When you wanna have drinks in the morning, evening, and other times. They are mostly loaded with dairy or sugar. So, this time I tried an easy and creamy hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk recipe.
It was quick and comforting. Plus, if you make it, you can tweak it based on your mood or diet. Like, make it sugar-free, rich, or even use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder.
So in this post, I will teach you how to make this easy hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk.
Plus, I will also teach you how you can make it dairy-free. And suggest some sweeteners, cocoa powders, whipped sugar suggestions, and other flavor variations.
Why Almond Milk and Cocoa Powder Work So Well Together
It’s an obvious question that comes to your mind: Is almond milk good for white chocolate? Would cocoa powder make it bitter?
Well, look.
Almond milk has natural, mild nuttiness and a light texture.
So, when you pair it with rich, unsweetened cocoa powder and sweeten it in your own way, it will give you a perfect balance. It won’t be too heavy, too watery, or bitter because of cocoa.
Besides this, you can add almond milk and cocoa powder. It will give you the consistency without needing cream or dairy.
What You’ll Need for This Almond Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe
You won’t need hard-to-find ingredients. I’m sure they will be easily available in your home.
If not at home, then in neighboring grocery stores. Otherwise, you can order them online, like Amazon.
- 1 ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk: For this hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk, I mostly use unsweetened almond milk so I can control the sweetness. But if you only have one sweetened, then you will have to skip the added sugar.
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: This is the main flavor base. You can increase a little if you want a deeper taste, or decrease it for a lighter version.
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons sugar or any sweetener: This totally depends on your taste. So you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup. Or you can use honey or monk fruit if going sugar-free (more on that below).
- Pinch of salt: It is very important to bring out the chocolate flavor, so you don’t want to skip this; it will really make a difference.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): It will add depth and aroma. I use it almost all the time, but especially when making hot chocolate almond milk drinks.
- Optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, or a square of dark chocolate, which are good for extra cozy vibes. A dash of cinnamon will make it feel like a holiday drink.
Also read: Strawberry Banana Chocolate Protein Smoothie Recipe
How to Make Hot Chocolate with Almond Milk and Cocoa Powder (Step-by-Step)
Once you have got all the ingredients that I have mentioned on your kitchen slab, now you can start making it, and it will take just 10 minutes, or maybe less, and you won’t need any special equipment. Here is how I made it:
Step 1: Warm the Almond Milk
Now, it’s important to know how to heat almond milk for hot chocolate. For that, you want to take a small saucepan and then pour in 1 3⁄4 cups of almond milk.
Then, turn the heat to medium-low. And warm the Almond milk (don’t boil), just warm it enough that it steams.
Important Tip: If you heat it too high, your almond milk will separate or get a weird texture. That’s why you should always keep the heat low and stir every now and then.
Step 2: Add Cocoa Powder and Sweetener
Once the almond milk is warm (but not boiling), add the following ingredients:
- 1½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1.5 tbsp of sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- A pinch of salt
Now take a spoon and stir continuously until the cocoa fully dissolves and everything blends well.
Once you see that, it starts looking smooth and rich, almost velvety. That’s a great thing, because this is what you’d need.
Step 3: Add Vanilla or Any Optional Flavors
This is optional but totally worth it, so I recommend it:
You can add ¼ tsp of vanilla extract, or you can try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you want a holiday-style drink.
Besides this, you can even add a small piece of dark chocolate at this stage for extra richness.
You want to stir until it is fully melted.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now, you can take a small sip and check for sweetness.
If it’s too bitter, you should add a little more sugar.
If it’s too sweet, next time just reduce.
Remember that every cocoa powder brand is a little different in bitterness, so tasting will help you get the perfect taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with any of the following things:
- Dairy-free whipped cream
- Dust of cocoa or cinnamon
- Chocolate shavings
- Or just enjoy it plain!
When I made hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk, at first, I drank it plain, like half a glass. And in the rest of the half glass, I added toppings for a different taste.
So, plain and toppings, both were good. So, I’ll say you drink it plain too, or just add toppings based on your mood, like what you want to drink.
Also read: Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Want to Make It Sugar-Free?
If you want to make sugar-free hot chocolate with almond milk and cocoa powder, because you’re trying to lose weight or just don’t want sugar.
So, here’s what I would suggest you do to make it sugar-free:
- You need to use monk fruit sweetener or stevia: you can start with ½ tsp and adjust later. These sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar.
- Use unsweetened almond milk (which is already low-cal)
- Add a tiny splash of vanilla or cinnamon, and they will help round out the bitterness without sugar.
Even when you are making sugar-free hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk, it will still be super flavorful and rich.
You won’t miss the sugar if you balance cocoa and add other flavor enhancers that I mentioned.
Can I Use Cacao Powder Instead of Cocoa?
If you want hot chocolate with cacao powder and almond milk, then yeah, it is also possible.
In fact, raw cacao powder is more natural and has more antioxidants than regular cocoa powder. But there’s a small catch.
Cacao powder is more bitter and intense than cocoa powder. So when you’re using cacao, you want to do these things:
- Use slightly less cacao than cocoa (about 1 tbsp instead of 1½)
- You should increase your sweetener a little bit to balance the bitterness
- Consider using vanilla or cinnamon to mellow it down if needed
Also, cacao is more delicate, that’s why you don’t need to boil it or heat it too long.
You want to add it when the milk is warm, not too hot.
Overall, cacao powder instead of cocoa powder will give a more earthy and bold taste. Especially, if you like deep, rich chocolatey vibes, you’ll love it.
Make It Creamier (Even Without Dairy)
Even though almond milk is light, you can make your drink feel creamier with a few tricks:
- Add 1 tbsp coconut cream or cashew milk, but only when you want it thick, but still keep it dairy-free; these will add creaminess without overpowering flavor.
- Use a milk frother or blender: Frothing the final mix will make it smooth and foamy, plus it will give you a café hot chocolate texture.
- Blend 1 tsp almond butter into the milk: This is a secret hack I use when I want a thicker, more filling version. It gives richness and a nutty background flavor, too.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
You can switch this hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk drink in many ways. Here are some ideas that I personally like:
- Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate: You have to add a pinch of cayenne pepper + cinnamon
- Mocha Style: Add ½ tsp of instant coffee powder while mixing
- Peppermint Twist: Add 1 drop peppermint extract. If you want a wintery version
- Caramel Almond Hot Chocolate: You can add a drizzle of sugar-free caramel syrup
- Protein Hot Chocolate: You have to mix in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder (make sure to adjust sweetness accordingly)
Though the drink is the same, the process to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk is the same. But each variation will feel like a different drink.
Also read: Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothie No Banana Recipe
What to Serve with This Almond Milk Hot Chocolate
This drink can be a cozy treat by itself, but if you want to pair it with something small, especially during cold evenings.
Here are some simple things that go great with it:
- Almond flour cookies or biscuits
- Banana oat muffins
- Chocolate rice cakes
- Toast with peanut butter and chia seeds
- Energy balls with cacao and dates
- Roasted nuts or trail mix
- Dark chocolate square if you want to double down on the chocolate mood
If you’re having this as a dessert drink or nighttime treat, I recommend keeping the sides light and clean.
Conclusion
It was my version of hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk. It is an easy recipe you’ll keep coming back to once you try it.
Besides this, it is highly customizable, even if you are trying to cut down on sugar, looking for dairy-free options, or want a drink without spending on fancy store-bought mixes.
This hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk will work well.
Besides this, if you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with cocoa powder. You can also make it protein-rich.
Moreover, this almond and cocoa powder drink feels rich and creamy, and also healthy.
So, next time when you crave something warm and chocolatey, you can just grab cocoa, almond milk, and a spoon, and you will already be halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions and their answers regarding this hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk drink recipe.
Can I use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder for almond milk hot chocolate?
Of course, you can use that, but cacao powder is more bitter and intense than cocoa powder.
Therefore, you have to reduce the quantity and increase the sweetness.
Also, you should avoid boiling cacao. And you have to add it when the almond milk is warm to preserve its natural antioxidant and rich flavor.
How do I make almond milk hot chocolate sugar-free?
You can swap sugar with monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. You should start with a small amount and test as it goes.
Plus, you can add vanilla extract or cinnamon to round out the chocolate flavor without adding too much sweetness.
Can I heat almond milk for hot chocolate without curdling it?
Yes, but you wanna make sure to heat almond milk gently over low heat. And don’t boil it, just warm it.
When you see it start steaming, it means it is done.
Plus, you wanna stir it to keep its texture smooth and prevent it from separating.
Easy Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder and Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1.5 tbsp sugar or sweetener maple syrup, stevia, honey, etc.
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract optional
- Optional add-ins: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg 1 small square dark chocolate
Instructions
- Warm the Almond Milk: In a small saucepan, pour 1¾ cups of almond milk. Warm on medium-low heat until it steams (don’t boil). Stir occasionally.
- Add Cocoa & Sweetener: Add 1½ tbsp cocoa powder, your preferred sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Optional Flavors: Add ¼ tsp vanilla extract or optional ingredients like cinnamon or a piece of dark chocolate. Stir until everything blends.
- Taste Test: Take a small sip. Adjust sweetener if needed based on your cocoa brand and personal preference.
- Serve It Hot: Pour into your favorite mug. Top with dairy-free whipped cream, cocoa dust, or sip it plain!
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.
