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How to make dairy-free hot chocolate mix. It’s rich, versatile, & perfect for enjoying with your plant-based milk of choice – made with just 4 ingredients in 2 minutes!
Super Quick Dairy-Free Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Every winter, our vegan hot chocolate/cocoa consumption probably increases tenfold, and the cost quickly builds. Luckily, not only is making homemade hot chocolate mix recipe cheaper than buying some, but it’s versatile, adaptable, and contains no extra additives, preservatives, or dairy.
Simply mix the ingredients and store them ready to add hot plant-based milk when desired. By tweaking your ingredient choice, you can change the flavor, texture, and dietary requirements to your liking – including keto, Paleo, sugar-free, etc. It can even be flavored in several ways.
Even better, it takes just a couple of minutes to mix up enough homemade hot cocoa mix to have on hand and enjoy over several months. When combined with vegan milk, it’s rich, creamy, and super satisfying. Plus, it also makes a great holiday gift jar, optionally topped with mini marshmallows.
Looking for more simple vegan winter warmers? Check out our easy vegan eggnog, mulled apple cider, and vegan Mexican hot chocolate recipes.
The Ingredients
Just 4 inexpensive pantry ingredients make up a delicious DIY hot cocoa mix.
How to Flavor Hot Chocolate Mix
The easiest way to flavor homemade plant-based hot chocolate mix is with spice blends like gingerbread, chai, or pumpkin pie spice. Even a little cayenne pepper will work. Add depth by adding espresso powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Alternatively, add flavors when making the hot chocolate. E.g., add a few drops of your favorite extract or syrup (mint, orange, almond, caramel, rose, etc.) to the plant-based milk.
You could also replace the plant-based milk with homemade vegan eggnog.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix?
Step 1: In a small bowl, sift in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Add the salt and cinnamon (if using), then stir well, and store in an airtight container, like a jar.
FAQs
Yes, you could use dairy-free powdered milk alternatives if you want to make a just-add-water vegan hot chocolate mix. Use a 2:1 ratio of vegan powdered milk to cocoa powder. When preparing the drink, you’ll need 2-3 tbsp per cup of water.
You can technically make this hot cocoa mix recipe with granulated sugar, though we don’t recommend it. It won’t disperse into the mix as evenly, and it takes longer to melt when making the plant-based hot chocolate.
Top Recipe Tips and Notes
- Tweak the ingredient ratio: After preparing the homemade hot cocoa mix recipe, make a ‘test’ mug and adjust any ingredients to your liking.
- Use high-quality cocoa: This is THE dominant flavor of the vegan hot chocolate mix, so make sure it’s one you like the flavor of.
- For a richer vegan hot chocolate mix: Add some real vegan chocolate to the mix. The addition of cocoa butter makes a thicker, richer, silkier drink.
- For a thicker hot chocolate: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the hot chocolate mix recipe. It will thicken when combined with the hot plant milk. Start with 1 teaspoon and then increase after making a test cup.
How to Use Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix?
- Heat one cup of plant-based milk per portion either on the stovetop or in a microwave.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of dairy-free hot cocoa mix per cup of plant-based milk and stir well. Add any optional extra flavorings, then serve in mugs with your favorite toppings – like vegan whipped cream, vegan marshmallows, candy canes, plant-based chocolate shavings, etc.
Storing Hot Chocolate Mix
Store the hot cocoa DIY mix in a cool, dark, dry location like a pantry for up to a year or 6 months if adding vegan milk powder.
Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cups of powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar together. Add the salt and cinnamon (if using). Mix well and store in an airtight container.
- When you’re ready to use, add 1 to 2 tablespoons per 1 cup of plant-based milk (depends on how rich you would like the vegan hot chocolate to be).
Notes
- Tweak the ingredient ratio: After preparing the homemade hot cocoa mix recipe, make a ‘test’ mug and adjust any ingredients to your liking.
- Use high-quality cocoa: This is THE dominant flavor of the vegan hot chocolate mix, so make sure it’s one you like the flavor of.
- For a richer vegan hot chocolate mix: Add some real vegan chocolate to the mix. The addition of cocoa butter makes a thicker, richer, silkier drink.
What ingredient could I substitute for the powdered sugar? I am diabetic and try to be sugar free. Thank you.
Hi! We on the Plant-Based on a Budget team haven’t tried making this mix without powdered sugar. Please let us know if you end up trying something out!
Hi. I was interested in getting the recipe for the “dry” hot chocolate mix. While you mention the ingredients in the body of the article, unless I’ve missed something, you don’t say “how much” of the cocoa powder/powdered sugar/salt to use! And the recipe card itself only talks about using dark chocolate (chips or shaved), brown sugar, vegan milk, & instant coffee – no use or mention of the previously discussed chocolate mix at all!
Can you please provide the actual measurements or ratios of the cocoa powder, powdered sugar & salt? Thanks very much & have a great day! 🙂
Hi! So sorry about the confusion. The recipe card has been updated 🙂 Hope you enjoy it if you end up giving it a go!
Hello. What are the ingredient measurements for the mix? The actual recipe is for hot chocolate & not the mix. Thanks so much!
So sorry about the confusion! The recipe card has been updated 🙂 Thanks so much for catching that! Hope you enjoy the mix!
Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! 🙂
I love store-bought vegan hot chocolate mix, but can’t always find it. I don’t need to look anymore because this Homemade Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix is so easy to make and tastes way better!
It’s the best and even better that it’s homemade!
Perfect for the holidays!