut.
Instead of refined white or brown sugar, I prefer maple syrup or honey. They add natural sweetness, minerals and antioxidants. A pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, and the vanilla extract rounds everything out beautifully. Sometimes I shave in a little dark chocolate for extra richness, but this recipe works perfectly with cocoa powder and is delicious, no chocolate chips needed.
The secret to good hot chocolate is quality chocolate and healthy fats. Adding butter or coconut oil creates that velvety texture most people associate with condensed milk chocolate. And if you need to avoid dairy products, coconut milk or coconut oil will still add enough fat to create the right content.
Customization and easy shortcuts
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Do you prefer sweeter? Add more maple syrup or raw honey. Want to be super rich? At the end, mix in a little chopped dark chocolate. For a classic finish, top with real-food whipped cream.
If you’ve grown up on instant packets, this will be deeper and more complex thanks to the right cocoa powder, healthy fats and that pinch of sea salt. The sea salt helps balance the sweetness and reduces any bitterness in the cocoa. Learning how to make good hot chocolate is surprisingly easy.
This can easily be customized to your preferences and I’d love to hear your variations in the comments. I like to add a dash of cayenne for a flavored version or some frozen strawberries for a berry hot cocoa. This Hazelnut hot chocolate recipe It is also a family favorite.
Alternatively, you can add some anti-inflammatory turmeric, hormone-balancing maca root, or antimicrobial cinnamon. Cinnamon also makes it taste like Mexican hot chocolate. Homemade marshmallows with honey and gelatin are also a family favorite!
Whether it’s for a crowd or just for yourself, treat yourself (and the family!) to these nutritious, healthy hot chocolates.
Healthy hot chocolate recipe
This delicious real food hot chocolate recipe combines cocoa powder, healthy fats and natural sweeteners for a satisfying and healthy drink.
Optional extras
- ½-1 tsp Maca powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp Turmeric (optional)
- ½ tsp Cinnamon (optional)
- Pouring cream or coconut cream for richness (optional)
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Add all the ingredients to the blender and mix until smooth.
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Pour into a small saucepan and heat slowly over medium heat. Don’t boil.
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Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices.
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Pour into a pitcher and enjoy hot.
Nutrition facts
Healthy hot chocolate recipe
Per serving size (1 cup)
Calories 241
144 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fat 16 g25%
Saturated fat 8 g50%
Trans fat 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated fat 2 g
Monounsaturated fat 5 g
Cholesterol 30 mg10%
Sodium 477 mg21%
Potassium 276 mg8%
Carbohydrates 16 g5%
Fiber 6 g25%
Sugar 6 g7%
Protein 13 g26%
Vitamin A 353IU7%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
Calcium 361 mg36%
Metal 2 mg11%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Try filling with whipped cream, coconut cream or some marshmallows.
Cocoa for a people
You can make a single serving of cocoa in a couple of minutes in a blender or simply weigh it. It also fits in a Crock Pot if you are making this for several people. Just mix the ingredients, wrap well and keep warm until ready to serve. Perfect for kids, holiday gatherings or family night out.
If you want to make a gallon for a crowd, here are the adjusted sizes.
- 13 cups of milk
- 1 cup of cocoa powder
- 1 cup gelatin
- 3/4 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/4-1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 3 TBSP vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
- 3-6 TBSP maca powder (optional)
- 3 teaspoons pepper (optional)
- 3 TBSP cinnamon (optional)
Don’t have time to make cocoa from scratch? I love using this. Organic Gold Chocolate Powder To make healthy and delicious hot chocolate! And these Healthy marshmallows Work well.
What is your favorite hot drink on cold days? Leave a comment and let us know!
