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If you are craving a luscious, creamy, and comforting drink that fits perfectly into a dairy free lifestyle, you absolutely must try this Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe. It’s everything you love about traditional hot chocolate but reimagined with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. This recipe captures the rich chocolatey goodness and velvety texture without any dairy in sight, making it ideal for cozy evenings, a quick treat, or to share with friends and family who prefer dairy-free options. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up, but it also stores beautifully, so you can enjoy a warm cup of happiness anytime you want.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass cup filled with light brown frothy cocoa liquid, with dry cocoa powder partially floating on the surface, creating a textured dark brown layer mixed with bubbles. A black spout from a kettle is pouring hot water into the cup, slightly disturbing the cocoa powder. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a soft, light beige linen cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this mix is in its simplicity. Just a handful of pantry staples come together, each playing a vital role to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, smoothness, and a hint of indulgence. Every ingredient has a purpose to ensure your hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and completely dairy free.

Powdered dairy free milk (1½ cup): Choose coconut or oat milk powder for a creamy base that mimics real milk’s richness without any lactose.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps the mix dissolve smoothly in your mug.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Brings a deep, smooth chocolate flavor with a beautiful dark color, making every sip decadent.
Cornstarch (1 tsp): Prevents clumping, ensuring your mix stays powdery and easy to scoop even after storage.
Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness for a more rounded taste.

How to Make Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

Start by bringing all your ingredients together in one place. Measuring everything accurately sets the foundation for a flawless hot chocolate experience every time you make it.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl

Place the powdered dairy free milk, powdered sugar, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. The large bowl gives you ample room to whisk everything thoroughly.

Step 3: Whisk Until Smooth and Uniform

Using a whisk, stir all the ingredients together until every bit is well combined and the mix looks smooth and homogenous. This step is key to ensuring the cocoa and sugar don’t settle into clumps, giving you the creamiest hot chocolate possible.

Step 4: Transfer to an Airtight Container

Once combined, scoop your mix into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and ready for up to 6 months, meaning you can make a big batch and enjoy it for many cozy nights ahead.

Step 5: To Prepare Your Hot Chocolate

When you’re ready for your cup of joy, add 1/4 cup of the mix to a mug. Pour hot water or your favorite plant-based milk over it, then stir with a spoon or use a handheld frother to dissolve the mix completely. For an extra special treat, melt in a few dairy free chocolate chips or add some vegan marshmallows on top!

How to Serve Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

A clear glass cup with a yellow handle is filled with rich brown hot chocolate. On top, there are three large toasted marshmallows with a light brown burnt texture. The cup is placed on a light beige surface with a white marbled texture, and to the left side, a soft pink cloth is partly shown. In the background, a glass jar filled with cocoa mix and a white label is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your dairy free hot chocolate with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, a dollop of whipped coconut cream for richness, or some dairy free mini marshmallows that melt lovingly into the drink. These little touches add personality and make each cup feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Hot chocolate pairs beautifully with an assortment of snacks. Think along the lines of crunchy biscotti, freshly baked dairy free cookies, or a vibrant fruit salad. The contrasting textures will make every sip more satisfying and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the mug? Serve your homemade dairy free hot chocolate in cute glass jars tied with twine as a thoughtful gift, or layer it in clear mugs with alternating swirls of coconut cream for Instagram-worthy moments. You can even customize the mix by adding a pinch of chili powder or orange zest for a festive twist that delights the senses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe stores wonderfully at room temperature when kept in an airtight container. This means no fuss with refrigeration and easy access whenever a hot chocolate craving strikes. Aim to use it within 6 months for the freshest flavor, although it may stay tasty even a bit longer.

Freezing

If you want to keep your mix for an extended period or have a large batch, freezing is a solid option. Just be sure the container you use is completely sealed to keep moisture out. When you thaw the mix, give it a quick whisk before using to bring back that perfect powdery texture.

Reheating

Since you’re mixing your hot chocolate fresh each time, reheating simply involves warming your liquid base (water or plant milk). Pour it over your prepared mix and stir well—no microwave or stovetop reheating needed unless you prefer your drink piping hot, of course!

FAQs

Can I use any dairy free milk powder in this recipe?

Absolutely! Coconut and oat milk powders are popular choices for their creamy texture and mild taste, but you can experiment with almond, rice, or soy milk powders. Just keep in mind the flavor differences may subtly change your hot chocolate’s profile.

Is the cornstarch necessary in this Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe?

Cornstarch helps prevent clumping in your mix during storage, keeping it smooth and easy to scoop. If you plan to consume all your mix within a week, you can skip it, but it’s a handy ingredient for longer storage.

How much hot liquid should I add per serving?

For a balanced cup, use about 1/4 cup of the dry mix to roughly 1 cup of hot water or dairy free milk. Adjust depending on your taste and how rich you like your hot chocolate. More liquid means a lighter drink, less makes it thicker.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can try substituting powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like powdered erythritol or monk fruit, but keep in mind the sweetness level and texture can be a bit different. Do small test batches to see what works best for your palate.

How can I make this recipe more chocolatey or richer?

To amp up the chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vegan cocoa nibs ground into the mix or stirring a few dairy free chocolate chips into your hot drink as it warms. For richness, use a full-fat coconut milk powder as your base.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a steaming mug made from your own Homemade Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and full of all the chocolatey comfort you wish for without any dairy involved. Whether you’re treating yourself after a chilly day or gifting a jar to a friend, this recipe brings warmth and smiles in every cup. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate!

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