Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

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posted by Amy Johnsonon January 24, 2022 29 comments »

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Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate is super simple to make with only four ingredients. A little lighter, but oh so decadent, this Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe will warm you right up.

As soon as the thermometer begins to drop, the leaves fall, and winter creeps in, it means it’s hot chocolate season. And what a wonderful season it is! To celebrate the season, I’m sharing a recipe for Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe. I’ve been making hot chocolate this way for a while now and cannot believe how incredible it tastes, especially for being a lower carb and lower-calorie version. Every time, every single time, I go back to the refrigerator to check to make sure I’m not reading the coconut milk carton wrong. But no, it does have less carbs and calories than regular milk, and it tastes so luscious in hot cocoa.

Why I Like Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

When Starbucks and several other coffee shops started carrying coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk a few years ago, I had to try it. It turned out to be a fabulous substitute in a mocha. I don’t really care for the word “substitute” in this case. It sounds negative as if you’re missing out on something by substituting. In this case, with the coconut milk? Nope. Not at all.

Each time I requested a mocha with coconut milk, I thought they botched my order. Instead of mocha with espresso, I thought I was being served a really expensive hot chocolate. But no. It’s just that the coconut milk adds so much richness, and it cuts the bitterness of the coffee. Once, after leaving the drive-thru at Starbucks, my husband, Randy, actually got out of the car and walked in to make sure they didn’t give us both hot chocolates instead of mochas, but they said the drinks were definitely mochas with espresso. Crazy is what it is. Crazy good.

How to MakeCoconut Milk Hot Chocolate

ThisCoconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe is super easy and quick to make. In about 20 minutes, you’ll be sipping this chocolatey goodness. It really is that easy.

  1. Begin by warming the coconut milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then whisk in cocoa powder (I like to use dark cocoa powder), sugar and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. The cocoa powder needs a bit of persuading to mix in. Be patient it will combine.
  2. Continue to cook until warm throughout.
  3. If desired, top with fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, or more cocoa powder. That’s it! Grab a mug and enjoy.

Tips and Toppings for Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

  • This recipe calls for refrigerated UNSWEETENED coconut milk that comes in a carton, NOT canned coconut milk.
  • Any other type of milk may be substituted in the same amount for coconut milk.
  • As mentioned before, combining the cocoa powder takes some patience. Just keep whisking, it will eventually combine. You can also put the cocoa powder in a small cup or bowl, then add a bit of the warmed coconut milk and stir to make a paste, then stir that into the pot of warming goodness.
  • While you do not have to add toppings, it is a simple addition that makes hot chocolate a bit fancy. Some topping ideas you can use for this hot chocolate are regular whipped cream or coconut whipped cream (whipped from the creamy part of the canned coconut milk), with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings. Or even a few candy sprinkles (jimmies, hundreds and thousands) would be great on top of the whipped cream.
  • Is it warm in your neck of the woods? Serve thisCoconut Milk Hot Chocolate over ice or blend it up a make a frozen hot chocolate. Or would that be a frozen cold chocolate? Anyway, whatever you want to call it, I call it good.

More tasty beverages to warm you right up:

  • Mocha Coffee Punch
  • Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe
  • Hot Buttered Rum
  • Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy Recipe
  • Mocha Frappe Recipe
  • White Hot Chocolate Recipe from Small Town Woman

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe (4)

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe

A delicious butlighter hot chocolate recipe made with coconut milk.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated in a carton)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Warm coconut milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Whisk in remaining ingredients until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until warm throughout.
  3. Serve topped with fresh whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

Notes

This recipe calls for refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk, the kind that comes in a carton in the milk section. NOT canned coconut milk.

I like to buy coconut milk and almond milk that is Carrageenan-free. I don’t know about all the studies on it, but I can usually find it without it so that’s what I get.

Whisking the cocoa powder is a bit of a pain, but it will definitely eventually combine. Another trick is to add a bit of warmed coconut milk to the cocoa powder and stir to make a paste-like combo, then add that into the warming coconut milk.

Any other milk can be used as a substitute in the same amount.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Originally published March 10, 2015.

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published on January 24, 2022

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29 comments on “Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe”

  1. JuhiReply

    Can’t wait to have it in my mouth 😛 looks so yummy 🙂

  2. sureshReply

    Hey, Dear
    This is great recipe chocolate. I love this chocolate and I like this your recipe. Thank you very much for this sharing recipe chocolate.

  3. trendingeraReply

    Visit trendingera.in, your one stop destination for finding the best reviews on all home & kitchen appliances along with comparisons, price list, and buyer’s guide.

  4. Linda HReply

    Thank you for this wonderful recipe! My boys and I LOVE it! I don’t even have to include the cinnamon and it’s still delicious!

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Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What milk alternative is best for hot cocoa? ›

I recommend using light coconut milk from the can. You could also use oat milk or any dairy-free milk you'd like along with the coconut milk! Unsweetened cocoa powder: a high-quality cocoa powder or cacao powder is essential. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli's 100% cocoa.

Can you make hot chocolate with coconut milk at Starbucks? ›

from Starbucks. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does coconut milk melt? ›

Being a 100% natural product, our Coconut Milk / Creams have a low solidifying temperature of around 14°C, if the temperature falls below this the contents may solidify. Sometimes in cold weather, even when kept in a pantry our Coconut Milk/Cream may solidify or curdle.

Is coconut milk healthy? ›

Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient and an excellent milk alternative. Like other coconut products, it may provide health benefits, although more research is necessary to confirm this. Consuming moderate amounts of coconut milk may help lower cholesterol and promote weight loss.

How do you thicken hot chocolate without milk? ›

Yoghurt or Mascarpone: A tablespoon of thick yoghurt or mascarpone can lend a creamy, dense texture to your hot chocolate. Gelatine: A less common method, but gelatine can provide thickness if used sparingly. Be sure to dissolve it properly to avoid any lumps. Oats: Ground them finely and whisk them into the beverage.

What is the best milk alternative for hot drinks? ›

Dairy-Free Options
  • Rice Milk. Works best with: Tea. Hot Chocolate.
  • Soya Milk. Works best with: Tea (Unsweetened) Coffee (Sweetened)
  • Almond Milk. Works best with: Tea (Sweetened) Hot Chocolate (Unsweetened)
  • Coconut Milk. Works best with: Hot Chocolate. Coffee.

What kind of coconut milk does Starbucks use? ›

Starbucks Single Origin Sumatra Coconut milk can be used in any handcrafted Starbucks beverage for an additional 60 cent charge. A cup serving of our coconut milk contains 80 calories and a tall (12oz.)

Does Starbucks add sugar to coconut milk? ›

A couple key things to keep in mind: Starbucks' coconut milk contains added sugars (cane sugar is the third ingredient), and it's low-protein—a 16 oz coconut milk latte has just 2 g, while a 2% milk latte has 12 g.

Does Starbucks charge extra for coconut milk? ›

"In U.S. Starbucks stores, at no additional cost, customers can add up to four ounces of nondairy milk to hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, cold brew and Americano beverages," the spokesperson said.

Is it OK to heat coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk: Coconut milk is a popular ingredient in many Asian and Indian dishes, and it can be heated without issue. However, it's important to note that coconut milk has a high fat content, which can make it thicker and creamier than other types of plant-based milk.

Why can't you boil coconut milk? ›

Boiling will guarantee that your creamy sauce (including sauces made with coconut milk) will break in some form or fashion.

Will coconut milk thicken when heated? ›

You can simmer the coconut milk on the stove over low heat until it reduces, which will thicken the coconut milk. This method will also concentrate and intensify the coconut flavor in the coconut milk. Stir the coconut milk frequently to prevent curdling.

What happens to your body when you drink coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk may enhance digestion. It may also protect against breast cancer. Coconut milk may increase good cholesterol levels and reduce bad cholesterol levels. It may also be beneficial to manage anxiety.

Is coconut milk an anti inflammatory? ›

Coconut milk is known for its rich flavor and texture. The health benefits of coconut milk include containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it contains saturated fat. More research is needed to understand better the benefits versus the risks.

Can you drink straight coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk is very versatile, it may be consumed as it is, or with breakfast cereals, blended with smoothies, or used in soups and curries (it's commonly used in Southeast Asian dishes) because of its creamy texture and delicious taste.

Is 2% or whole milk better for hot chocolate? ›

Whole milk contains fat which is what is needed to add the right flavor to your hot chocolate. If, however, you don't like the thickness or flavor of whole milk, you should use at least two percent milk, half and half, or cream.

Can oat milk be heated for hot chocolate? ›

In a medium saucepan, pour in the chocolate, oat milk, maple syrup and pinch of salt. Turn the heat to medium-low and warm slowly, whisking steadily, until the chocolate has melted and has married with the oat milk.

What plant milk doesn't curdle in coffee? ›

Cashew Milk

Though cashew milk tastes similar to cow's milk, it tends to be thinner due to its low-fat content. It doesn't curdle when heated like other plant-based milk, so you can add it to coffee without getting chunky. This makes it ideal for lattes or cappuccinos.

Can I use water instead of milk with hot cocoa mix? ›

All you need to make hot chocolate at home is cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water.

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