• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Savor The Spoonful
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Portfolio
    • Client Inquiry Form
    • One-on-One Coaching
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Services
  • Coaching
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Services
    • Coaching
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Chocolate

    Oat Milk Hot Cocoa

    Published: Feb 17, 2022 · Modified: Dec 8, 2022 by Samantha Ensinger · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This healthy oat milk hot cocoa is so creamy and easy to make. It is made with simple, plant-based ingredients which make it vegan, dairy-free, and naturally gluten-free. Adding vegan marshmallows, coconut whipped cream, and a dash of cinnamon on top make it such a delicious treat. You can make this cozy hot chocolate on the stove or in the microwave in less than 5 minutes! It tastes like chocolate cake donuts.

    a mug containing oat milk hot cocoa that is sitting on a plate. There are vegan marshmallows floating in the top of the hot cocoa.

    This hot chocolate makes the perfect drink for Christmas and the winter months. There is nothing better than warming up with a delicous, chocolate treat on a chilly day, but of course this hot cocoa can be enjoyed all year round.

    Another cozy drink you might love is this pumpkin spice iced latte which is perfect for fall. This almond milk latte is another great choice to enjoy all year round. Try them all and see which one you like best! One of them could be your new favorite drink.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Drink
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?
    • How To Make Oat Milk Hot Cocoa
    • Microwave Hot Chocolate
    • Flavor Variations & Toppings
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing And Freezing
    • More Drink Recipes
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Drink

    • It's Vegan - Since this hot cocoa is made with oat milk, it is dairy-free and vegan! It's also naturally gluten-free and safe for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
    • Easy to Make - This hot cocoa takes only 5 minutes to make. It's SO easy!
    • Naturally Sweetened - Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener in the hot chocolate, which makes the drink refined sugar free.
    • Rich Chocolate Flavor - Using organic cacao powder gives the hot cocoa such a rich chocolate flavor that is irresistible.
    • Microwave or Stovetop - You can make the hot cocoa on the stove or in the microwave. Both options are super easy and quick.

    Ingredient Notes

    You only need a few simple, plant-based ingredients to make this healthy hot cocoa.

    all of the ingredients to make the hot cocoa displayed on a grey table.

    Here are some notes on the ingredients, including recommendations for substitutions you can make if needed:

    • Oat Milk - I recommend using unsweetened oat milk like Planet Oat Milk or Oatly, but any unsweetened oat milk works just fine. If you're using a sweetened oat milk, consider reducing the amount of maple syrup you use to avoid the hot cocoa becoming too sweet.
    • Pure Maple Syrup - Instead of using sugar, pure maple syrup is a flavorful natural sweetener in the hot cocoa. You can use coconut sugar instead, or use honey if you're not vegan.
    • Cacao Powder - Be sure to use unsweetened cacao powder for this recipe for the best health benefits and strong chocolate flavor.
    • Cinnamon - Adding cinnamon gives the hot cocoa such a cozy, well-rounded flavor. It's not overpowering in the hot cocoa, but you can omit it if desired. You can use nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice instead, too!
    • Salt - A sprinkle of salt can balance the flavors, but this is optional.

    Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?

    Yes! Usually. Oats are naturally gluten-free, which means most oat milk options should be gluten-free, too. However, not all oat milk options are manufactured in a gluten-free facility, so this is something to look out for. Be sure to use a certified gluten-free oat milk (like Oatly) if you want to be sure this oat milk hot cocoa is gluten-free.

    Can You Froth Oat Milk?

    One way to top your oat milk hot cocoa is with creamy, frothed oat milk.

    Oat milk is great for frothing! When compared to other plant-based milks like almond milk, oat milk is far superior for frothing and easily becomes creamy and light. Oat milk has a higher fat and protein content than almond milk, which makes it easier to froth. You can froth oat milk with an electric milk frother or a steam wand.

    How To Make Oat Milk Hot Cocoa

    This hot cocoa only takes 5 minutes to make on the stove or in the microwave. Below are step-by-step instructions for making the hot cocoa on the stove.

    STEP 1: Heat oat milk. Add the oat milk to a small to medium saucepan over medium heat. You don't want it to boil, but it should become hot after 3-4 minutes.

    STEP 2: Add remaining ingredients. Once the oat milk is warm, add the cacao powder, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.

    a collage of four images depicting how to make the recipe, including warming the milk, mixing the cocoa powder, and pouring it into a mug.

    STEP 3: Stir thoroughly. Over low to medium heat, continuously stir the ingredients until completely dissolved and you have a smooth, creamy hot cocoa mixture.

    STEP 4: Transfer to mug. Remove the hot cocoa from the heat and pour it into a 16-ounce mug or glass of choice. Be careful, it will be hot!

    STEP 5: Add toppings. Now is the fun part! Add vegan marshmallows, coconut whipped cream, frothed oat milk, or a dash of cinnamon to your hot cocoa if desired.

    Microwave Hot Chocolate

    If you don't want to make the oat milk hot chocolate on the stove, you can microwave the oat milk for the hot chocolate and then mix in the cacao powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Just be sure to use a big enough mug for easy stirring.

    How Long to Microwave Milk

    I recommend you warm milk in the microwave for 3-4 minutes so it becomes hot. Since the oat milk is cold from the fridge, it will need time to warm in the microwave properly. You want to ensure the milk is hot before adding in the cacao powder, or it can be clumpy and hard to mix. If the cacao powder is hard to combine, microwave the oat milk longer and then mix it again until the hot cocoa is smooth and creamy.

    a hand placed around the warm mug of hot cocoa. There are marshmallows in the mug.

    Flavor Variations & Toppings

    Some great hot cocoa toppings are vegan marshmallows, coconut whipped cream, frothy oat milk, or a dash of cinnamon. Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun hot cocoa flavor variations you can try sometime:

    • Soy Milk Hot Cocoa - You can replace the oat milk with soy milk for an equally creamy and delicious vegan hot cocoa option.
    • Iced Oat Milk Latte - Add a shot of espresso to the mixture and place it in the fridge to chill. Then pour it over ice for a rich and creamy iced oat milk latte.
    • Iced Honey Oat Milk Latte - Use honey in place of maple syrup in this recipe, and add a shot of espresso. Let the mixture cool in the fridge before pouring it over ice and enjoying a delicious honey oat milk latte.
    • Peppermint Hot Cocoa - Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract to the oat milk hot cocoa for a peppermint flavored hot chocolate, perfect for Christmas!
    • Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate - Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon and sprinkle more pumpkin pie spice on top. You can also give this pumpkin spiced iced latte a try.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is oat milk gluten free?

    Oats are naturally gluten-free, which means most oat milk is gluten-free, too. You just need to be sure the oat milk was manufactured in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.

    How long do I microwave oat milk for hot chocolate?

    Microwave oat milk for 2-4 minutes on high before stirring in the hot chocolate ingredients like cacao powder. The oat milk needs to be hot enough for the cacao powder to dissolve easily.

    Is this healthy oat milk hot chocolate?

    Yes! This oat milk hot chocolate is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and made with plant-based ingredients. It is much healthier than store-bought versions that contain a lot of added sugars and preservatives.

    How many calories are in oat milk hot cocoa?

    There are approximately 245 calories in one serving of oat milk hot cocoa, depending on what brand of oat milk you use.

    Is cocoa vegan?

    Yes, cocoa is vegan. Organic cacao powder is minimally processed and contains healthy antioxidants and flavonoids. Be wary of "hot cocoa mixes" that may contain milk solids.

    What milk alternative is best for hot chocolate?

    Oat milk and soy milk are great plant-based milk alternatives for hot chocolate because they are super creamy. Almond milk and coconut milk are great options too, but they are not quite as creamy as soy milk or oat milk hot chocolate.

    Does oat milk have lactose?

    No, oat milk is plant-based milk made from oats. It does not contain lactose. It is vegan and dairy-free.

    a close-up image of the mug containing hot cocoa and marshmallows.

    Storing And Freezing

    This hot cocoa is best enjoyed immediately, but you can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days if necessary. Be sure to reheat it in the microwave before enjoying.

    Does oat milk need to be refrigerated?

    Yes, oat milk should generally be refrigerated. There are some shelf-stable oat milk varieties that can be stored at room temperature as long as the seal is intact, but you need to refrigerate them after opening. It's best practice to keep your oat milk in the fridge regardless, so it does not spoil.

    Can you freeze oat milk?

    Yes, you can freeze oat milk, but it can become grainy in the freezer. It's best to use frozen oat milk in baked goods rather than drinking it or using it for hot chocolate since the texture may be different after being frozen.

    It is recommended you do not freeze oat milk more than once.

    More Drink Recipes

    • healthy pink watermelon banana smoothie in a glass with a straw.
      Healthy Watermelon Banana Smoothie
    • two strawberry blackberry banana smoothies on a gray tray.
      Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie
    • an almond milk latte with milk being poured into the glass
      Almond Milk Latte
    • pumpkin spice latte with cinnamon whipped cream
      Pumpkin Spiced Iced Latte

    Did you make this oat milk hot cocoa recipe? Please leave a rating and review below. I would love to know what you think! If you post a photo on Instagram and tag me, I would love to share it. For more recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest and join my email list to stay updated.

    Recipe

    a grey mug with oat milk hot cocoa and marshmallows inside.

    Oat Milk Hot Cocoa

    Samantha Ensinger
    This healthy oat milk hot cocoa is so creamy and easy to make. It is made with simple, plant-based ingredients which make it vegan, dairy-free, and naturally gluten-free. You can make this cozy hot chocolate on the stove or in the microwave in less than 5 minutes! It tastes like chocolate cake donuts.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American, French
    Servings 1 16-ounce drink
    Calories 245 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Small Saucepan
    • 1 16-ounce Mug

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups unsweetened oat milk
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
    • pinch of salt optional

    Optional Toppings

    • vegan marshmallows
    • coconut whipped cream
    • frothed oat milk
    • dash of cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    • Add the oat milk to a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat the milk, but do not let it boil.
      2 cups unsweetened oat milk
    • Add the cacao powder, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Stir continuously until dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
      3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
    • Remove from the heat and pour the hot cocoa into a mug. Top with dairy-free coconut whipped cream, vegan marshmallows, or a dash of cinnamon if desired.
      coconut whipped cream, vegan marshmallows, dash of cinnamon
    • If you'd like sweeter hot cocoa, stir in an additional tablespoon of maple syrup.

    Notes

    Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the recipe to achieve the desired sweetness.
    You can use almond milk, soy milk, or other plant milk in this recipe if desired.
    This recipe makes one 16-ounce serving of hot cocoa. Double the batch to make enough for two people.
    Share on Facebook Share by Email Pin Recipe
    « Vegan Cinnamon Pop Tarts
    Blackberry Lemon Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Autumn says

      February 17, 2022 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best hot cocoa recipe! It is so creamy and has such a great chocolate flavor that isn’t too bitter or too sweet. It’s perfect for me! Thank you! Love to have a good vegan hot chocolate option for winter.

      Reply
    2. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      February 19, 2022 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      What a simple and delicious hot cocoa recipe. We made it using almonds milk, since it is what we always have on hand and it was so tasty!

      Reply
    3. Shilpa says

      February 19, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe. So delicious and easy to make.

      Reply
    4. Bianca says

      February 19, 2022 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      Yumm this was so delicious! I frothed the oat milk and it was the perfect topping!

      Reply
    5. nancy says

      February 19, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      this oat milk hot cocoa is so much easier on my tummy that with heavy cream!

      Reply
    6. kate says

      February 19, 2022 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      my mom is lactose after having me and this recipe makes her so happy

      Reply
    7. Andrea says

      February 19, 2022 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      love this drink! so warm and delicious!

      Reply
    8. Katie says

      February 20, 2022 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      Such a delicious oat milk hot chocolate recipe! Definitely a new favorite for me!

      Reply
    9. julie says

      February 20, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      So chocolaty and rich, I LOVE this recipe, it's literally printed out and tagged on my fridge!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    about samantha

    Samantha, owner of savor the spoonful

    Hi, I'm Samantha! I created Savor The Spoonful during my sophomore year of college with the goal of sharing dietary-friendly recipes that are truly delicious. I'm passionate about inspiring others to live a life without food rules and dieting. That means enjoying desserts like these, and having fun while doing so. Learn more about me.

    subscribe to our newsletter

    trending new recipes

    • close-up of a healthy banana blueberry muffin with purple blueberries inside.
      Healthy Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • a stack of three fudgy red velvet cake mix brownies on a tray.
      Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies (Easy!)
    • A big stack of chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar on a wire tray. Chocolate chips are melting inside the cookies.
      Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar
    • A dozen lucky charms cookies on a wire tray, with lucky charms marshmallows on top.
      Lucky Charms Cookies
    • a stack of oat milk pancakes with a forkful missing, showing the fluffy texture inside.
      Fluffy Oat Milk Pancakes (Dairy-Free)
    • A loaf of four ingredient banana bread on a cutting board, sliced into multiple slices, showing soft texture.
      Healthy 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

    let's work together

    Need food or product photography, videography, recipe development, sponsored content, or something else? Let's partner together. Learn more about what we offer.

    most popular recipes

    • many peanut butter oatmeal balls on parchment paper, shown from above.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls (Vegan)
    • vegan lemon cookies on a tray.
      Vegan Lemon Cookies
    • two jars of birthday cake overnight oats with coconut whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
      Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
    • a blueberry muffin with a bite taken out
      Blueberry Applesauce Muffins
    • almond flour peanut butter cookies on parchment paper
      3-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • a stack of two vegan protein waffles with fresh blueberries and maple syrup on top.
      Healthy Vegan Protein Waffles (No Banana)

    coaching for food bloggers and photographers

    I offer tailored, one-on-one coaching for entry-level food bloggers and food photographers wanting to turn their passion into a revenue-generating business. Book your free discovery call.

    spring & easter recipes

    • a stack of two vegan raspberry muffins.
      Healthy Vegan Raspberry Muffins (Oil-Free)
    • a slice of gluten free key lime pie with lime zest on top
      Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
    • a strawberry filled cupcake with strawberry filling and pink strawberry buttercream frosting
      Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
    • Blackberry Lemon Bread
    • Vegan Blackberry Muffins
    • a stack of peach cobbler pancakes on a plate with fresh peaches and maple syrup on top.
      Vegan Peach Cobbler Pancakes

    customizable media kit template

    I created a customizable media kit template to make it super easy for you to pitch brands and land partnerships! Get the media kit template.

    gluten-free favorites

    • four brownie blondies turned on their side, showing the chocolate blondie swirl of the bars.
      Brownie Blondies (Gluten-Free)
    • a stack of gluten free pumpkin cookies
      Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
    • a small white bowl with a dozen small no-bake cookie dough bites in a pile, with chocolate chips inside each ball.
      Edible No Bake Cookie Dough Bites
    • healthy banana oatmeal cookies on parchment paper with chocolate chips.
      Easy 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
    • thumbprint cookies with icing in the center.
      Thumbprint Cookies With Icing
    • close up of peanut butter blossoms on a wire tray with glistening hershey kisses.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms (Quick & Easy!)

    popular vegan treats

    • healthy 2-ingredient peanut butter cookies on a tray.
      2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (No Egg)
    • a stack of vegan funfetti sugar cookies.
      Vegan Funfetti Sugar Cookies (No Chill)
    • vegan pound cake with fresh strawberries and blueberries on top.
      Gluten Free Vegan Pound Cake
    • Vegan Cinnamon Pop Tarts
    • a sweet potato pie with coconut whipped cream on top
      Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
    • many green matcha scones on parchment paper with glaze.
      Matcha Scones

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    about

    • about
    • recipes
    • resources
    • portfolio

    disclaimers

    • privacy policy
    • terms & conditions
    • accessibility statement
    • copyright policy

    contact

    • contact
    • work with me
    • client inquiry form
    • one-on-one coaching
    • media kit template
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Mail

    Copyright © 2022 Samantha Ensinger | Savor The Spoonful