Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

An easy recipe for healthy hot chocolate that actually tastes good! This tasty drink has no sugar and the vegan version is also included.

Love hot chocolate but don't love the calories? Try this healthier version and you'll be hooked. Even though this recipe doesn't call for sugar or cream, it's still creamy and super delicious!

What makes this recipe work?

I love hot chocolate since I was a kid. Give me a cup of warm hot chocolate and a blanket and I'm set for winter. I've got to tell you, I like this healthy version a lot. Let me tell you why.

• It's delicious: Even though the recipe doesn't include chocolate, sugar or heavy cream, it's still tasty. It's not overly sweet and has a subtle hint of chocolate as well.
• Quick and easy: Just put everything in a saucepan and whisk for a few minutes. You have yourself a comforting drink in no time.
• Guilt free: I don't want to enjoy a treat and then wonder how long I should run on the treadmill to burn it. This healthy homemade hot chocolate gives you all the joy without the guilt!

The ingredients

Milk

I used regular skim or 1% milk for this low fat hot chocolate recipe. It's also possible to use plant based milk such as almond milk, cashew milk or oat milk.

Cocoa powder

Try to use quality cocoa powder when making this recipe since that's where the flavor is.

Honey

Honey adds a nice subtle sweetness to this healthy hot chocolate without being overpowering.

Vanilla extract

This one is optional, but adds another nice layer of flavor to the drink.

How to make healthy hot chocolate

1. Place the milk in a sauce pan over medium heat.
2. Once the milk is heated through and is just about to simmer, add the cocoa powder, honey and vanilla.
3. Whisk well until all is incorporated. Taste for sweetness and if needed, add more honey.

Recipe variations for healthy hot chocolate

This low calorie hot chocolate can be an everyday treat! To keep things fun and fresh, here are a few ideas to jazz up the flavors:

• Sweetener: The recipe calls for honey, but you can also use maple syrup, agave, stevia or monk fruit sweetener. The amount of sweetener to use is a personal preference, so add it one teaspoon at a time until it feels right to you.
• Flavor additions: I used vanilla extract to make this drink. Other flavor addition are cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods or star anise.
• Make it vegan: To make vegan hot chocolate, use dairy free milk such as soy milk, almond, coconut or oat milk.
• Nut butter: You can add a tablespoon of store bought or homemade peanut butter to the ingredients for more flavor.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

mocktailsandmore

An easy recipe for healthy hot chocolate that actually tastes good! This tasty drink has no sugar and the vegan version is also included.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 8 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups milk see notes
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Pour the milk into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
• Right before the milk starts to simmer, add cocoa powder, honey and vanilla. Whisk well to combine.
• Cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and add more honey if needed.

Notes

• You can use 2% or 1% milk for this recipe. If you like it to be dairy free try almond milk, cashew milk or oat milk. 
• As for the sweetener, you can use honey, maple syrup, stevia or monk fruit sweetener. 

Keyword healthy hot chocolate, low calorie hot chocolate, low fat hot chocolate