When dairy free hot chocolate comes to mind, do you think of a flat, watery hot drink? That’s what I used to think before I came across this rich hot chocolate from the Deliciously Ella app! I was very surprised how the texture and taste of this version reminded me so much of the thick chocolate drink I’ve had in Mexico. Very decadent, dairy-free and refined sugar free. Amazing!
What goes into this dairy free hot chocolate?
Jump to RecipeTo begin, your favorite plant milk starts as your base. Mine happens to be oat milk but whatever you normally use is fine. Then, to sweeten, dates are added. I opt for only one medjool date to sweeten each serving. I think medjool dates can be very sweet, so this is a matter of personal taste. Start with one and add more if you like!
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Next, a few brazil nuts and some nut butter are added to make the hot chocolate thick in texture. A few cashews could stand in for the brazil nuts, if you have them on hand. Finally, some cacao powder, a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla finish it off. Blend everything until frothy (I love a nutribullet for this) and heat to serve!
Can I leave the nuts out of this dairy free hot chocolate?
The nuts and nut butter could be left out of this dairy free hot chocolate. Sunflower butter could be substituted instead of nut butter. I have not tested this, but tahini could also be a possible nut-free substitute. The texture will probably not be as thick without the nuts or nut butter.
The video.
You may be wondering “Why add brazil nuts?”
I wondered about this myself, so I started looking into it. I believe the brazil nuts are added as a thickener with their smooth, buttery texture. They also have amazing nutritional value. Brazil nuts contain good amounts of selenium, copper, magnesium and other vital nutrients. Selenium, especially, supports thyroid health. Besides this, it boosts your immune system and cell growth. So in short, brazil nuts seem like an amazing, natural supplement! You only need to consume 1-2 a day to get these benefits. Crazy, right?
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (275 ml) plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
- 2 brazil nuts (optional) (or 1 tablespoon cashew nuts)
- 1-3 fresh dates, pitted (how many depends on how sweet you like it)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew or sunflower)
- 1½ teaspoons cacao powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, more or less to taste)
- splash vanilla extract (optional)
- marshmallows, for garnish (optional)
Method
- Combine all the ingredients, except the marshmallows, in a blender. Blend at high speed until everything is smooth and combined.
- Heat in a small saucepan (or electric milk frother), whisking occasionally, until hot and steaming. Do not boil. Pour into a mug. Garnish with marshmallows, if using.
Notes
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Mmm this sounds GOOD! My husband doesn’t tolerate dairy well, so we’re always looking for recipes like this. Thanks for sharing!
Hope he likes it! Thanks for checking out my recipe.
This looks great and I’ll have to try it some time! I never thought of adding brazil nuts but I like them so they look like a healthy addition to dairy-free hot chocolate!
I love the idea of using nuts!! That’s genius!! Perfect for texture! This looks amazing!!
Thanks for checking it out! 🙂