Paleo Hot Chocolate

Last updated on August 18th, 2021

It’s that time of year again. The seasons are changing and winter is nearly here. Since I still enjoy spending time outdoors during the winter, I like to warm up with a nice, hot cup of paleo hot chocolate. Made with creamy coconut milk, cocoa, and maple syrup, this hot chocolate is wonderfully rich and comforting. And, it’s easy to make while camping or at home on the stove.

With an option for a powdered paleo hot chocolate mix, too, it’s easy to keep on hand and mix with a cup of warm, dairy-free milk for quick and delicious hot chocolate anytime.

The powdered mix also makes a great holiday gift! Just mix the ingredients together in a decorative glass jar, add a gift tag with instructions for preparing the hot chocolate, and give your friends and family a practical and healthy gift they will enjoy throughout the winter.

Paleo Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

To make the rich and creamy coconut milk-based version of this paleo hot chocolate, you will need the following ingredients:

• This recipe makes two 6-oz cups
• 1 can of light coconut milk
• 2 TBSP cocoa powder
• 3 TBSP maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract

Instructions:

First, pour the can of light coconut milk into a saucepan and warm over medium heat to melt any solid bits of coconut cream. Stir frequently and don’t let it boil.

Next, add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the pan of coconut milk and whisk to combine. You’ll notice the cocoa powder tends to float, but it will dissolve and mix in with continued heating and stirring.

Continue to heat the ingredients over medium-high heat while stirring the mixture to dissolve the cocoa powder. Heat just until simmering, but do not let it boil.

Lastly, remove the pan from the heat and carefully divide the hot chocolate between two mugs (or one large mug if you really love hot chocolate!). Top with whipped coconut cream if desired (see recipe below). Makes two 6-oz servings.

Note: Mix it up and make peppermint hot chocolate by adding a few drops of pure peppermint extract to the ingredients while they are heating.

Powdered Paleo Hot Chocolate Mix Ingredients:

• 2 TBSP cocoa powder
• 3 TBSP coconut sugar
• 12 oz Almond milk or other non-dairy milk

Instructions:

Combine the cocoa powder and coconut sugar in a jar with a lid. Shake well to mix.

To serve, whisk the powdered hot chocolate mix into 12 oz. of almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) and heat to your desired temperature, stirring frequently to dissolve the cocoa powder. Divide between two mugs and serve.

If you plan to give this mix as a gift or if you just want to make extra powdered paleo hot chocolate mix to keep on hand, combine 6 TBSP cocoa powder and 9 TBSP coconut sugar in an 8-oz Mason jar and shake well to combine. For an individual serving, mix 1½ TBSP with 6 oz non-dairy milk and heat. Makes 10 6-oz servings.

Paleo Whipped Cream Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut cream (or cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
• 1 TBSP maple syrup (or a couple of drops of liquid stevia)
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract

Instructions:

The whipped cream works best if the can of coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk has been refrigerated for 1-2 hours first.

Open the can of coconut cream and scoop the cream into a bowl. Do not use the liquid in the can underneath the cream or the whipped cream will be too runny.

Then, add the maple syrup (or liquid stevia) and vanilla extract to the bowl.

Whisk vigorously by hand or use an electric mixer with whisk attachments for 2-3 minutes or until the coconut cream is the consistency of whipped cream. Spoon onto a mug of paleo hot chocolate and enjoy!

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