bakingglutenfreememories Who doesn’t like hot cacao or more commonly known as hot cocoa / hot chocolate? This colder weather is definitely making me want it! I used to buy the hot cocoa packets for years until I started making my own from scratch. I haven’t turned back since. It is so easy to make and my recipe only calls for 4 ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to make. Plus it’s overall healthier than the packaged stuff.
I use cacao powder since it’s less processed, thus retaining more nutrients, antioxidants, and I just like the smooth, chocolatey taste. I prefer a creamy texture so I recommend using full-fat, canned coconut milk as a good dairy-free option.
This easy hot cacao recipe is great on its own, but it is also delicious with your choice of whipped cream or marshmallows, if you’re not concerned about the added sugar.
How to Make Hot Cacao
1. Before opening the can of coconut milk, give it a good shake. Then in a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the coconut milk, oat milk, and maple syrup and stir.
2. Heat up the milk and maple syrup for about 5 minutes and then use a wire whisk to mix in the cacao powder.
3. Whisk until the cacao is fully mixed in and the pot comes to a low boil before removing from heat, about another 5 minutes.
4. Serve warm, adding whipped cream or marshmallows on top, if desired.
Storage Tips and Notes
- This recipe can be easily doubled to make more servings
- It always tastes best fresh, but if you have any leftover hot cacao, store it in the refrigerator and reheat in a saucepan on the stove
- You can substitute the same amount of cacao powder with cocoa powder, if preferred
- You can adjust the level of sweetness to your liking
Hot Cacao
Ingredients
- 1 – 13.5 ounce can unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened oat milk or other dairy-free milk (120ml)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or more to taste (80ml)
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
Instructions
- Before opening the coconut milk can, give it a good shake to mix it.
- Then in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, pour in the coconut milk, oat milk, and maple syrup and stir together.
- Heat up the milk and maple syrup for about 5 minutes and then combine the cacao powder using a metal wire whisk.
- Whisk until the cacao powder is fully dissolved and the saucepan comes to a low boil, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve into mugs. Add any whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
My husband and I Just finished a cozy cup of Hot Cacao by the fire – perfect topped with coconut whipped cream!
It’s a delicious treat!
Thank you so much, Shirley! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!