Warm up with a cup of this creamy oat milk hot chocolate. It’s quick and easy to make and so delicious you will never know it is dairy free!
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Why we love oat milk
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that has a creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. This makes it a versatile dairy free substitute that can be used in a variety of recipes such as smoothies, pudding, and pancakes.
Way back when my son was first starting a dairy free diet, there were far fewer milk substitutes available so I used powdered coconut milk to make hot chocolate mix.
Then oat milk entered the dairy free scene and I was hooked! Its thick, creamy texture and neutral flavor make it an ideal milk substitute to make a rich, creamy cup of dairy free cocoa!
Ingredients and Equipment
Making oat milk hot cocoa really couldn’t be simpler. You only need five ingredients to make the base recipe and some extras if you want to jazz it up a bit.
- Oat milk - make sure it’s gluten free if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt (just a dash)
Optional extras
- Cinnamon - ground or sticks
- Marshmallows
- Peppermint sticks - crush and stir into the hot cocoa or use as a stir stick
- Dairy free/ vegan chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- Dairy free/ vegan whipped cream - I usually buy coconut milk whipped cream at Aldi or Trader Joe’s. If you can have almonds, there is an almond milk Reddi Whip as well.
Equipment
Making hot chocolate doesn’t require a lot of equipment at all. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mug
- Mini whisk or milk frother
- Measuring spoons
- Microwave or large saucepan (if using the stovetop or a hot plate)
Directions
You can make hot chocolate with oat milk in a couple of ways:
- Microwave method - the fastest and least amount of clean-up. This works well for one or two cups of cocoa.
- Stovetop - works the best if you're making hot cocoa for a crowd but you can also make a single serving on the stovetop.
Microwave
You can have a cup of cocoa in a matter of minutes following these easy steps.
First, add the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a mug.
Next, stir until all of the ingredients are combined.
Measure the oat milk in a microwaveable glass measuring cup. Microwave for about 90 seconds so it is hot but not boiling.
Pour the oat milk into the mug with the cocoa powder mixture.
Finally, whisk the dry ingredients into the milk until it's all mixed together and frothy.
Tip: A milk frother works great for whisking but can cause the mixture to overflow. To avoid this, try filling the mug halfway with oat milk, mixing well with the frother, and then adding additional milk to fill the mug.
Stovetop
- Step 1: Pour the oat milk into a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it does not burn.
- Step 2: While the milk is heating, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
- Step 3: When the milk is hot but not boiling, whisk in the cocoa powder mixture until fully incorporated. Tip: A frother also works great for this!
Recipe variations and tips
Use an alternative sweetener
If you don’t have granulated sugar or prefer not to use it, you can use a number of different alternatives such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave.
If you prefer to lower the amount of sugar but still like some sweetness, you can use stevia instead. Also, you can experiment with the amount of sweetener you use based on your own taste.
Make it cold
Yes, this is a recipe for oat milk hot chocolate but you can make a delicious glass of oat milk chocolate milk using the same recipe!
To do this, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt together in a glass. Then add a tiny bit of hot water, just enough to make the dry ingredients into chocolate syrup. Whisk the mixture well so it is smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Then, whisk in the cold oat milk.
My youngest son, who is not allergic to dairy and drinks cow’s milk frequently, sampled a glass of this chocolate milk and could not tell the difference. It really is as creamy and delicious as chocolate milk made from cow’s milk.
Make a hot cocoa bar
Whether you’re having a birthday party for your kids, a book club gathering, or celebrating a winter holiday, a hot chocolate bar is a fun and delicious addition - even when it’s dairy free!
To do this, make enough hot chocolate on the stovetop for your guests and keep it warm in your slow cooker. Then assemble a variety of toppings and maybe a few sweet treats to go with it.
Tip: To change the number of servings this recipe makes, click "servings" on the recipe card and use the slider to select how many servings you want to make.
Here are some hot cocoa bar ideas:
- Peppermint sticks
- Crushed candy canes
- Mini or large marshmallows
- Dairy free chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (see ingredient list above)
- Dairy free whipped cream (see ingredient list above)
- Vegan caramel sauce - An example is this one from Hey Boo. It might be easier to serve if transferred to a small squeeze bottle. Another option is this Keto Carmel Syrup by Enlightened which does come in a squeeze bottle. I haven’t tasted either one of these so can’t vouch for the taste.
- Cinnamon sticks
You might also include a sweet treat to go with the hot cup of cocoa! Here are some recipes that are gluten free and free from the top 9 allergens (including dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts):
- Brownie biscotti
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Peanut free buckeyes
- Spritz cookies
- Gingerbread
- Pumpkin cookies
- Chocolate sandwich cookies
Related recipes
📖 Recipe
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate {Dairy Free}
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk
- ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- Dash of salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (optional)
- Peppermint sticks
- Crushed peppermints
- Marshmallows
- Dairy free whipped cream
- Dairy free chocolate shavings
- Cinnamon/cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Microwave
- Measure the oat milk in a glass measuring cup and heat in the microwave on high for 90 seconds or until it is hot but not boiling.
- While the milk is heating, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a 10-12 ounce mug. Pour the heated milk into the mug and whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the cocoa powder is fully incorporated. (A frother works well for this step). Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Stovetop
- Pour the oat milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium low heat.
- While the milk is heating, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. When the milk is hot but not boiling, whisk in the cocoa powder mixture until it is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
- What is Cross Contact? - May 5, 2023
- Dairy Free Sorbet - April 25, 2023
- Are Marshmallows Dairy Free? - April 22, 2023
Laura says
Wow! This is so easy to make and tastes like hot cocoa with real milk!
Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD says
Thanks, Laura! I'm glad you liked it!