The Chocoholic Cup of Bliss-vegan.
I am not a coffee person and the only obsession I have during the winter holidays is hot chocolate. The warmth, the sweetness, the creaminess, embodies the holiday season for me.
Simple things are often the hardest ones to attain perfection and in my opinion hot chocolate is one of them. I have tried multiple kinds of milk, sweeteners, chocolate proportions, to find the cleanest/yummiest formula, free of added sugar, processed ingredients and diary. After various trials, this recipe was born and I had my eureka moment with great joy, as it is 100% better than non vegan hot chocolate drinks I had in my life time.
A blend of Oat or almond milk- your choice, with the richness of almond butter , sweetened with dates, and drenched in cacao/ chocolate to your heart’s calling- this is addictive. Beware:)
This is my family holiday favorite and holiday tradition. My son actually could not get his hands off the last cup topped with marshmallows, and I was thrilled to get a perfect picture with his hands wrapped around it. Make a cup and you will experience the warm, lovely, sweet and cozy holiday vibes instantly. Guaranteed!
The Chocoholic Cup of Bliss
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
For the hot chocolate
- 4 cups plant based milk- almond or oat milk work better
- 1 Tbsp almond butter
- 3 small medjool dates- can use 4 if you have a sweet tooth
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chopped from a bar or chocolate chips- your preference unsweetened or less sugar content ones preferred
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder*
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings- suggested
- Vegan Marshmallows- torched a bit to make it very indulging
- cacao nibs
- melted dark chocolate
- pieces of candy cane/ peppermint
- cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Take the oat milk in a pan deep enough to boil. On medium heat, once milk is warm, add almond butter, dates, cacao powder. Let the contents simmer for 6-8 min. Whisk during this time. Then add chocolate chips of your choice , vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder.Turn off the stove. Mix well so that the chocolate melts into the milk.
- Add the contents to the blender and blitz till smooth and creamy.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a cup and top it with marshmallows or cacao nibs, more dark chocolate pieces, to meet your chocolate threshold.
- This drink is so creamy, filling and indulging. Take care of the portion size:)
Notes
- Raw cacao is less processed and a healthier option than cocoa powder. If using regular cocoa powder, try the dutch cocao, which is deep in color and flavor.
- If you feel the consistency is too creamy, add 1/2 cup water before blending the next time you make it.