This 2 ingredient creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate is the coziest warm drink recipe you will make all winter! It takes under 5 minutes to prepare the chocolate ganache base for this easy recipe perfect for the winter holidays.
This recipe is made so quickly since you simple scoop ¼ cup of ganache with more oat milk, add optional sweetener and you have the ultimate vegan hot chocolate.
This plant based hot chocolate is super indulgent, especially if you use your favorite high-quality chocolate bar for the richest chocolatey flavor. It can be made in the microwave or stovetop too!
Plus, the prepared ganache stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week so you can easily stir it into a cup of hot oat milk when ready to enjoy. This naturally gluten free and vegan recipe is such a favorite in my home! Serve alongside a Sesame Chocolate Chip Cookie for the perfect winter breakfast or snack.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy and quick to make - The ganache is made in under 5 minutes, and then it takes a few more minutes to make the hot cocoa.
- Only 2 ingredients needed - This hot cocoa is made with only chocolate and oat milk. You can optionally add sugar and vanilla extract to add more flavor.
- Perfect winter drink - This warming winter drink is perfect to sip at home with your family while it's cold or snowing outside.
- Festive for the holidays - Serve this oat milk hot chocolate to guests on Hanukkah or Christmas and everyone will love it.
- Kid friendly - Kids love hot cocoa! Sometimes the store-bought packets have many additives, so this recipe is a great way to serve them a cleaner ingredient version, plus they can get involved with making it.
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Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious oat milk hot cocoa recipe.
- Chocolate - I believe a combination of bittersweet and semi sweet chocolate is ideal for this recipe, but feel free to use any chocolate bar you love. I do prefer chocolate bars over chocolate chips, for their higher quality ingredients which will result in a smoother more delicious flavor. If you only have chocolate chips on hand, taste them to make sure you love the flavor and then proceed with using them in this recipe.
- Oat Milk. I really love to use the Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk, but any creamy or full fat oat milk will work wonders!
*For the complete list of ingredients and recipe directions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Homemade Oat Milk Hot Cocoa
Step one: Chop the chocolate and add to a bowl. Then, heat oat milk on the stovetop until it comes to a simmer. Pour simmering oat milk over the chocolate and allow to sit about 3 minutes. Then stir until slightly thickened and chocolate has dissolved. Set aside.
Step two: When ready to enjoy a cup of Hot Cocoa, heat 1 cup of oat milk in a small pot and mix in ¼ cup of chocolate ganache. Stir and allow to heat for 2-3 minutes, not boiling.
Step three: Optionally mix in sugar and vanilla extract into the hot chocolate. Then, pour into your mug and top with whipped cream and/or mini marshmallows.
Expert tip: Choose your favorite high quality chocolate bar that you already love so that you'll be obsessed with the flavor of the hot cocoa.
Recipe substitutions
Please see the recipe substitutions for the Hot Cocoa recipe below.
- Oat Milk - This recipe is typically made with oat milk, but you can make it with dairy whole milk, macadamia nut milk, cashew milk or any other full fat nut based or non dairy milk.
- Chocolate choice - I usually use a combination of semisweet and bittersweet chocolate, but you can totally use milk chocolate if you prefer.
Variations
Here are a handful of ways you can change up the recipe for even more variety.
- Peanut butter hot cocoa - Add 3-4 tablespoons of peanut butter to the ganache when warm and whisk together.
- Salted caramel hot chocolate - Drizzle melted salted caramel syrup into your mug before pouring the hot cocoa in. Then mix it all together for a hint of salted caramel flavor.
- Peppermint hot cocoa - Add a tiny splash of peppermint extract into your hot cocoa before pouring into the cup. Or use peppermint chocolate chips instead of a regular chocolate bar.
- Kid friendly - Have you kids decorate their own cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, marshmallows or any of their favorite dessert treats chopped up.
See all my chocolate dessert recipes on IRF!
Storage
You can easily store the hot chocolate ganache base recipe in a container or glass mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Alternatively, pour the ganache into ice cube trays (¼ cup each) and freeze. Pop out the portions and defrost in a pot when ready to use!
You can also prepare an entire batch of ready made hot chocolate and it will store for 1 week as well.
Tips for making oat milk hot chocolate
Using the highest quality chocolate bar that you already love is key to making the hot chocolate of your dreams. I also find that this is a great recipe to prepare on the spot when guests are already over since it's relaxing and super easy and quick to prepare.
Recipe FAQs
I would recommend sticking with oat milk or any thicker milk you can find. A macadamia or cashew milk would work perfectly as well! I'd veer away from almond milk since it tends to be thinner and less creamy.
Yes! You can freeze the ganache mixture in ¼ cup silicon molds or in ice cube trays and pop 1-2 when ready to make hot cocoa. Just melt the frozen ganache cube in the pot on the stove or microwave and proceeding to make your single-serve hot cocoa as instructed.
Yes! Sometimes the melted chocolate can yield a grainy looking texture, but I assure you, if you whisk this mixture it won't taste grainy at all.
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Did you try out this Oat Milk Hot Chocolate recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how you liked it!
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Place chopped chocolate into a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
- Place 1 ½ cups oat milk into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Pour the simmering milk over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Carefully stir together the cream and chocolate until a thicker mixture forms (it will still be slightly soupy). Allow to set on the counter for 10 minutes until even more thickened.
- When ready to enjoy hot cocoa, heat 1 cup oat milk in a pot and add ¼ cup of the prepared ganache.
- Keep the heat on medium-low, and whisk together until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Don't bring to a boil.
- Optionally mix in the sugar and vanilla extract (or simply vanilla sugar).
- Pour hot cocoa into a tall mug.
- Garnish with cinnamon, marshmallows or even whipped cream if you like. Enjoy!
Test Kitchen Notes
- I enjoyed a combination of bittersweet and semi sweet chocolate, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer.
- This recipe uses Oat Milk, but any full fat nut milk will work similarly.
- Drizzle salted caramel into your mug before pouring in the hot chocolate for a delicious caramel flavor.
Jasmine says
Mmmm I can’t wait to make this. Super cozy and perfect for winter😊
Dalya Rubin says
Let me know if you think it out!!
Richard says
I had the leftovers cold and it was so amazing! I’m sure it would be just as amazing hot. The taste is so great. A+
All you’re stuff is so good
Dalya Rubin says
So happy you loved it cold too!