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.

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
- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Watermelon Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie
- Almond Milk Latte
- 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 onInstagramand tag me, I would love to share it. For more recipe inspiration, follow me onPinterestand join myemail listto stay updated.
Recipe
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 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American, French
Servings 1 16-ounce drink
Calories 245 kcal
Equipment
1 Small Saucepan
(Video) 🥄🥄 TWO TABLESPOONS A DAY WILL MELT THE BELLY FAT AWAY - Dr Alan Mandell, DC1 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.
Pin Recipe
FAQs
Can you heat up oat milk for hot cocoa? ›
Yes, you can microwave oat milk when you're making hot chocolate.
How many calories in a cup of hot chocolate with oat milk? ›How many calories are in oat milk hot chocolate? This homemade oat milk hot chocolate has 313 calories per serving, assuming each serving is 1 cup and you use the same oat milk and chocolate that I did.
Can you get Starbucks hot chocolate with oat milk? ›Since their hot cocoa is made with steamed milk and mocha sauce (made with water, sugar, cocoa, and natural flavors), all you need to do is opt for a plant-based milk of your choice (soy, almond, oat, or coconut), and no whipped cream. For more info on how to order vegan at Starbucks, check out our complete guide here!
Can you use oat milk in hot drinks? ›A super thick and luxurious vegan hot chocolate made with oat milk. This Oat Milk Hot Chocolate tastes so indulgent, and it's also really simple to make with just 5 ingredients. Ready in just 6 minutes, it's a warming hot drink for a cold day, and dairy free too.
Does oat milk taste good in hot coffee? ›The creamy nature of oat milk makes it perfect for coffee. We like it because it doesn't overpower the taste, unlike other milk alternatives for coffee or tea.
How long to heat up oat milk for hot chocolate? ›Pour the cups of oat milk into a pan and gently simmer on the hob. Put the cocoa and maple syrup into a separate cup and add a small bit of boiling water and mix until all combined. Add this into the oat milk and whisk. Warm for about 5 minutes, but watch it to make sure it doesn't boil over.
Is oat milk or almond milk better for hot chocolate? ›Oat | A less creamy choice of milk and will add slight sweetness to the chocolate. Oat milk does work well and does not detract from the chocolate flavours. Almond | This milk can add a nutty flavour and is slightly less creamy than most plant based milks, perfect if you don't want your hot chocolate too creamy.
How many calories are in 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate powder? ›Second Cup Hot Chocolate Powder (2 tbsp) contains 28g total carbs, 27g net carbs, 4g fat, 1g protein, and 150 calories.
What is the best milk for hot chocolate? ›Whole milk lends to the creaminess and sweetness of hot chocolate, but feel free to use low-fat or nonfat milk if you prefer. For a thicker, richer hot chocolate, switch out 1/4 cup of milk for cream. Soy milk or another non-dairy milk is an alternative if you are lactose intolerant. Use unflavored or vanilla soy milk.
Why did Starbucks discontinue oat milk? ›Conversation. We temporarily removed oatmilk from our app due to outages at some stores in the US. Don't worry, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is part of our core menu and will be back when we restock.
Does oat milk chocolate melt? ›
A velvety alternative to milk chocolate. All the taste of dairy milk chocolate without the milk. This wonderful cruelty free vegan option comes in a button format that is perfect for easy melting with a wonderful smooth creamy flavour just like milk chocolate with no compromise on taste.
How many carbs are in oat milk hot chocolate? ›Starbucks Uk Hot Beverages Short Classic Chocolate With Oat Milk (1 short) contains 20g total carbs, 16.6g net carbs, 8.8g fat, 1.3g protein, and 174 calories.
How do you make oat milk that you can heat up? ›- 1 cup oats.
- 4 cups water.
- Pinch xanthan gum.
- Pinch salt.
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (alternatively, dates or maple syrup)
Oat milk contains tryptophan – a sleep supporting amino acid and they've got a bit of protein in them which can keep you feeling full and prevent any after dinner snacking. Simply blend the milk together with calming rose water and a little pinch of warming spices for a dreamy bedtime drink.
How long do you microwave oat milk for hot chocolate? ›Using medium-high heat, it takes about 30 to 40 seconds (with 15 second-intervals for stirring) to microwave oat milk for hot chocolate.
Why do so many people drink oat milk? ›“Many consumers prefer oat milk because of its neutral taste and similar mouthfeel to cow's milk,” she says. “This familiar texture makes it popular among those who want to make a switch to plant-based milks.”
Why are people drinking oat milk? ›Oat milk is safe for people with dairy and soy allergies. It's also a good choice for those who have a tree nut allergy and want to avoid dairy. But if you have celiac disease or are staying away from gluten, check the label on the milk carton (or on the oatmeal if you're making your own).
What is the healthiest milk to put in your coffee? ›According to popular opinion, almond milk tastes better than cow's milk. It also has many healthy nutrients, low calories, and no cholesterol or saturated fats. It's the perfect milk substitute for coffee because of its rich and nutty flavor.
Is hot oat milk good before bed? ›Bedtime snacks that boost melatonin and serotonin
Oat milk. Cows' milk is high in tryptophan, which is why having a warm milky drink before bedtime can help you get to sleep. But if you're a vegan then the good news is that oats and therefore oat milk are also high in melatonin producing, tryptophan.
Heat just until bubbles form around the edge and steam begins to rise from the milk. Stirring frequently will prevent a film layer from forming. Tip: For hot chocolate, follow the same stove method as mentioned above. If warming milk directly in saucepan, make sure to stir often over medium heat until steaming.
What milk does Starbucks use for hot chocolate? ›
Hot Chocolates at Starbucks
All Starbucks Hot Chocolates are made with steamed 2% milk and topped with whipped cream. They're flavored using syrups and sauces. Check out the most popular Starbucks Hot Chocolates and see a list of Hot Chocolate secret menu drinks below.
Oat milk is the ideal non-dairy milk to use.
The texture is just right for a hot chocolate: it ends up slightly more watery than our classic hot chocolate but not much.
The addition of oat milk coupled with the benefits of dark chocolate bring a healthier option to the marketplace. Compared to dairy milk, oat milk is lower in cholesterol and provides heart health benefits. Each bar is also certified vegan and gluten-free.
Is there chocolate oat milk? ›Chocolate Oatmilk is a delicious treat that tastes great right out of the fridge. The rich, chocolatey flavor comes from real cocoa powder and creamy oat milk, with less sugar than regular chocolate milk. Just shake and enjoy! Find Califia Products on Amazon, Instacart or your local Grocery.
Is hot chocolate with water better than milk? ›Water – the lowest calorie option, water is the one to go to if you want to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa every day, with the least amount of calories.
Is hot chocolate better with milk or hot water? ›Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.
Why isn t oat milk cheaper? ›Oat milk is only getting more expensive and harder to get a hold of, says Ballinger. That's due to increased demand over the years, inflation, rising energy and production costs, and the war in Ukraine, which has choked the supply and driven up the price of various grains.
Which oat milk was recalled recently? ›The recall of nearly 90 Lyons Magnus products over concern for microbial contamination came after “continued collaboration and consultation” with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Is Starbucks no longer charging for oat milk? ›The chain committed to no longer charge extra for all five of its plant-based milk options, including oat, almond, coconut, soy, and Starbucks Original Nut Blend. The latter is a vegan milk option Starbucks developed over the course of 15 months from a blend of light rice milk, hazelnuts, and cashews.
What makes oat milk so creamy? ›Since oat consists of around 50-60% starch, and this starch acquires a gelatinous texture when blended or heated, enzymes hydrolysing (i.e breaking down) starch also helps to create a smoother and creamier texture than if you were to simply blend oats with water.
How high can you heat oat milk? ›
Overheating oat milk can cause it to thicken, get slimy, and curdle. Ideally, you would only warm oat milk up to 150°F (160°F max). Heating it past this will change the consistency and taste.
Is oat chocolate better for you? ›Hershey's is launching plant-based chocolate made from oat milk. While having vegan-friendly and lactose-free chocolate will give more options to people who have specific dietary needs, nutrition experts point out that plant-based options are not necessarily better for you than the originals.
Is oat milk too high in carbs? ›Unflavored oat milk has the highest amount of calories and carbohydrates of plant-based milk varieties. Although the sugar is natural, oat milk is very high in carbohydrates.
Does oat milk affect ketosis? ›Oat milk is made from oats, which are naturally high in carbs. This makes oat milk inappropriate for keto. One cup (240 mL) provides 17 grams of net carbs ( 2 ).
How long to heat oat milk in microwave for hot chocolate? ›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 it OK to microwave oat milk? ›Is It OK To Microwave Oat Milk? Yes! It is perfectly fine to microwave oat milk. Just be sure to check it every 15 seconds and give it a stir to keep it from overheating.
Does oat milk curdle in hot drinks? ›Pouring oat milk into hot coffee can result in curdles. Pre-heating or steaming the oat milk makes it even more likely to happen. For this reason, you should always ensure you don't get your oat milk too hot.
Does oat milk take longer to heat up? ›Oat milk is also low in protein, meaning that it usually needs a longer steaming period than cow's milk to create stable microfoam. It performs well at most temperatures, even up to 65°C. Similarly to almond milk, adding more air when you start steaming will produce a consistent, smooth texture.
Why does oat milk curdle in hot coffee? ›Yes, the oat milk curdles in hot coffee when it is subjected to a specific level of acidic environment. The oat milk is acidic. You know the coffee beans are too. The more the acidic environment, the more the chances of curdling oat milk.
What temperature do you heat oat milk for coffee? ›Tips to make the best oat milk coffee
Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature of the milk when steaming it. The perfect temperature is 55C/130F, however, if you prefer an extra hot latte, you can allow it to reach 62C/144F.
How hot should oat milk be for coffee? ›
The optimal temperature for flavor and enjoyment lingers around 140°F. Easily unnoticed but critical factors, like temperature, will greatly impact the taste of your latte or cappuccino. Once the temperature surpasses 155°F, the sweetness will fully give way to a flat and papery taste.
Can you drink oat milk by itself? ›Oat milk is a popular plant-based drink made with oats, water, and sometimes a few other ingredients. You can make your own oat milk as well as buy it in the store. You can drink it on its own or add it to smoothies, tea, or coffee. Its creaminess makes it a good nondairy choice for foamy drinks like lattes.
Can store bought oat milk be heated? ›You can heat up oat milk and use it for any hot drink or food you desire. However, it's important to make sure that you do it correctly to avoid changing the consistency or flavor of the oat milk.
What happens to oat milk when heated? ›Let's heat the milk up in the microwave or in the traditional saucepan, we must avoid it to boil. This is very important, because when oat milk boils, the mucilage is activated, the milk will thickens a lot and lose its liquid texture to become a cream or bechamel.
Is almond milk or oat milk better for hot chocolate? ›Oat | A less creamy choice of milk and will add slight sweetness to the chocolate. Oat milk does work well and does not detract from the chocolate flavours. Almond | This milk can add a nutty flavour and is slightly less creamy than most plant based milks, perfect if you don't want your hot chocolate too creamy.
Why is chocolate oat milk so good? ›Chocolate Oat Milk Recipe
It's sweetened with whole foods (dates) instead of refined sugars. It has fiber and minerals such as iron and magnesium in it from the cacao powder. It's loaded with antioxidants too!