This homemade oat milk hot chocolate is creamy, nutty, and just as delicious as traditional hot cocoa. It's the ideal vegan hot cocoa recipe for the holiday season, and it comes together in less than 15 minutes.
As someone who is lactose intolerant, I enjoy plant-based alternatives where possible, and I’ve always been a big fan of how creamy oat milk is.
I prefer soy milk with cereal, and I love oat milk with my masala chai. Recently, I developed a variation of my hot chocolate recipe with oat milk, and honestly? It’s SO good! I love the sweet, nutty oat flavors paired with decadent chocolate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The delicious base of the recipe comes from my go-to decadent homemade creamy hot chocolate.
- Oat milk offers a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with a rich chocolate flavor and caramel-toffee notes of demerara sugar (or brown sugar).
- Best of all? It’s very easy and requires just a few simple ingredients! Make it your own by adding fun toppings, like coconut whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
It really gives me cozy ski-lodge-hot-cocoa-vibes in the best way possible. You can even amp it up with a shot of amaretto like in my amaretto hot chocolate recipe.
The Best Non-Dairy Milk
There are a few different plant-based milk options for hot chocolate, but my favorite is definitely oat milk. It's creamy, but not too rich or overpowering, with a slight sweetness. Personally, I think the subtle oat flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- I found almond milk and soy milk to be less slightly less creamy in texture. Coconut milk tends to overpower the other flavors.
- Cashew milk is a great substitute; it’s a bit richer and tends to be more expensive, but it does have a nice neutral flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Oat Milk: Go for a full-fat unsweetened version here. I find the best is Oatly’s Barista Edition which is super creamy and smooth. You can also use your favorite homemade oat milk recipe!
- Sugar: I call for demerara (or turbinado sugar) here, but light brown sugar or even maple syrup would be a great substitute. You can use as much or as little sugar in this as you'd like.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use dutch-press cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Dark Chocolate: My favorite vegan chocolate brands are Taza, Raaka, and Endangered Species.
- Salt: After testing many different drink recipes, I've found that adding just a pinch of salt balances everything together.
- Vanilla: For a classic cocoa, I love a hint of vanilla. For a holiday version, you can add a pinch of peppermint extract!
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, refer to the recipe card.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Heat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
Step 2: Bring everything to a simmer, whisking frequently to dissolve the cocoa powder and sugar.
Step 3: Add the chopped chocolate and whisk everything to combine over medium-low heat.
Step 4: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Top with any desired toppings and serve hot!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- You can very easily make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just before serving, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make a big batch of this by doubling or tripling the recipe to serve a crowd! You can even make a drink bar, keep the cocoa on low heat, and have your guests add a shot of amaretto, whipped cream, and other toppings to their own drinks.
Leftovers (without toppings or alcohol) should be cooled to room temperature and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! I have a delicious Amaretto Hot Chocolate recipe you can substitute with oat milk. Or, try a shot of Bailey’s, Kahlua, or Bourbon in your glass.
I usually got for a whipped coconut cream and a little bit of shaved chocolate and chocolate syrup. You can also add vegan mini marshmallows, toffee bits, crushed graham crackers or biscotti.
Of course! Cool to room temperature, then store in the fridge until chilled, about 2 to 4 hours. Note that chilled hot chocolate tends to taste less sweet, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels.
To serve, fill a glass with ice and pour in the “iced” chocolate.
I have been mixing a spoonful of tahini into this drink for a thicker, richer drink! You can also use a cornstarch slurry as a thickener like I do in my traditional hot chocolate recipe.
Other recipes you might like:
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Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat oat milk*, such as Oatly Barista Blend
- 2 - 3 tablespoons demerara sugar, or light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons dutch-process cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons chopped vegan dark chocolate (65 to 70% cacao), 0.5 ounce
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For topping (optional):
- Coconut whipped cream, homemade or store-bought
- Chocolate syrup, homemade or store-bought
- Vegan marshmallows, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Simmer the milk: In a 3-quart saucepan, add 2 cups full-fat oat milk*, 2 tablespoons demerara sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons dutch-process cocoa powder, and A pinch of salt.Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Whisk frequently to ensure the cocoa powder melts into the milk.Note: Lower the heat as needed to prevent the milk from burning.
- Add the chocolate: Over medium-low heat, stir in 1 ½ tablespoons chopped vegan dark chocolate (65 to 70% cacao) and whisk until melted. Taste the hot chocolate and adjust flavorings as needed. Not sweet enough? Stir in the additional 1 tablespoon of sugar. Not chocolatey enough? Stir in additional cocoa powder or chopped chocolate.Note: Salt really brings out the chocolate flavors, so if you feel the hot chocolate needs something extra, try adding another pinch.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the heat, then stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.Divide hot chocolate amongst two mugs and top with optional toppings (coconut whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and/or vegan marshmallows) if desired.
Notes
- *This recipe also slaps with Califia Farms Toasted Coconut Almond Milk.
- Make this drink ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just before serving, reheat it on the stovetop, and garnish with any desired toppings.
- Make a big batch of this by doubling or tripling the recipe to serve a crowd! You can even make a hot chocolate bar and have your guests add their own toppings to the drinks.
- Leftovers (without toppings) should be cooled to room temperature and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
