This Cacao Powder Hot Chocolate is a healthy hot chocolate recipe that combines cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, cayenne, almond milk, and maple syrup. Gluten-free and vegan.
Move over cocoa mixes, this winter season calls for a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe with a little extra goodness.
I love a naturally flavored mug of vegan hot cocoa like this peanut butter hot cocoa and toasted coconut hot chocolate. But this easy homemade hot chocolate recipe creates a healthy hot drink with ingredients in your gluten-free pantry!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients
- Uses a natural sweetener
- Creamy vegan hot cocoa
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.
Unsweetened almond milk - Any non-dairy milk will work here. Soy milk, cashew milk, full fat or lite coconut milk, oat milk, or a combination of almond milk and another plant-based milk.
Cacao powder - Besides the rich dark chocolate taste, raw cacao powder provides vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits. Unsweetened cocoa powder can be substituted.
Maca powder - This adaptogenic powder has a nutty, malty flavor. It can be omitted if needed.
Maple syrup - Adds a rich sweetness without refined sugar. Other natural sweeteners like agave nectar or honey (not vegan), can be used as maple syrup substitutes. Alternatively, coconut sugar can be used.
Ground cinnamon - This spice adds warmth, flavor, and antioxidant properties!
Cayenne pepper and sea salt - Antioxidants included, a pinch of cayenne adds a bit of heat, and sea salt adds depth.
Vanilla extract - You'll want to use pure vanilla extract for the best quality and flavor.
How to make cacao powder hot chocolate
Before you start: Set out all ingredients. This goes together quickly!
Step 1: In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, add your dairy-free milk. After giving the almond milk a few minutes to warm, whisk in cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, a good pinch of salt, and cayenne. When large lumps have dissolved, stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with mini marshmallows or coconut cream or other toppings if desired.
Serving hot chocolate
There are some great additions or variations you can make to this recipe. Some, though, will add sugar.
For that rich mint chocolate flavor, omit the cayenne and ground cinnamon and add a bit of peppermint extract. Garnish with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add mini vegan marshmallows, cacao nibs, or vegan chocolate chips.
FAQs
In their natural form, both 100% cacao and unsweetened cocoa powders are gluten-free. It is important to check for the gluten-free label as some brands are processed on the same equipment as ingredients with gluten and can cause cross-contamination.
Maca powder is made from maca root, a cruciferous vegetable found in Peru It can be used in drinks, baked goods, smoothies, and soups. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supports energy and stamina, and even works to balance hormones and stress. Maca is considered an adaptogen.
Traditional hot chocolate is made with cow's milk, heavy cream, or half and half. Vegan recipes use nondairy milk and dairy-free cocoa powder or chocolate.
Cacao powder has a more acidic and bitter chocolate flavor than cocoa powder that has been processed.
More winter drink recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Cacao Powder Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 4 tablespoons cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 pinches sea salt
- 1 pinch cayenne powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings
- coconut cream
- chocolate shavings
- cacao nibs
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add almond milk. After giving the almond milk a few minutes to warm, whisk in cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne.
- When large clumps have dissolved, whisk in maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk periodically until mixture is smooth and desired temperature is achieved. If you find you prefer it sweeter, add more maple syrup as desired.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with coconut cream or other toppings if desired.
Notes
- mini vegan marshmallows
- vegan chocolate chips
- sprinkle of cinnamon
LA
This is a great tasting afternoon refresher on cold, grey days. The maca is a wonderful addition.
Tessa
So glad you enjoyed it! :)
Alyce
I made this and replaced the almond milk with water and it was still yummy and less calories.
Tessa
That's awesome! I'm so glad. Thanks, Alyce!
Steve
Very enjoyable site you have here. Let's keep it up. Ho Ho Ho
Tessa
Thank you!
Sherrie
Tessa, this might be my favorite post you've ever created. From the recipe to the imagery, I'm in love with it all. xx!
Tessa
You just made my week. I'm so glad! Thank you, sweet friend! xo
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Hey Tessa.... so glad you reminded me about adaptogens... I guess I didn't really realize maca is one, I''m just taking it in my smoothies because I know it's good stuff! But I need more adaptogens (I started ashwaganda this past year - indeed need all the support for stress and anxiety). I love this hot cocoa... and am in need of it at the moment... it is SO cold out. Sending warmth and calm, love. xo
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
Soooo cold here too Tessa! This is perfect!
Kelsey @ Appeasing a Food Geek
Yes so cold! Need a hot bev like this one to get us through! Especially with an adaptogen like maca. I've been meaning to start getting to know this group of compounds and figuring out how to incorporate more into my diet. Thanks for the inspo! xo
Rachel @Clean Eating for the Non-Hippie
Mmm, this is what my day needs!!!
parth rathod
This hot chocolate is so refreshing, thank you for sharing