This homemade oat milk hot chocolate recipe is my favorite cozy drink for the colder evenings! It is creamy, rich, decadent, and completely vegan and gluten-free! Top it with vegan marshmallows or non-dairy whip for the perfect holiday season treat. It's the perfect way to get a bit of sweetness and warmth during the winter months...or any time of year, really!
Admittedly, I don't have a very strong sweet tooth, I LOVE a good homemade hot chocolate recipe. My favorite part is always when the marshmallows melt and get foamy, chocolatey, and frothy. There is no better way to cozy up on the couch than with a big mug of hot chocolate! Thankfully, making this hot cocoa recipe vegan is easier than ever. This hot drink has a rich chocolate flavor, a creamy texture, and is so so delicious.
Make this vegan hot chocolate in just a few minutes on the stovetop with really simple ingredients. Top it with some melty vegan marshmallows, and customize it by adding some peppermint or maybe even a shot of Bailey's!
Why you'll love oat milk hot chocolate
- Simple and FAST - With just a few basic ingredients, one small pot, and about 5 minutes over the stove, you'll have this cup of hot chocolate in your hands in no time!
- Creamy & Indulgent - Choose a high-quality sweetened or unsweetened oat milk for the creamiest possible texture! Regardless, this drink is beyond indulgent, especially on a cold day.
- Completely Vegan - Use oat milk and maple syrup for a 100% vegan AND gluten-free creamy hot chocolate!
What you need for this recipe
- Oat Milk - Choose a high quality creamy, vegan oat milk! I used Planet Oat Extra Creamy. You can also make your own very easily! This recipe will also work with almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk.
- Cocoa Powder - Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is fine. I used Hershey's brand.
- Maple Syrup - Or any sweetener of your choice! Feel free to use sugar, brown sugar, or even honey.
- Vegan Chocolate Bar/Chips - If you can obtain vegan chocolate chips, use those. If not, I used an oat milk chocolate bar from Mast Chocolates and it worked perfectly! You can also use a dark chocolate bar, but you may want to add more maple syrup or sweetener.
- Vegan Marshmallows (optional) - Dandie's vegan marshmallows make the perfect topping to hot chocolate! You can also use mini marshmallows, a vegan whipped cream, you can make your own whipped cream with coconut cream, or you can omit the topping all together!
How to make oat milk hot chocolate
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
If necessary, chop the chocolate bar into smaller chip-like pieces. If using chips, skip this step.
Step 2: Simmer
In a small saucepan (preferably nonstick), heat oat milk, then add and whisk together all of the ingredients, except for the marshmallows.
Continue whisking over low heat to medium heat until all chocolate is melted and the cocoa powder is fully incorporated into the oat milk.
If desired, add more maple syrup or add vanilla extract to increase the level of sweetness. Optionally, add a pinch of salt, pinch of cayenne pepper powder, or any other flavor additions you would like!
Continue to simmer or cool to your temperature and thickness liking.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
Serve the completed hot chocolate in a mug or cup, then top with marshmallows or other topping of your choice.
Sip and Enjoy your sweet treat!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Choose a high quality creamy oat milk! I used Planet Oat Extra Creamy. You can also make your own very easily!
- Top this dairy free hot chocolate with some melty vegan marshmallows, vegan whipped cream, or homemade coconut cream. Customize it by adding flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, or even a shot of Bailey's!
- You can add vanilla extract for a bit of extra sweetness if you desire! Or, mix it up with some peppermint extract and candy canes or a dash of cinnamon!
Recipe FAQs
Any type of non-dairy milk will work in this! Feel free to experiment with a different type of milk. Even cow milk or regular milk will work. However, I do think oat milk yields the best result.
I think the best oat milk for this recipe is the one that you like the best. I used Plant Oat Extra Creamy, but I know some people love Chobani oat or Elmhurst oat milk. Try making your own oat milk!
To store leftovers, pour remaining into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. For best results, store marshmallows separately, unless they are already in the drink
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Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Medium nonstick pot
- Mugs
Ingredients
- 2 cups Oat milk
- ¼ cup Vegan chocolate chips/bar
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
- Vegan marshmallows
Instructions
- If necessary, chop the chocolate bar into smaller chip-like pieces. If using chips, skip this step.
- In a medium sized pot (preferably nonstick) whisk together all of the ingredients, except for the marshmallows.
- Continue whisking over low-medium heat until all chocolate is melted and the cocoa powder is fully incorporated into the oat milk.
- Continue to simmer to heat or turn off and cool to your temperature liking.
- Serve finished hot chocolate in a mug or cup, then top with marshmallows or other topping of your choice.
- Sip & enjoy!
Notes
- Choose a high quality creamy oat milk! I used Planet Oat Extra Creamy. You can also make your own very easily!
- Top this with some melty vegan marshmallows, vegan whipped cream, or homemade coconut cream. Customize it by adding flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, or even a shot of Bailey's!
- Be sure to continue whisking throughout to prevent any burning and to make sure that no chocolate sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- To store leftovers, pour remaining into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. For best results, store marshmallows separately, unless they are already in the drink.
Courtney
My sister is dairy-free so this Oat Milk Hot chocolate is her favorite.