EASY VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
Who can resist a steaming mug of hot chocolate? I know I sure can’t! And, as the days get shorter and our winter jackets have taken their place on the coat rack, I find myself craving foods and beverages that provide warmth and comfort as well as the perfect amount of cozy vibes.
Interestingly there are several reasons why we reach for comfort foods and warming beverages in autumn and winter. Physiologically speaking there are hormonal fluctuations at play that signal to our body and brain that we need something more substantial in our diet. Furthermore, the cooler temperatures place a bigger demand on our body, which requires it to take in a pinch more nourishment to see us through those harsher weather conditions.
From a psychological point of view, shorter, colder days, mean more hours indoors. We may feel a bit low, and comfort foods and beverages like today’s hot chocolate recipe, send glucose to our brain giving an instant boost to our mood.
Though it’s important to nourish our body when it calls for it, it’s equally important to do so mindfully. Take this luscious hot chocolate recipe for example, instead of a store-bought, ready-made hot chocolate mix which would usually contain lots of sugar and very small amounts of actual cocoa, I’ve ensured that the recipe for this vegan hot chocolate is rich, decadent and truly delicious, using ample dark chocolate, plant-based milk, warming cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup to give it a nourishing, decadent undertone without excessive amounts of refined sugar!
Now, I know that chocolate sometimes gets a bad rep, but in actual fact, dark chocolate is incredibly healthy! That’s because it is rich in iron. It’s also filled with antioxidants which help reduce free radicals throughout the body. Dark chocolate can also help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, “bad cholesterol”, inflammation and insulin resistance, whilst simultaneously improving brain function and increasing microbiome diversity! Who would have thought?!
Having said that, in order to receive any healthy properties from chocolate, look for bars that contain at least 70% cacao. Eating this type of chocolate can take some getting used to as it is on the bitter side, so enjoying it in a deliciously rich hot drink - like today’s hot chocolate recipe - is a great way to get started!
Making this hot chocolate is much easier than you might think! Just warm everything over a moderate heat and voila. Garnishes are optional but why not make the most of this indulgent yet healthy comfort drink? BTW you can see how I put it together in this video on Instagram HERE! Enjoy!
easy vegan hot chocolate RECIPE
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
INGREDIENTS FOR vegan hot chocolate RECIPE
240ml (1 cup) plant based, unsweetened milk
30-40g dark chocolate (I used 80%)
1 tbs cacao powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tbs maple syrup (depends on how sweet you like it and % of dark chocolate used)
A pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
TO GARNISH
whipped coconut cream, cinnamon and cacao powder or chocolate shards to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Warm all the ingredients in a small pan over medium heat stirring often until the chocolate melts completely.
Pour into your favourite mug and garnish with whipped coconut cream, cinnamon, cacao powder and/or chocolate shards. Enjoy the cosiness!
P.S. Looking for more autumn inspired drinks? Why not try this spiced orange winter smoothie! If it’s chocolate you’re after, here is a delicious raw vegan chocolate pud or go all in and try these vegan brownies with aquafaba chocolate frosting!
