Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Warm up with this cozy vegan chai hot chocolate, a delightful blend of rich cocoa and warming spices. It’s a comforting drink perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a creamy, spiced treat.

Ingredients

• 350ml oat milk (use barista-style for a creamy texture)
• 1 tsp organic cocoa powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 cardamom pod
• ½ tsp ground coffee
• 1 organic vanilla bean pod, split (or use 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• Vegan whipped cream and shaved semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour two-thirds of the oat milk into a saucepan. Add the cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cardamom pod, and ground coffee. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 1–2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the split vanilla bean pod (or vanilla extract) and agave nectar. Using an electric milk frother or the mini whisk attachment on a hand blender, froth the remaining oat milk separately.
3. Step 3: Strain the hot chocolate into two mugs, discarding the cinnamon and cardamom pod. Gently pour in the frothed oat milk on top.
4. Step 4: If desired, top with vegan whipped cream, shaved vegan dark chocolate, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger chai flavor, you can add a small piece of fresh ginger or a few cloves while heating the milk.
• If you don’t have agave nectar, maple syrup or date syrup work well as natural sweeteners.
• Use a non-dairy milk with a creamy texture like oat or almond barista blends for the richest taste.
• Adjust the spice quantities to suit your preference, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.

Storage

Vegan chai hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. Avoid frothing again after reheating, as the milk may not foam properly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without the cardamom pod?

Yes, you can omit the cardamom if it’s unavailable, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. You may want to compensate with a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.

Is it possible to make this drink gluten-free?

Absolutely. Oat milk is naturally gluten-free if made from certified gluten-free oats. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as cocoa powder and vanilla, don’t contain gluten-related additives.

Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate is a comforting and creamy beverage that combines rich cocoa with warming chai spices, enhanced by smooth oat milk and a touch of agave nectar. Perfect for chilly days, this dairy-free treat is topped with optional vegan whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 350ml oat milk (use barista-style for a creamy texture)
• 1 tsp organic cocoa powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 cardamom pod
• ½ tsp ground coffee
• 1 organic vanilla bean pod, split (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp agave nectar

Toppings (Optional)

• Vegan whipped cream
• Shaved semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate

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Instructions

1. Heat flavored milk base: Pour two-thirds of the oat milk into a saucepan. Add the cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cardamom pod, and ground coffee. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Add vanilla and sweetener: Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the split vanilla bean pod (or vanilla extract) and agave nectar. Mix well to combine the flavors thoroughly.
3. Froth remaining milk: Use an electric milk frother or the mini whisk attachment on a hand blender to froth the remaining one-third of oat milk until creamy and light.
4. Strain and assemble: Strain the chai hot chocolate mixture into two mugs, discarding the cardamom pod and any spice residues. Gently pour the frothed oat milk over the hot chocolate to create a layered effect.
5. Add toppings (optional): Top each mug with vegan whipped cream, shaved vegan dark chocolate, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use barista-style oat milk for best creamy texture and froth.
• If you don’t have an electric frother, warm the remaining oat milk separately and whisk vigorously by hand.
• Adjust sweetener to taste; agave nectar provides a mild sweetness that complements the spices.
• Discarding whole spices after cooking prevents them from overpowering the drink.
• For a caffeine-free version, omit ground coffee and reduce spices slightly.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegan

Keywords: vegan hot chocolate, chai hot chocolate, oat milk drink, dairy-free hot chocolate, vegan beverage, cozy drinks