This easy, 5-minute quick hot chocolate uses smooth and creamy oat milk mixed with decadent vegan chocolate cocoa powder, sweet vanilla extract, sea salt, and NutraSweet natural sweetener. This cozy drink requires little effort with maximum reward. This post is sponsored by Nutrasweet.
Oat milk hot chocolate is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a movie night in, at the end of a day full of winter sports, or just because you love it!
Nothing gets me more in the spirit of the holidays than a big cozy cup of hot cocoa. It truly makes me feel like a little kid again, but more importantly, it keeps me warm during the cold winters in Connecticut.
But dont get me wrong, I enjoy oat milk hot chocolate all year round; there’s something about its coziness that makes me feel so relaxed. Plus, frozen hot chocolate rocks!
Equipment Needed
Small Sauce Pan- I used a 2-quart size saucepan, but any size will do. You may also heat the oat milk in a microwave-safe glass container.
Whisk- I used an average-sized whisk to mix together all of the ingredients. The whisk allows all ingredients to be fully combined. You may also use a fork or frother (just make sure there is room at the top of the saucepan so it does not overflow).
Ingredients
- NutraSweet Sweetener - I love that NutraSweet is an all-natural plant-based sweetener that is derived from a stevia plant. It adds a delicious, sweet flavor to this drink. You can purchase NutraSweet on Amazon.
- Oat Milk - Unsweetened oat milk works the best for this recipe, as well as a creamy or barista version of the oat milk. Any variation, however, will work. Unsweetened oat milk should be available at your local grocery store.
I find oat milk to be the best milk alternative for hot chocolate due to its creaminess.
- Sea Salt- I love the combination of sweet and salty. You may also omit this ingredient.
- Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract makes this cozy drink full-flavored. If you use vanilla-flavored oat milk, you may omit this ingredient.
- Cocoa Powder- You cannot make hot chocolate without, well, the chocolate. Hershey’s original cocoa powder is naturally vegan and should be available at your local grocery store. You may also use dark cocoa powder should you like a more intense flavor.
Recipe Tips for Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
This cozy homemade hot chocolate with oat milk has minimal prep. I love enjoying a cup with friends and family after spending the day out doing excursions during the winter.
It is guaranteed to warm everyone up and make them feel nostalgic.
Start by heating your oat milk in a saucepan over medium to low heat. You will want to watch it closely, as it heats up quickly.
If it begins to boil, the oat milk will burn. If this happens, start over
While it is heating, if you had not done so already, sift your cocoa powder. This will avoid any lumps within the oat milk hot chocolate.
If you do not have a sifter, simply whisk the dry cocoa in a bowl to remove as many lumps as possible.
After it comes to a simmer, remove it from the heat.
Add in the NutraSweet, sea salt, and vanilla, and whisk.
Once the NutraSweet and sea salt are dissolved and the vanilla extract is well combined, add in your sifted cocoa powder.
Whisk vigorously until fully combined.
Serve immediately (bonus points for cute mugs!).
Variations
The wonderful part about hot chocolate made with oat milk is that you can make so many different variations to fit your tastes or the seasons.
Here are some of my favorite variations-
Peppermint: Mix in ¼ tsp of peppermint extract then top the hot chocolate crushed spearmint or a candy cane garnish. This is the perfect oat milk hot cocoa for the holidays!
Frozen: Divide the oat milk hot chocolate into ice cube trays and freeze. Once it is frozen, place it into a blender and blend until your desired consistency. You may need to add 1 tbsp of oat milk to allow it to smoothly blend.
Spicy: Mix in ¼ tsp of ancho chile powder to add a little heat! Sprinkle some chili powder on top of the whipped cream for a full effect.
Mocha: Mix in 1-2 tbsps of espresso to give this drink more of a kick! You may also garnish it with espresso beans.
Boozy: Oat milk hot chocolate with Baileys is absolutely delicious. To make this boozy, add 2 oz of Baileys into your hot chocolate once it is made. Be sure to use Bailey’s Almande, as regular Baileys is not vegan. You may also add peppermint schnapps, rum, or tequila.
Extra Chocolate: Add in 1 tbsp of vegan chocolate chips and let them melt as you sip on the most decant hot chocolate!
Topping Options
There are so many wonderful options to top your cozy drink with. Whether you like spicy, sweet, or creamy, the possibilities are endless.
-Vegan Chocolate Sprinkles
-Vegan Chocolate Shavings
-Coconut Whip Cream
-Cinnamon
-Crushed Candy Cane
-Vegan Marshmallows
-Crushed Cookies
You can also check out my hot chocolate charcuterie board that is full of fun ideas for what to serve it with!
FAQs
I recommend using unsweetened creamy (or barista) oat milk. This will ensure your hot milk hot chocolate is not too sweet and that it is fully creamy.
-No, you do not. It does balance the hot chocolate, but you can certainly omit it.
Unfortunately, yes. If you brought your oat milk to a boil for more than 30 seconds, it may either taste burnt or become thinner (it separates). It is best to start fresh.
Yes, you can. Place your oat milk in a microwave-safe mug or bowl and heat gently for 30-60 seconds.
Yes, place in microwave or stovetop and gently heat until your desired temperature. I recommend starting with 30 seconds at a time if microwaving.
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 packets NutraSweet
- 2 cups oat milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extra
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat your oat milk over medium-low heat.
- Once it begins to simmer, remove it from heat and add in the NutraSweet, vanilla extract + sea salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add in the cocoa powder, then whisk again until smooth.
- Serve immediately in your favorite cup. Option to top with vegan whip cream, marshmallows, or crushed candy cane! For more variations and topping ideas, see the Variation and Topping sections above.
This recipe is genius! I love how it combines healthy AND holiday
Thank you so much, Katy! Happy Holidays!!
Excellent. Warms you up. And chocolate yummmmmm
It truly does!
Oh my gosh! So few ingredients for such a DELISH looking drink. On my must make list ASAP
Thank you, Sam! I hope you enjoy it!
Made this today and it was as delicious as the pictures look. A great vegan treat for this holiday season and was perfectly sweet and chocolatey! Will definitely be making again while I watch Christmas movies!
I am so happy to hear that, Brynna! Thank you so much! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
Oat milk is the besttttttt. I am obsessed. I need to go buy this product this weekend to make this hot chocolate. This looks like complete holiday perfect to sip on while I enjoy my Christmas tree and lights! You keep making the most appealing and appetizing recipes. When is the cookbook coming out?!
Thank you, Mary!! It is such a treat. I hope you love it
I just bought some NutraSweet to make this recipe this weekend and enjoy with some Christmas movies. Can’t wait, looks delicious!!!
You will love NutraSweet!! I cannot wait for you to try the recipe!
I’m not a vegan but I love using oat milk sometimes as it adds such a good creamy flavor! It’s perfect for this hot chocolate which was honestly so easy to make. I love having recipes like this on hand though to make for friends who may have allergies or just for variety!
Thank you, Tiff!! So happy you + your friends enjoy it.
This looks amazing! I have been looking for a new natural sweetener - I'll have to give this a try.
Thank you, Nicolette! I hope you love it. NutraSweet is incredible!
This oat milk hot chocolate needs to be served at Starbucks or another coffee shop STAT. I love the creaminess the oat milk brings. And it was super simple to make! I'm saving this recipe for my hot chocolate bar at our Christmas Eve party!
Thank you so much, Nikkki! Wishing you a wonderful New Year. I hope you enjoy.
Got some to make this hot chocolate this coming weekend! Looks so yum I can’t wait!