This homemade oat milk hot chocolate is warm, creamy and cozy! It is made with only 4 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to make. A big glass of hot chocolate with oat milk is the perfect comforting drink for a cold day!

Oat milk hot chocolate in mug

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This oat milk hot chocolate is so smooth and creamy!
  • It is quick and easy to make.
  • This recipe is made without dairy, without hot cocoa powder, and without refined sugar.
  • The oat milk makes the hot cocoa extra creamy.
  • It is so warm and cozy.
  • This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and Vegan.
  • For another fun option, check out these Paleo Hot Cocoa Bombs!

Ingredients & Substitutions

The oat milk makes this hot chocolate so smooth and creamy! Oat milk is a delicious Vegan and dairy free alternative to cow’s milk. If using sweetened oat milk, consider reducing the maple syrup. Any milk works for this recipe! Almond milk, cashew milk and coconut milk all work well.

Dark cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder can be used. Dark will yield an extra rich, slightly bitter and more intense chocolaty result.

Maple syrup adds the sweetness. Feel free to use less or more depending on your preference. If not Vegan, honey can be used as well.

A dash of cinnamon adds a little something extra. It is not needed, but adds a nice warm spice.

Marshmallows go hand in hand with hot cocoa. Both large and mini marshmallows work well. I used Dandies marshmallows which are Vegan and gluten free.

Mug of hot cocoa

Taste & Texture

This hot cocoa with oat milk is chocolaty and rich! It tastes more authentic than store bought hot cocoa powder mix. It is similar to Starbucks.

The texture is smooth and creamy.

All About Oat Milk

Oat milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk. Since it is dairy free and oftentimes Vegan, it is great for those with allergies or food preferences.

Oat milk is made from oats soaked in water. This mixture is then blended and then strained through a cheesecloth. Sometimes there are other flavors added.

This dairy free milk is slightly more creamy than other milk alternatives. Unlike nuts, oats absorb more water while soaking and therefore, more substance passes through the strainer. This yields a more creamy milk.

This plant based milk is lower in protein than cow’s milk, but also lower in calories.

Carton of oat milk

How to Make

Step 1

First, pour oat milk into a pot over low medium heat. Cook milk for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly bubbling. Do not let it come to a boil.

Pot with milk

Step 2

Once bubbles form, stir in cocoa powder, maple syrup and cinnamon.

Hot cocoa in pot

Step 3

Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Chocolate milk in pot

Step 4

Carefully pour hot chocolate into mugs. Garnish with marshmallows if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Do not let oat milk boil. This may curdle the milk.

Adjust amount of maple syrup according to your preference.

Continue stirring hot cocoa until warmed through.

How to Serve & Store

Serve oat milk hot chocolate hot from the stovetop! Garnish with marshmallows and mini chocolate chips if desired.

If making this to serve, you can add hot chocolate to a crockpot and keep the crockpot on warm or low.

For Christmas, serve alongside this Vegan Eggnog!

If you have any leftovers, store in a glass in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, pour hot cocoa into pot and reheat until warm. Or, microwave until warm.

Oat milk in mug

Toppings & Add Ins

Here are some fun ideas to add to your hot cocoa!

Mini marshmallows

Mint extract

Candy canes

Chocolate shavings

Cocoa Powder Versus Cacao Powder

Both cocoa powder and cacao powder are great options for this recipe.

Cocoa powder is processed at a higher temperature than cacao powder. Cacao powder is made from beans that have not yet been roasted.

Cocoa powder tends to have added sugars and/or dairy whereas cacao powder is usually more natural. Cacao powder is more of a natural and more intense flavor.

Mug of oat milk hot chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink hot oat milk?

Yes, you can drink hot oat milk, but do not let it curdle.

What milk alternative is best for hot chocolate?

Almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk and coconut milk are all great options. I think oat milk makes it the most creamy though.

Does this contain caffeine?

Yes, chocolate contains caffeine so this hot cocoa contains caffeine.

Can I use another milk?

Sure!

Can I microwave this hot chocolate?

Yes!

Is hot chocolate dairy free?

Most hot chocolate powder mixes contain dry powdered milk, so they are not dairy free. This recipe is completely dairy free.

Where can you buy Vegan marshmallows?

I love Dandie’s marshmallows which are available on Amazon.

You May Also Like

If you make this oat milk hot chocolate recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! 

Oat milk hot chocolate in mug

Get the Recipe: Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

This Oat Milk Hot Chocolate is warm, cozy, creamy and so chocolaty! This homemade hot chocolate with oat milk is easy to make. It has only a few healthy ingredients and taste so rich and decadent!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • First, pour oat milk into a pot over low medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until oat milk is lightly bubbling. Do not let it come to a boil.
  • Once you see the bubbles forming, stir in cocoa powder, maple syrup and cinnamon. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.
  • Carefully pour hot chocolate into mugs. Garnish with marshmallows if desired.

Notes

  • I used unsweetened vanilla oat milk, but any oat milk will work.  If using sweetened, consider reducing the amount of maple syrup.
  • Dark cocoa powder gave this hot chocolate an extra decadent taste, but feel free to use regular cocoa powder or cacao powder.
  • Dandies makes great gluten free and Vegan marshmallows!
  • Do not let milk come to a boil.
  • Continue cooking until mixture has reached desired temperature.
Calories: 207kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 117mg, Potassium: 327mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 492IU, Calcium: 381mg, Iron: 3mg

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