2020 Update! This quick homemade hot chocolate with cacao powder is made with milk, honey, cacao powder and a touch of vanilla. Let me assure you that it’s nearly as easy to make as a powdered mix, but it’s even more delicious and much more nutritious. It’s a wonderful wintertime “treat,” that’s really not a treat at all. [New VIDEO below!]
Hot chocolate with cacao powder recipe
I started making hot chocolate from scratch when Ella was little. It started out of necessity. One afternoon Ella was begging for hot chocolate, and since I didn’t have any mix I whisked together raw cacao powder with milk, honey and a splash of vanilla. It was so good (even though it had far less sugar than the packaged stuff), and we never went back.
What is raw cacao powder?
Raw cacao powdered is a less processed form of cocoa powder. The beans are dried at a low temperature before being ground (which is why they’re considered raw). The powder is therefore higher in minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Even better, it also has a richer, deeper chocolatey flavor. I use it in all my baked goods (see below for other ways to use it!).
How to make hot chocolate with raw cacao powder
This recipe is super simple. First you whisk the raw cacao powder into cold milk with a drizzle of honey, a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt (which balances the flavors) until smooth. Whisking the cacao into the milk before heating it allows it to dissolve completely (if you add it to hot milk it can clump up). Warm the hot chocolate on the stove, and you’re DONE!
Vegan hot chocolate
For a dairy-free hot chocolate, simply swap out regular milk for coconut milk. I prefer canned coconut milk (either whole-fat or low-fat) as opposed to boxed milks or nut milks because of its neutral flavor and silky texture (I find that nut milks can give the hot chocolate an off flavor, but that's subjective). To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Mexican hot chocolate
To put a Mexican spin on this hot chocolate, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne before heating.
Can you make cacao powder hot chocolate ahead?
Yes! You can refrigerate the hot chocolate and simply reheat it before serving. The chocolate will settle at the bottom, so just give it a whisk or shake before reheating (I store it in a large jar). If you prefer, you can even serve it as healthy chocolate milk!
How to serve hot chocolate with cacao powder
Now for the fun part. You can absolutely serve this healthy hot chocolate on its own (which is how we drink it for breakfast). However, if you want to take it over the top (and who doesn’t?) you can dress it up! The kids beg for marshmallows, but as for me, I’ll take a billowy dollop of whipped cream, or, even better, Cardamom Whipped Cream. Oh YES.
Tips for making homemade hot chocolate:
- The best hot chocolate is made with cacao powder, which you can find at many grocery stores or online! Raw cacao powder is healthier and richer in flavor than regular cocoa powder. However, you can use a good quality cocoa powder in its place.
- It’s important to whisk the cacao powder into the milk before heating it up (it will take a bit of whisking to dissolve). If you add the cacao powder to hot milk it can clump up.
- I love this small saucepan and mini whisk for making hot chocolate, as well as for oatmeal and sauces.
- For a vegan version, use canned coconut milk in place of the regular milk (I don’t love the flavor of nut milk in this recipe, but that’s subjective). Swap out the honey for maple syrup.
- A pinch of salt helps to amplify all of the flavors.
- Try this hot cacao with Cardamom Whipped Cream!
Other cacao powder drink recipes:
Baked goods that use cacao powder:
- Healthy Chocolate Pudding from Scratch
- No Bake Vegan Chocolate Pudding Tart
- Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
- Chocolate Quinoa Cake with Cacao Whipped Cream Frosting
- Easy Chocolate Almond Cake
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
- Crepe Cake with Cacao Frosting
- Individual Flourless Chocolate Cakes
Watch the video!
Get the recipe!
Healthy Hot Chocolate with Cacao Powder
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (preferably 2% or whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cacao powder, honey to taste (a teaspoon or two should do you), vanilla and a pinch of salt (sometimes I also add a pinch of cinnamon or even cayenne, if I’m feeling racy). Whisk until smooth.
- Place saucepan over medium heat, and bring the milk to a simmer, whisking often. Give the hot chocolate a taste—if you prefer it sweeter whisk in a bit more honey. Serve warm.
Notes
- The best hot chocolate is made with cacao powder, which you can find at many grocery stores or online! Raw cacao powder is healthier and richer in flavor than regular cocoa powder. However, you can use a good quality cocoa powder in its place.
- It’s important to whisk the cacao powder into the milk before heating it up (it will take a bit of whisking to dissolve). If you add the cacao powder to hot milk it can clump up.
- I love this small saucepan and mini whisk for making hot chocolate, as well as for oatmeal and sauces.
- For a vegan version, use canned coconut milk in place of the regular milk (I don’t love the flavor of nut milk in this recipe, but that’s subjective) and swap out the honey for maple syrup.
- A pinch of salt helps to amplify all of the flavors.
- For a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate, add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Refrigerate any leftover hot chocolate for a healthy chocolate milk!
- Try the hot cacao with this Cardamom Whipped Cream!
I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!
*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting From Scratch Fast!
dolphin says
Everything I’ve made from cacao powder so far has had a bitter aftertaste but this was really good! I replaced the honey with monk fruit sweetener because I was out of honey and it was still great! I can’t believe this recipe has no reviews. I’m definitely going to be making it again some time this week and am going to experiment with new flavors. Thank you!
Nicki Sizemore says
I'm so happy you liked the recipe, and great tip about using monk fruit sweetener!!
Paula says
I haven't had hot chocolate since I was 12 because something in store brought ones gives me migraines.
I just came across your recipe and knowing I can eat all the ingredient decided to give it a go.
I'm now enjoying my first hot chocolate in 20years and its delicious!
Thankyou so much.
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Paula, this makes me so happy to hear!! I'm with you - I can't drink store-bought cocoa mixes either. I'm so glad you get to enjoy hot chocolate again!!
Sandy says
I have made this cacao drink a few times now. It takes a while to get the balance right to suit. Its like dinking melted chocolate, rich when balanced with the sweetness, ? just delicious and comforting. Looking forward to drinking tjese of a winter's eve.
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Sandy, I'm so happy to hear you like the hot chocolate! I too can't wait for chilly winter nights and a warm cup of cocoa. 🙂
Kat says
I was having trouble whisking the powder into the canned coconut milk so I used my immersion blender on low for a few seconds, it’s soooo delicious!
Nicki Sizemore says
This is such a great tip, and so happy you like the hot chocolate!
Meenakshi says
Heyy! I was just wondering about how many calories there are in this recipe?
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi there! The calorie count will depend on the type of milk you use (2% milk will give you a lighter hot chocolate). I don't include recipe counts in my recipes (you can read why here), but there are several calorie counters on the web!
Anna says
everytime I attempted anything with raw cacao it turned out bitter, this is AMAZING! tbh I replaced honey with stevia and it was wonderful!! Next time I make it I’m definitely using honey
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Anna, I'm so happy you liked it! That's a great tip about using stevia. 🙂
Olivia says
Really liked it, next time I will try 2 tablespoons cacao powder per 1 cup milk, and more vanilla. So glad there's a way to have hot chocolate without high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils that are in the store-bought mixes. Thanks!
Paula Pajewski says
Can I use cocoa powder in a pinch?
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Paula, yes! You can absolutely use cocoa powder instead. The flavor won't be quite as rich and chocolaty, but it's still delicious. I hope you enjoy!
Cindy says
Hi Nicki, thank you so much for this hot chocolate recipe!
I have a quick question, after you mix all the ingredients together, can you just microwave the hot chocolate instead of putting it into a simmer?
Pls reply asap
thank you!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Cindy! I haven't tried microwaving this hot cocoa, but I suspect it will work fine. Just be sure to whisk it really well before heating, then whisk it again halfway through cooking (perhaps after 30 seconds), as the cacao tends to clump up. I hope you enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!
Emelie says
I love this recepie!! I just tried it and I’m hooked! I love hot chocolate but I’m trying to consume less sugar so this was a perfect recepie! I didn’t use any vanilla or as much cacao, however that table spoon of honey did me just fine. Around 20grams or so. Some species like cumin and ginger, and voila! Amazing!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Emelie, I'm so happy to hear you liked the hot chocolate!! I love the idea of adding spices as well (I often add a touch of cinnamon, but can't wait to try ginger!).
Trudy says
Thank you so much for this recipe! My chocolate was delicious 😋! It was perfect 👍🏽! Can't wait to try some of your other recipes 🙂!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Trudy, I'm so glad you liked the hot chocolate! 🙂
Jennette says
I've made this recipe too many times to count already and figured why not leave a review. This hot cacao is a total winner for my husband and I. We both love a bit of spice so of course I added cayenne pepper and cinnamon. I replaced my coffee with this during my pregnancy so I wouldn't have so much caffeine and it was a lifesaver for me. Thanks for sharing such a simple but mighty recipe!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Jennette, thank you so much for your comment, and I'm so happy you love the hot chocolate! What a fantastic idea to swap it for coffee during your pregnancy (p.s. congratulations!!!).
Madhu says
Awesome recipe!!! It tasted so well I couldn’t tell the difference between this and the cafe hot choc ! 😍
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Madhu, thank you for your comment, and I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed!
Stephen says
Hi there
I was wondering what your thoughts are regarding heating up the cacao and how it would affect all the beneficial goodies inside?
Many thanks
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Stephen! Heating the cacao won’t affect the vitamins and antioxidants, although I would guess it would have an effect on the enzymes.