Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate (Chai Spice)

Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate (Chai Spice)

Today we are making Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate, Chai Spice flavor! For as long as I could remember, my parents had been drinking tea 3-4 times a day while I was growing up. Over the years though, they’ve significantly reduced this amount, since I pointed out their clear obsession with what we would call Indian Masala Chai, or just Chai for short. This type of chai uses a set of specific Indian spices.

Not every version of chai uses these spices, but many authentic masala chai recipes use some, or all, of the following: Black cardamom, green cardamom, Indian black tea bags (or loose leaf black tea), cloves, ginger, peppercorn, star anise, fennel seeds, nutmeg, and/or cinnamon.

I didn’t use all of these in my recipe either, but you can mix and match these if you’re making a general masala chai. They’ll taste amazing in any capacity! So my parents definitely enjoy their masala chai, but not so much the taste of chocolate desserts, hot chocolate, or anything with a rich chocolate flavor. On the other hand, I can’t say the same. Give me a cocoa nib and I’ll grind my own chocolate for days! Hence I decided to try my hand at some masala chai … with a twist of creamy hot chocolate!

Marshmallow Snowmen

To make this a little cuter, I bought large vegan marshmallows to create homemade vegan “snowmen.” I melted chocolate, dipped half the marshmallows in there, and then rolled them in shredded coconut. I placed them in the fridge to harden the chocolate, and then used them as a topping. They added the Christmas touch, and more chocolate-coconut flavor when the marshmallows start melting in the drink!

Coconut Creaminess

So I decided to split the milk base. I used a half & half split between coconut and oat milk. Coconut milk, specifically that from the can rather than the carton, is super thick and creamy, which is why I used it here. Compared that to coconut milk from the carton, which is thinner and more liquidy, and won’t work as well.

I would recommend to use a can of coconut milk and shake it well to thoroughly mix the contents inside. Within the can, the fat will sometimes separate from the cream and rise to the top (and it will definitely separate if you refrigerate it overnight).

You can either use this straight coconut cream from the top, or you can shake the can to make it milkier and use the coconut milk using the whole can. Anyhow, coconut is the creamy secret ingredient in here. So don’t omit it! Unless you really hate coconut, or are allergic. Then by all means, just replace the coconut milk with another vegan milk, like cashew milk instead. 

Overall, a creamy hot chocolate recipe bursting with warm spices is a delicious and comforting drink that is perfect for any occasion, and it can bring a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction to those who appreciate its unique taste.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate

Warm Spices: This hot cocoa recipe combines the delicious flavors of chai spice and hot chocolate, creating a unique and comforting taste experience! The warm spices used in chai, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, add a cozy and familiar element to this hot drink, perfect for chilly evenings or winter days.

Chai is one of my go-to drinks when I need a cozy hug-in-a-mug on a cold day, which gets swapped out for hot chocolate come full winter season. Ditch the hot cocoa mixes – combining these two is the best of both worlds!

Creamy without Cream: There are no dairy-based creams or animal products in this easy recipe! Instead, the creaminess is provided by coconut milk and oat milk. Coconut milk is high in fat, which is perfect as a dairy milk replacement to provide a creamy texture. The creamy texture of the drink adds an extra level of indulgence and makes the hot chocolate feel even more luxurious.

Substitutions: The Drink

Chocolate Chips: Look for semisweet vegan chocolate chips, or a chopped dark chocolate bar if preferred. Note that chocolate bags are not labeled as vegan. However, they don’t contain any animal products by default, so just check the ingredient label!

Cacao: This is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa powder, which is the dark, bitter powder used in baking. Substitute with regular unsweetened cocoa powder as well.

Coconut Milk: Use only canned full-fat coconut milk, not the carton type. You can sub this with all oat milk instead, but it won’t have the creamy effect of canned coconut milk.

Oat Milk: Substitute with another plant-based milk. Oat milk provides the most neutral taste, as I find other non-dairy milk may have an aftertaste that doesn’t work well in this recipe. The next best substitute would be almond milk or cashew milk.

Soy milk may work as a high-protein option, but it also has a different aftertaste when heated up as opposed to drinking it cold, so try at your own risk.

When choosing a plant-based milk, I opt for an unsweetened milk to avoid unnecessary extra refined sugars.

Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup! The only ingredient on the bottle should be maple syrup, without any added artificial ingredients. Alternatively, use agave syrup. I do not recommend granulated sweeteners, such as cane sugar or coconut sugar, as they may not dissolve as well as a liquid sweetener here, ultimately making the drink less creamy.

Substitutions: The Toppings

Marshmallows: I love Dandies brand of vegan marshmallows. Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, so they aren’t vegan. I’ve seen this brand in many grocery stores in my city, and you can also order them online.

Coconut: Use unsweetened, shredded coconut for a sugar-free version. Alternatively, sweetened shredded coconut works too.

Whipped Cream: I use Gay Lea brand of vegan coconut whipped cream. Soy-based whipped cream may also be available in some stores, although I haven’t seen it. Since this recipe uses coconut milk, the coconut-based cream flavor blends right in.

This is optional, but whipped cream always elevates hot chocolate. Especially because this also comes out of aerosol can like dairy-based whipped creams do!

Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe Notes

• The marshmallow snowmen are optional, but add a cute touch to the top of the whipped cream! When the marshmallows melt in the drink, the extra chocolate and coconut melt along with them. This provides more flavor at the top of the mug when you sip the drink.
• Top with crushed vegan candy cane bits for a minty holiday flavor!

More Cozy Drinks You’ll Love

Peppermint Mocha

Eggnog Latte

Caramel Macchiato

Golden Milk

Cardamom Rose Latte

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

5-Minute Creamy Hot Chocolate

If you make this Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!