Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)

This homemade vegan hot chocolate is thick, creamy, chocolatey…but healthy and nutritious! I’ve been in love with this hot chocolate for years now and I look forward to it every winter.

The Story:

You know in The Santa Clause when the hot chocolate dispenses out of the “CD” in Santa’s sleigh and it’s just the most delicious looking hot chocolate ever!? This is it. This had to have been the recipe! There is no refined sugar in this recipe and it is PACKED with flavor. The star of the show is….dates! Literally natures candy. Blend it with some creamy coconut milk, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon…I’m telling you. This hot chocolate is a thing of beauty and you can taste the difference that the “real” ingredients make in elevating the flavor, texture and experience. You’ll never want to go back to the packet! Make it your own: Add whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or rim your mug with chocolate and crushed candy canes, or everyone’s favorite….add LOTS of marshmallows!

Jump to:

• The Story:
• 🧾 The Ingredients:
• Step By Step Preparation Instructions:
• Recipe FAQ's:
• More Winter Treats:
• 📖 The Recipe:
• Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate
• The Finished Product:

🧾 The Ingredients:

Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this homemade vegan hot chocolate.

• Dates: You want to look for fresh, medjool dates. They are soft and sweet, and when blended, they become perfectly creamy. You can find Sun Date California medjool dates at Costco.
• Coconut Milk: Light coconut milk from a can is ideal for this. You can use full fat coconut milk, but I would thin it out with a bit of water. The dates add thickness so full fat coconut milk would end up being a bit too thick. Coconut milk from a carton will not yield the creamy consistency you’re going for here.
• Cocoa Powder: You can use a higher quality of cocoa powder or even cacao powder, but I just use the Good and Gather cocoa powder and it is perfect.
• Salt: A necessity! I love the flavor a good pinch of salt adds to this. I use salt with iodine for extra nutritional benefits.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth, depth of flavor and even more nutritional benefits!

Step By Step Preparation Instructions:

This homemade hot chocolate is super easy to make! Maybe not as simple as ripping open a package, but darn close.

• Step 1: Warm up your coconut milk until steaming. You don’t want it boiling hot, just a nice warm heat that is comfortable to drink.
• Step 2: Remove the pit from your dates: just push your finger through the date and the pit will push out, or slice them down the middle and remove the pit.
• Step 3: Add your pitted dates, along with all the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend well.
• Step 4: Pour into a mug and enjoy. This hot chocolate is perfect on its own, or feel free to top it with your favorite toppings! Whipped cream, candy cane bits, coffee, a little bit of your favorite alcohol…whatever vibe you’re going for!

Recipe FAQ's:

• How long do dates keep fresh for? Dates have a long shelf life if placed in the refrigerator. They will last at least a month, possibly a bit longer.
• Where can I find medjool dates? Many grocery stores carry them, especially health food grocers. I buy mine at Costco.

More Winter Treats:

📖 The Recipe:

The Finished Product:

A wonderfully delicious, warming, spirit invoking cup of hot chocolate! I promise, this will become a favorite. I’m convinced that the more real food you consume, the more “fake” processed food tastes. I know and understand that convenience trumps at times, but when you have an extra moment to put into cooking with real ingredients, it is worth it. Your taste buds and body will thank you! Happy holidays!