Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

This recipe makes delightfully creamy and rich Almond Milk Hot Chocolate ( Hot Cocoa ) from scratch! This decadent warm beverage is a must have for cold winter months. This dairy free hot chocolate is our household favorite for healthy breakfast.

This recipe makes best hot cocoa with almond milk using real quality ingredients. It is easy, quick and oh.so.delicious ! You will never want to use the package version again !

There is a very subtle difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa. So, I am using both these terms throughout. Some folks also call it “drinking chocolate”.

Jump to:

• What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
• Recipe Highlights
• Variety of Toppings ideas
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• How to Make Instant Pot Almond Milk Hot Chocolate?
• Benefits of making Hot Cocoa in Instant Pot
• Storing and reheating instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

I am including Instant Pot and stove top instructions to make this family favorite drink at home. This 5-ingredients, 10 minutes recipe makes Best Café style Hot Chocolate.

Are you a chocolate fan like me ? Then this creamy dreamy rich chocolate drink is for you. It is loved by kids and adults alike.

A big cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top..a cozy blanket..a crackling fireplace..and a good book to read. It is my definition of blissful nirvana evening !

Same goes for family movie night or game watching. Couple of heavy appetizers like Spinach Artichoke Dip and Air-fryer Stuffed Mushrooms along with a couple of warm beverages like Golden Turmeric Milk or Mulled Apple Cider. It sure is our favorite pastime.

What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?

It is a subtle difference between how both these beverages are made. Hot cocoa contains cocoa powder, sugar, and milk while Hot chocolate is made with chopped or shaved chocolate added to either cream, milk, or water.

In Most cases, Hot Cocoa is thinner and lighter compared to Hot Chocolate which is a fuller bodied beverage. Cocoa drink also tends to be sweeter than hot chocolate.

Recipe Highlights

Make this easy recipe at home. Save big dollars at Starbucks or other cafes. Especially if you are buying it for a family or multiple people, savings are substantial.

Enjoy delicious hot cocoa without preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and dairy additives. This homemade hot chocolate is WAY better than store bought pre-packed hot chocolate mix.

You can serve this drink hot or cold. So it becomes a year round treat. Enjoy it over ice for frosty iced beverage. Or enjoy it warm in cooler winter months for classic holiday treat.

Homemade hot chocolate mix can be stored in airtight glass containers for a few months. It makes beautiful gifts as well.

Make a big batch of the dry powder mix. All you need to do is warm up the milk of your choice and mix it in. Simple and satisfying beverage is ready within minutes !

It is a personal preference but if you like creamy and rich hot cocoa or hot chocolate,  use whole milk or full-fat milk. You can also add heavy cream to make it richer.

On the other hand, for lighter fare and low calorie guilt free version, use fat free or skim milk.

Variety of Toppings ideas

• By adding a variety of different toppings , you can further personalize this drink. A splash of whipped cream and a handful of mini Marshmallows is my favorite.
• Some other ideas include Sprinkles,  Coconut Shavings, chocolate chips,  chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle. A few sea salt flakes taste awesome too.
• Peppermint extract or candy canes , crushed peanut butter or oreo cookies taste great too.

My family loves the DIY Hot Chocolate Bar. I often do this around holidays when friends and family gather for scrumptious meals. Here’s how to do it.

1. Make a big batch of Hot Chocolate/ Cocoa Drink
2. Set it up in Crock-Pot or Instant Pot to keep warm
3. Arrange cups, spoons and napkins for all.
4. Keep a variety of toppings in open containers ( marshmallows, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, sprinkles, peppermint candies, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipping cream etc.)
5. Serve some desserts and cookies to munch along.

This recipe can be easily converted to make it Keto / low carb. Just use keto friendly sweetener instead of regular sugar. Stevia or monk fruit work best.

Ingredients

Milk : To make this dairy free hot chocolate, I used almond milk.
Cocoa Powder : unsweetened cocoa powder. For bitter rich flavors, use dark cocoa powder.
Sweetener : Raw sugar is my first choice. But you can use other sweeteners.
Garnishes : chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar for deep rich flavors.
Vanilla Extract : pure vanilla extract for the classic dessert flavors
Pinch of sea salt – optional but helps enhance the flavors.
Optional garnishes : Marshmallows, chocolate sauce, cinnamon powder

Instructions

Place almond milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until warm. Whisk constantly.

Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk.

Serve warm in the cup. Top with marshmallows or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

How to Make Instant Pot Almond Milk Hot Chocolate?

Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Add all the ingredients in main steel insert. Stir well.

Heat mixture until warm, but not boiling, and then press CANCEL.

Press KEEP WARM. It will keep the drink warm till you are ready to serve. Stir well again before serving.

Using a ladle, pour in the cup. Garnish with marshmallows or your favorite toppings. Serve warm.

If you want to make this recipe in a crock pot, combine the same ingredients but cook on low for two hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to make sure the chocolate chips don’t stick.

Benefits of making Hot Cocoa in Instant Pot

• • Can make a big batch for multiple servings.
• • Keep it warm until ready to serve.
• • Perfect for holidays
• • Ideal for parties and family gatherings
• • Also great for DIY hot chocolate bar

Storing and reheating instructions

• To store: You can store prepared hot chocolate in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. Make sure to use air tight sealed container to avoid flavor mix ups.
• To reheat in microwave : In a cup, microwave the beverage for 30-40 seconds
• To Reheat in Sauce Pan : Warm up the beverage in a small saucepan over the stove. The cocoa powder may have settled at the bottom so whisk well to bring the smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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