This Starbucks dairy-free hot chocolate requires only six ingredients and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. I am sure you have all of these ingredients in your pantry right now and you don’t need to find any local Starbucks.
It is perfect for a cozy night, Christmas Eve, Valentine’s Day, chilly winter days, or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
What is so special about Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate?
- Made up from just 6 simple ingredients.
- It’s incredibly cheap in comparison to Starbucks’ prices, which will increase if the tariff dispute between the US and Canada is not resolved.
- Rich, creamy, and chocolatey.
- Suitable for those having milk allergy.
- It can also be prepared in the microwave.
- Extremely easy to make and ready in minutes.
- Better than Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate because we are also adding real chocolate.
- Versatile, just tweak a few ingredients and make endless options. I have provided all the substitutes below.
- Make the guilt-free alternative by replacing sugar with monk fruit sweetener.
How to make Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate?
Let us understand the overview of this easy recipe before we go into a detailed step-by-step recipe.
| Sr. No. | Steps |
| 1. | Heat milk, cocoa powder, and sugar |
| 2. | Add chopped chocolate. |
| 3. | Lastly, add flavorings, garnish and serve |
Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate ingredients
- Almond milk – This plant-based (dairy free) milk gives a creamy base. Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder – This is the star ingredient. This provides the rich chocolate flavor we are looking for.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness. Use either granulated sugar or caster sugar, whichever you get in a grocery store. They are both the same. Adjust the quantity to your preference.
- Dark chocolate – This is the secret ingredient that will take your hot chocolate to the next level. Please do not replace it with milk chocolate as it is sweeter and gives a different taste.
- Vanilla extract – Use vanilla extract for that sweet vanilla aroma and make the greatest hot chocolate. However, replace it with the exact quantity of vanilla imitation or vanilla syrup if that is what you have in the pantry.
- Salt – Just a tiny pinch. It will improve the flavor and you won’t taste salt at all.
Any substitute?
- Sugar – Replace the sugar with maple syrup, honey, cane sugar, or light brown sugar.
- Sugar-free – Replace the sugar with monk fruit sweetener to make a sugar-free version.
- Milk – For the copycat recipe, Almond milk is a great choice, but you may use any plant-based options such as soy milk or coconut milk instead. You can also take a combination of almond milk and a choice of plant-based milk.
- Coffee – If making for adults, add 1/4 teaspoon of coffee. I’m cooking it for my son today; otherwise, I’d have added coffee because it enhances the chocolate flavor without even knowing it’s there.
- Coconut cream – Add a tablespoon of coconut milk to make it richer and silky.
Tools needed
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Weighing scale
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Serving cups
Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate (step-by-step) recipe
I have included a detailed step-by-step recipe for making this delicious Starbucks drink at home. If you don’t want to read the recipe and would rather watch a video of me making it, click here.
- Sift cocoa powder into a saucepan. This will help to remove any lumps and make mixing easier.
- Add a cup of milk and sugar to a saucepan.
- Heat over low to medium heat, whisking constantly, until cocoa powder is fully incorporated and sugar has dissolved.
- Add chopped chocolate.
- Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and mixed into the milk.
- Switch off the stove. Now, add vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Pour into a serving mug.
- Garnish with marshmallows and dark chocolate shavings.
- Serve it hot.
How to serve?
As the name implies, this must be served hot. I am using marshmallows and chocolate shavings for garnishing. Here are some of the alternatives that I have used in the past.
- Dairy free whipped cream and chopped chocolate.
- Roasted almonds along with dairy free whipped cream just like you would get in Starbucks.
- Dairy free whipped cream and crushed candy canes if making for a Christmassy night.
Watch me making (video)
Storing and freezing instructions for Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate recipe
This delicious Starbucks dairy-free hot chocolate can be stored at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to two days. I do not advocate freezing the hot chocolate because the consistency may alter.
Just reheat it in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or on the stovetop for a few minutes, then serve immediately.
Variations
- Peppermint hot chocolate – Add a tiny splash of peppermint extract or peppermint syrup when you add the vanilla extract and garnish with chopped candy canes.
- Mocha hot chocolate – Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant or decaf cocoa powder to the milk with cocoa powder.
- Peanut butter hot chocolate – Add a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter to milk. Try using cashew or almond butter too.
- Nutella hot chocolate – Add 1.5 teaspoons of plant-based hazelnut spread, it tastes delicious.
- Caramel hot chocolate – Add 1 teaspoon caramel sauce and garnish with coconut whipped cream. You can also drizzle some caramel syrup on top.
Secret tips to make Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate recipe
Follow my tips to transform this into a perfect drink.
- Quality ingredients – It is made up of only 6 ingredients so the ingredients you use will make a lot of difference. So use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
- Serve immediately – As the name implies, it tastes best when served fresh and hot. So, pour it into your favorite cup, garnish it with your favorite topping, and serve right away.
- Choose the right milk – This recipe uses Almond milk as a base but you can also use oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
- Do not skip salt – Please do not skip salt. It is only a tiny pinch but it will make your hot chocolate taste better. If you leave it out, it will change the taste completely.
FAQ’s
Can I add flavors to my hot chocolate? Absolutely. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, as well as a splash of peppermint essence, can be used to enhance the hot chocolate.
Can I make this ahead of time? Even though it may be reheated in the microwave or in a saucepan, I do not recommend making it ahead of time. It is ready in minutes, so prepare shortly before serving. You can prepare the hot chocolate mix (cocoa powder and sugar) and keep it in an airtight container.
Can I make this hot chocolate in a microwave? Yes. First, heat it in a microwave, then add cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, and sugar. Heat in short intervals until it is mixed properly. Finally, add the vanilla extract, and salt and serve it immediately.
Want to try some other dessert recipes?
If you like this dairy free hot chocolate recipe, make sure to check my other chocolate recipes.
- Banana chocolate loaf cake.
- Marble loaf cake.
- Delicious chocolate lava cake.
- Homemade chocolate pudding.
Did you make it?
Do not wait for a holiday season to make this Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate. Please let me know in the comments when you made this! I love hearing from you, and your feedback is very much important to me.
If you post a picture of a Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate recipe to Instagram, do not forget to tag me. Tag @DessertKatta or Hashtag it #DessertKatta
Recipe card
how to make Starbucks dairy free (vegan) hot chocolate
Description
Make this copycat recipe of Starbucks dairy free hot chocolate! It is prepared by combining a rich, velvety taste of Dutch processed cocoa powder with creamy almond milk, sweetened with sugar, and enhanced with a touch of vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt. Let's get started
Ingredients
Recipe
- Sift cocoa powder into a saucepan. This will help to remove any lumps and make mixing easier.
- Add the milk and sugar to a saucepan.
- Heat over low to medium heat, whisking constantly, until cocoa powder is fully incorporated and sugar has dissolved.
- Add chopped chocolate.
- Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and mixed into the milk.
- Switch off the stove. Now, add vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Pour into a serving mug.
- Garnish with marshmallows and chopped chocolate.
- Serve it hot.
