This decadent four-ingredient Oat Milk Hot Chocolate is creamy, sweet and oh so chocolatey. Ready in under 10 minutes, this homemade hot chocolate will be your go-to wintertime treat. Vegan and dairy-free options.
You might be wondering if oat milk goes with hot chocolate, and I am here to tell you the answer is an unequivocal YES! Especially when you use a thicker creamier oat milk brand, you will end up with the creamiest non-dairy hot chocolate around.
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WHY YOU WILL LOVE OAT MILK HOT CHOCOLATE
This cocoa drink is the best in my opinion and here is why...
- No cocoa powder- Most oat milk hot chocolate recipes call for unsweetened cocoa powder. We made things super fuss-free and with fewer ingredients by using chocolate chips.
- Sweet and Creamy- I am not going to beat around the bush here, this hot chocolate is sweet, with a hint of saltiness, and incredibly creamy. Like the most delicious salted chocolate candy.
- Fast- You will have this cozy drink ready in under 10 minutes start to finish.
- 4 ingredients- I bet you already have the ingredients in your pantry!
- One dirty dish- You will use one pan and that is it!
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- oat milk- The oat milk is used as the base for the liquid in this recipe. It really does make it extra creamy and delicious. Be sure to read my notes below on the best ones to try. I have used some oat milk that is really watery and it doesn't create the same hot chocolate experience as the thicker ones. If you don't have oat milk you can always sub in any of your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk. Just be sure to use a plain one.
- chocolate chips- I recommended semi-sweet chocolate chips for this. But if you prefer something a little less sweet and rich, you could chop up a 60% cacao dark chocolate bar. Just taste test for sweetness first. You may need to add sugar or maple syrup. You can also use nondairy, vegan, or allergy-friendly chocolate chips.
- vanilla- Vanilla extract brings some warmth to this drink.
- salt- The salt in this cuts some of the sweetness but also gives the hot chocolate a very underlying hint of a salty-sweet combination of flavors.
BEST OAT MILK BRANDS TO USE
Not all oat milk is created equally, especially when using it for hot chocolate. I tested with quite a few brands and the brands that were thinner (like skim milk) were defiantly not as tasty as the thicker creamier brands.
Best brands to use:
Brands I didn't like:
- Trader Joe's Organic Oat Milk
TOPPING IDEAS FOR YOUR COCOA
- chocolate shavings
- marshmallows
- whipped cream (regular or dairy free/vegan)
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa powder
- Cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- Caramel sauce
- Peppermint extract or crushed candy canes
HOW TO MAKE OAT MILK HOT CHOCOLATE
- Add: In a medium saucepan, add all of your ingredients at once.
2. Whisk and Heat: Over medium-low heat, gently heat the ingredients. You do not want this to boil. You will whisk gently the entire time while this is heating. This will keep the chocolate from scorching to the bottom of the pan, as well as incorporate the ingredients.
3. Heat: Heat the mixture, keeping at a low simmer, not a boil, until the desired temperature.
4. Serve: Pour into your favorite mugs and enjoy with the toppings of your choice. We recommend marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder.
FAQS
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily use a bigger saucepan and double or triple your ingredients. If you want to make a really large batch you could also try this in a crockpot on low. Just be sure to watch it carefully and whisk it often so the ingredients do not burn.
Is oat milk gluten free?
Most oat milk available in major grocery stores is gluten-free. Just be sure to check for the gluten-free label if that is important for your dietary needs.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it especially if you don't like overly sweet drinks. Just do a quick taste test before serving and make sure it doesn't need a touch of sweetener like maple syrup since that will be the easiest thing to add in last minute.
Is oat milk hot chocolate healthy?
Healthy is subjective, but homemade hot chocolate is going to be healthier for you than the one you make from an envelope. You will definitely be ingesting fewer chemicals and more real ingredients by making this at home. Which in our opinion is always healthier.
Can I use vegan chocolate chips?
Yes. I love to use the Enjoy Life brand or the grocery store equivalent when making this drink.
EXPERT TIPS
- Whisk often- Whisk this pretty much the entire time. You will notice as it is all melting that flecks of chocolate make it onto the side of your pan. Scrape that down occasionally as you whisk or stir. If you don't have a whisk just use a large wooden spoon.
- Don't boil- Chocolate does not need a lot of heat to melt. Go low and slow for the best experience.
- Serve right away- This drink is best served right away.
MORE HOMEMADE WARM DRINK RECIPES
Recipe
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
This decadent four-ingredient Oat Milk Hot Chocolate is creamy, sweet and oh so chocolatey. Ready in under 10 minutes, this homemade hot chocolate will be your go-to wintertime treat. Vegan and dairy-free options
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat milk, unsweetened plain
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy free or regular)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine: In a medium saucepan, add all ingredients.
- Heat and Whisk: Over med/low heat gently heat the oat milk hot chocolate ingredients. Whisk often until the chocolate has completely melted and everything is completely combined. Do not let this boil. If you notice flecks of chocolate coating the side of your pan, scrape that down back into the milk mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once heated through and completely smooth and creamy serve and enjoy immediately. Top with marshmallows, whip cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even more chocolate chips.
Notes
- Feel free to sub in any milk (dairy or nondairy) of your choice as long as it is plain and unsweetened.
- You can use vegan, allergy-friendly or even dark chocolate chips for this recipe. Just give it a taste before serving to make sure it is sweet enough, especially if you using dark chocolate. I would use pure maple syrup to sweeten so you don't have to wait for the sugar to dissolve.
- Prep Time: 3
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stove Top
Keywords: homemade hot chocolate, oat milk hot chocolate, oat milk hot cocoa
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