Other than the holidays, I'm not a big fan of winter time. There is only one thing that gets me through the cold dreary months and that is a delicious mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows of course. I've been mixing up this dairy free hot chocolate mix for a few years now and even making my own hot chocolate gift sets to send to family for the holidays. Everyone loves a good cup of hot chocolate!
My favorite way to serve a cup of cocoa is topped off with marshmallows or coconut whipped cream. Around the holidays, I will also throw in a mini candy cane to get a peppermint chocolate flavor. Yum!
If you're looking for enough hot chocolate to serve to a crowd, check out my instant pot hot chocolate recipe. It's a big hit for holiday gatherings!
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Ingredient Notes
This easy dairy-free recipes takes only four simple ingredients to make and it is so much better than store bought hot chocolate mixes. Because there are so few ingredients in this cocoa mix recipe, I recommend using the best quality ingredients you can find or afford.
- Dark Chocolate - I use Scharffen Berger 62% Semisweet Dark Chocolate Bars for all of my baking as well as this recipe. It's dairy free, soy free and gluten free. For a hot chocolate mix, you want the chocolate to be as fine as possible so it melts quickly. I grate mine with a box grater, but you could also chop it into chunks and pulse it in a food processor or high speed blender.
- Cocoa Powder - I use Hershey's brand, which is both gluten free and dairy free.
- Sugar - I've used regular granulated sugar. Coconut sugar would also work as a substitute.
- Coconut Milk Powder - This powder adds a creaminess to the hot chocolate. If you don't eat coconut, you can replace it with any other non-dairy milk powder.
See recipe card for full ingredient list with quantities.
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Buy Now → How to Make Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix
This delicious recipe is so easy to make in just 5 minutes. It just takes a bowl, a whisk, and a sifter. I also find a grater helpful for getting the chocolate bar into small pieces.
STEP 1: Combine the grated chocolate, cocoa powder, milk powder and sugar in a large bowl and whisk together.
STEP 2: Sift the mixed ingredients to get a finer texture.
STEP 3: Transfer the prepared homemade hot cocoa mix to an airtight container, like a glass jar or mason jar.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Gifts
This homemade hot chocolate mix makes a fantastic gift! The best part is the recipient can make it with whatever milk they like, so it works for all types of diets. Package it in a little jar (like this one that comes with a scoop) and pair it with a big mug, a package of marshmallows and some candy canes to make the perfect homemade gifts.
How to Heat Milk for Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate mix can be used two ways:
- Microwave milk by the cup - For single servings, heat dairy-free milk in the microwave. For 8 ounces, microwave the milk for about 90 seconds. Add 4 Tablespoons of hot chocolate mix and stir until dissolved.
- Make stove top hot chocolate - Heat 4-5 cups of your favorite plant-based milk in a small saucepan until warm to the touch. Pour the entire batch of hot chocolate mix into the hot milk and whisk until dissolved. Portion into cups and serve.
Storage
Store hot chocolate mix in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
Store prepared hot chocolate (already mixed with milk) in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
My favorite dairy free milk for hot chocolate is oat milk. It makes creamy cocoa, although not as thick as dairy milk. You can use your favorite milk alternative, like cashew milk or unsweetened almond milk. I would avoid boxed coconut milk as it can be a little watery.
Unless you have specifically purchased a dairy free hot chocolate, most mixes will contain milk powder. We've replaced that with coconut milk powder to make this vegan hot chocolate mix.
Pure cocoa powder should be dairy free. It is unsweetened and only contains chocolate. My favorite brand is Hershey's cocoa powder which is widely available and both gluten free and dairy free.
Not all brands are gluten free, so check the label. Most brands should be dairy free, although not vegan, due to the inclusion of gelatin. You can find both gluten free and vegan marshmallows at stores like Whole Foods or through online sellers.
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons Coconut Milk Powder
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate grated
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture is well mixed.5 Tablespoons Coconut Milk Powder, 3 Tablespoons Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate
- For a finer powder, run the whole mixture through a sifter.
- Store in an airtight jar.
To prepare hot chocolate by the cup
- Heat 1 cup of non dairy milk in a microwave safe container for 90 seconds. Add 4 Tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to a mug. Pour the hot milk into the mug and stir until dissolved. Top with the garnish or your choice and serve.
To prepare hot chocolate on the stovetop
- Heat 4 cups of non dairy milk in a saucepan until warm to the touch. Add the entire batch of hot chocolate mix to the milk and whisk until dissolved. Portion into mugs and serve.
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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