There’s (very) few things a cup of hot chocolate can’t fix. Like, very few things…. it’s like a universal mandala for cozy and comforting drinks. As a little girl, a cup of warm hot cocoa before bedtime was like a warm, long hug personified. My mom would use the premade instant variety, unbeknownst to her it was loaded with preservatives and things some of us have come to not consume. Like hey, corn syrup! and 10 other ingredients we can’t pronounce. But it was totally the intent; the heart behind that cup that counted.

Fast forward 25 years and am a mom myself; and there’s two very active chocolate-loving munchkins that have inherited my penchant for ALL things chocolate. Not surprised, not one bit. So obviously, I had to find a way to cater to that craving in a healthier way, made with all good things but aiming for that same indulgent taste.

Picture warm and frothy hot chocolate made without any preservatives, corn syrup, white sugar or processed cacao. Instead of regular milk; this recipe calls for oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk. Instead of white sugar, this recipe calls for pure maple syrup or softened soaked dates that you blend in to sweeten. Hey, you can also use organic coconut sugar in the same measurement as maple syrup. Easy peasy. There’s plenty of subbing options available! 😉

For the liquid, you can use any dairy-free milk of your choice. Coconut milk will do, too. I’ve tried it with almost any variety, and in my humble opinion nothing beats almond, oat or cashew milk. Oat milk was in fact, my favorite.

I hope you stay warm and share a cup with those who matter most. This trusty little recipe will become a family favorite! 😉