This Superfood Maca Hot Chocolate combines cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, cayenne, and sea salt, along with almond milk and a touch of maple syrup, to make for a rich and healthy hot drink. Gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free.
If ever there was a winter that needed hot chocolate, it would be this one. With temperatures here in Kansas City below 32 degrees for days now, our couch over the last couple weeks has started to resemble a blanket fort. I didn’t even know we owned so many blankets!
But back to hot chocolate. Maca hot chocolate to be exact.
If you’ve never heard of maca root, it is a cruciferous vegetable found in Peru that is often ground into a malty-flavored powder that can be used in drinks, baked goods, smoothies, and soups. Maca is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supports energy and stamina, and even works to balance hormones and stress.
Maca is considered an adaptogen, a designation given to plants and herbs that help the body naturally adapt to stress. Adaptogens have been increasingly on my radar over the last year as I find myself gravitating towards more natural ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and fight sleeplessness.
The nutrient-rich properties of maca, combined with another superfood, cacao powder, plus the added benefits and flavor of cinnamon and cayenne, makes sipping this hot chocolate feel like one big does-a-body-good treat.
A couple notes for the recipe below…
I’ve used maple syrup as the sweetener, but honey will substitute wonderfully. If you don’t have cacao powder, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will work here as well.
Superfood Maca Hot Chocolate Recipe
This superfood Maca Hot Chocolate combines cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, cayenne, and sea salt, with almond milk and a touch of maple syrup to make for a rich and healthy hot drink. Gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 4 tablespoons cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 pinches sea salt
- 1 pinch cayenne powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings
- coconut cream
- chocolate shavings
- cacao nibs
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with coconut cream or other toppings if desired.
This hot chocolate is so refreshing, thank you for sharing
Mmm, this is what my day needs!!!
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
Soooo cold here too Tessa! This is perfect!
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
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!
You just made my week. I’m so glad! Thank you, sweet friend! xo