How to Make Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder - Guilt-Free & Dairy-Free

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder - Guilt-Free & Dairy-Free

We all know how to make hot chocolate with those hot chocolate packets or drink mixes that can taste overwhelmingly sweet and, well, kind of fake. They also contain lots of sugar and almost always have “milk powder.” In addition, if eating healthier is a priority for you, let’s just say that their ingredients leave much to be desired.

Let us show you how to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder for a much healthier and more satisfying treat!

Like you, we love to enjoy hot cocoa by the fire or during family game nights. That’s one of the reasons that we created Crave.

Crave is our delicious cocoa blend that satisfies naturally. It’s an incredibly easy AND healthy way to make Hot Chocolate (and chocolate milk) super delicious AND nutritious for moms and their families. At just 20 calories per scoop and NO sugar, Crave creates a creamy and perfectly sweetened (with monk fruit) blend that is perfect for all of your favorite chocolate treats!

If you're looking for a fast and easy hot cocoa recipe that your whole family will love, check out these options for homemade hot chocolate with cocoa powder.

 

How to Make Hot Chocolate With Commercially Available Cocoa Powder

The first way to make hot chocolate with cocoa powder is to start from scratch using unsweetened cocoa powder available in your local grocery store. I’ll be honest. We’ve made hot chocolate this way, and it’s just not as delicious or creamy as Crave!

Equipment Needed:

  • Microwave or saucepan
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large spoon or whisk
  • Frother

Ingredients:

2-3 Tbls. Unsweetened Cocoa powder
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
Monk fruit or Stevia (whichever you prefer) to taste.

Toppings: (Optional) Dairy-Free Whipped Cream, Cocoa nibs, Dairy-free chopped chocolate, dairy-free chocolate shavings, dairy-free chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, etc.

Directions:

  1. Heat milk and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until warmed, or heat in a mug in the microwave for roughly 90 seconds (microwaves vary).
  2. Add cocoa powder and sweetener to the hot milk.
  3. Using your frother, carefully mix and froth the cocoa drink to your liking.
  4. Add desired toppings
  5. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information: (without added toppings)

 Nutrition information for making hot chocolate with cocoa powder

 

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Crave Cocoa Powder Blend

Now to the best Cocoa EVER! It’s made with Crave and SO easy! We think it will quickly become your favorite hot chocolate recipe too.

Hot chocolate recipes made with cocoa powder

 

Equipment Needed:

  • Microwave or saucepan
  • Measuring cup
  • Large spoon or whisk
  • Frother

Ingredients:

1 Scoop Crave Cocoa Blend
1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Toppings: (Optional) Dairy-Free Whipped Cream, Cocoa nibs, dairy-free chocolate shavings, dairy-free chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, etc.

Directions:

  1. Pour milk into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until warm, or heat in a mug in the microwave for roughly 90 seconds (microwaves vary).
  2. Add 1 scoop Crave to the warmed milk.
  3. Using your frother, carefully mix and froth the hot chocolate to your liking.
  4. Add desired toppings.
  5. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information: (without added toppings)

Crave Nutrition Information - Just 55 calories per serving!

 

Other Hot Chocolate Variations You Might Enjoy:

  • Use unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk instead of almond milk.
  • Add 1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for salted vanilla hot chocolate. Do this at the end once it’s cooled a bit.
  • Add 2 drops of peppermint extract for a chocolate mint hot chocolate treat.
  • Shake some cinnamon on top for a bit of added flavor.
  • Add pumpkin pie spice and swirl with a spoon for a bit of pumpkin spice.

 

Want more guilt-free chocolatey deliciousness made with Crave cocoa blend - like frozen hot chocolate, chocolate milk, double chocolate brownies, and more? Click HERE to enjoy our FREE Crave Recipes.
 

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