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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
