Healthy Hot Chocolate with Cacao Powder
This quick homemade hot chocolate with cacao powder is made with milk, honey, cacao powder and a touch of vanilla extract. 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!]
Ingredients
This healthy hot chocolate is made with just milk (or coconut milk for a vegan variation, see below), cacao powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla.
How to make hot chocolate with raw cacao powder
The recipe is super simple. First, whisk raw cacao powder into cold milk with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a splash of vanilla extract 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!
Hot chocolate variations
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 almond milk 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.
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 chocolate 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.
- This hot cocoa is naturally sweetened with honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, but you can use regular white or brown sugar instead.
- 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!
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FAQs
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 chocolate flavor than regular cocoa powder. I use it in all my baked goods (see below for other ways to use it!).
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.
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
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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, 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 the 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 chocolate 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.
- This hot cocoa is naturally sweetened with honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, but you can use regular white or brown sugar instead.
- 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!
This recipe is amazing and so easy, I'm never buying the packaged stuff again! It was so chocolatey and rich.
Thank you for your comment, Daisy, and I'm so glad you like the hot chocolate!
Can I use cacao nibs to make this recipe?
Hi Maria, cacao nibs won't work in this recipe, as they won't melt into the milk. However, you can grind the cacao nibs in a food processor then a spice grinder (double grinding will ensure a fine powder) to make homemade cacao powder!
I participated in the Harvard Women's Health Initiative for over 20 years. It was 2 capsules of cacao and 1 Centrum Silver every day. Study has been completed and results of the cacao portion are not in yet. I have wanted to continue with the program independently and found the raw powder and have tried to make it palatable with flavored yogurt. Didn't work for me, but I'm excited to try your recipe and keeping fingers crossed. I'll report back as to taste, but I can verify cacao has had a beneficial impact health wise for me. If users are going for taste only, they might want to stay with the raw powder, because it really does have beneficial properties. Just a note - Centrum Silver is documented by this study as having significant cognitive benefits.
Thank you for the information, Mary Jo!
Delicious. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Doug, and I'm so glad you enjoyed!
Just made this for the first time for dessert and it was awesome!
I'm so glad you enjoyed!!
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
Hi Stephen! Heating the cacao won’t affect the vitamins and antioxidants, although I would guess it would have an effect on the enzymes.
Awesome recipe!!! It tasted so well I couldn’t tell the difference between this and the cafe hot choc ! 😍
Hi Madhu, thank you for your comment, and I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed!
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!
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!!!).
Thank you so much for this recipe! My chocolate was delicious 😋! It was perfect 👍🏽! Can't wait to try some of your other recipes 🙂!
Hi Trudy, I'm so glad you liked the hot chocolate! 🙂
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!
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!).
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!
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!
Can I use cocoa powder in a pinch?
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!
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!
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
Hi Anna, I'm so happy you liked it! That's a great tip about using stevia. 🙂
Heyy! I was just wondering about how many calories there are in this recipe?
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!
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!
This is such a great tip, and so happy you like the hot chocolate!
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.
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!!
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.
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. 🙂
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!
I'm so happy you liked the recipe, and great tip about using monk fruit sweetener!!
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