A warm, cozy beverage can be a wonderful way to practice self-care and find a moment of relaxation for yourself. Given it’s the holiday season, let us present to you this super easy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate.
There is something about a warm beverage that just hits the spot sometimes. I love this recipe particularly when I’m craving something chocolate. Since you can sip it slowly, it’s a great way to savor something sweet. Plus, we’ll take the nitric oxide and antioxidant boost from the cacao powder every day please and thank you.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Oat Milk
There are many options on the market these days. Some have a bit of added sugar, others do not. This is good to pay attention to when making your hot chocolate, as it will affect the taste and how much or little sugar you whisk in.
Many brands make both a sweetened and unsweetened version. For example, Chobani has a Plain Oatmilk with 7 grams of added sugar per cup, as well as a Zero-Sugar Plain version. Planet Oat has an Original version with 4 grams of added sugar per cup, as well as an unsweetened version.
Oatly oatmilks do not use added sweeteners (except in the chocolate version), but you will see added sugar on the Nutrition Facts Label. Their website has a great explanation of why this is. Basically the sugar is produced from the breakdown of the oats in the production process, and the FDA requires manufacturers to list any sugars created in the production process as added sugars.
See notes below recipe for suggestions on sugar to add based on which oat milk you buy.
Cacao Powder
Great option to add that chocolate flavor plus some antioxidants (don’t miss out on our free downloadable Anti-Inflammatory guide on our home page for more info on antioxidants!).
If you don’t have or can’t find cacao powder, you may use cocoa powder. See FAQ below for more information on the difference between these two.
Sugar
The amount you use will depend on if you have unsweetened or sweetened oat milk, as well as your taste preferences. See notes below recipe.
Vanilla Extract
Adds a subtle richness and complexity.
Salt
Just a pinch brings the flavors together in the best way.
How to Make Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
- Pour milk into a small saucepan over medium low heat. Heat through and stir occasionally until milk is scalding and giving off a bit of steam (NOT boiling!).
2. Add remaining ingredients to milk and whisk to combine.
3. Enjoy! Some toppings I love adding are marshmallows if I have them on hand, and I love using a microplane grater to grate some dark chocolate over the top.
