Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Introduction
If you love hot chocolate but want to keep it healthy and low in sugar, this skinny hot chocolate recipe is perfect for you. Made with natural ingredients like cacao powder and stevia, it’s a comforting winter treat that you can easily customize into a peppermint mocha or classic mocha at home. Enjoy the rich flavors without the guilt!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. milk (any type you prefer – soy, almond, etc.)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 8-10 drops liquid stevia (such as Trader Joe’s)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the milk and cacao powder until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Stir in the liquid stevia, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
- Step 3: For peppermint hot chocolate, add peppermint extract a few drops at a time until you reach your desired flavor.
- Step 4: To transform this into a mocha or peppermint mocha, add a shot of strong brewed coffee or espresso.
- Step 5: Serve warm, and optionally top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite plant-based milk to keep this recipe vegan and add different flavor twists (e.g., coconut milk for a tropical note).
- Adjust the amount of stevia according to your sweetness preference, or substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice up your hot chocolate naturally.
- For an extra creamy texture, blend the hot chocolate quickly with an immersion blender before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth. Fresh is best, so try to enjoy it soon after making.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of stevia?
Yes, you can substitute stevia with regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this will increase the sugar content and calories of the drink.
What if I don’t have cacao powder?
You can use unsweetened cocoa powder as a substitute, but cacao powder contains more antioxidants and has a richer flavor. Avoid using sweetened cocoa mixes as they add extra sugar.
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Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 7 mins
- Yield: Serves 1-2 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A natural, low-sugar, and vegan-friendly hot chocolate recipe perfect for a healthy winter treat. This skinny hot chocolate uses cacao powder and stevia for sweetness, with optional peppermint extract or espresso to make peppermint mocha or mocha variations. Cozy up with a guilt-free, antioxidant-rich warm drink that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 8 oz. milk (any type: soy, almond, etc.)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cacao powder
- 8–10 drops liquid stevia (e.g., Trader Joe’s)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint hot chocolate)
- 1 shot strong brewed coffee or espresso (for mocha or peppermint mocha)
- Whipped cream (optional topping)
Instructions
- Heat and combine milk and cacao: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the milk and cacao powder until the mixture is smooth and heated through. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid scorching.
- Add sweetness: Add 8-10 drops of liquid stevia, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Mix well.
- Add peppermint flavor (optional): For peppermint hot chocolate, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, adding a few drops at a time until the desired flavor is achieved.
- Make mocha variation (optional): To turn your hot chocolate into a mocha or peppermint mocha, add a shot of strong brewed coffee or espresso into the mixture and stir well.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the hot chocolate or mocha into mugs. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any plant-based milk to keep the recipe vegan.
- Adjust stevia drops based on your sweetness preference.
- Carefully add peppermint extract a few drops at a time to prevent overpowering the drink.
- Adding espresso turns this drink into a low-sugar skinny mocha.
- Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy flavonoids.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds indulgence without added sugar if unsweetened cream is used.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy hot chocolate, skinny hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, low sugar hot cocoa, vegan hot chocolate, cacao hot chocolate, stevia sweetened drink, winter warm beverage
