Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe (Sugar-Free, Dairy Optional)

This keto hot chocolate recipe is super creamy, chocolate-y and you would never even guess that it's sugar-free! Homemade hot chocolate is a must in our house on a cold day and especially during the holidays. Thankfully, this low carb hot chocolate only takes about 10 minutes to make before it's ready for your mug and all your favorite fixings.

It's officially winter break, which means my little kindergartner has exactly 17 days at home before he goes back to school, aka I need to up my game on how to keep him and his little sis entertained.

I'm sure it will involve Christmas movies and baking and trips to the park, with mugs of this keto hot chocolate in between.

I've made it a few times this month and we always change up the toppings. For the kids, marshmallows are an extra special treat.

Now that my three-year-old has discovered marshmallows, she keeps sneaking into the kitchen cabinet to steal "just one."

But if you're like me and you're not quite up to the task of making keto marshmallows, top your hot drink with cinnamon or sugar-free chocolate shavings or - my favorite- homemade sugar-free whipped cream. You can't go wrong with a dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener either.

why this recipe works

Not only is it incredibly simple with only six ingredients required, but it's a sugar-free hot chocolate recipe that doesn't even taste like a compromise.

Every cold winter day calls for a hot beverage, and this one is rich and extra creamy with an intense chocolate flavor. You will love it and in fact, it's a drink that any hot chocolate fan can get behind.

My low carb hot chocolate recipe is:

• sugar free and keto diet friendly
• dairy optional (I'm including recipes for a dairy version as well as a dairy-free option)
• easy to make
• so delicious, you'll enjoy it year-round!

Something wonderful about this sugar free hot chocolate recipe is that it's very easy to adapt!

Add a few drops of peppermint oil for a peppermint hot cocoa or increase the amount of chocolate or keto-friendly sweetener. I have made it several times with various non-dairy beverages, including macadamia milk, coconut milk and almond milk.

ingredients for homemade hot chocolate

The best keto hot chocolate begins with choosing the right chocolate. I like to make mine with unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed because it has an extra smooth and rich chocolate flavor.

While you can always add sugar-free chocolate chips or low-carb dark chocolate to your cocoa at the very end, I start with just the cocoa powder and adjust the chocolate level as needed.

For dairy-free hot chocolate, you'll use a combination of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and a can of full-fat coconut milk to make it creamy. Full fat coconut milk from the can is best. Coconut milk in a carton lacks that rich coconut cream and won't give you the same results.

And if you want to go the dairy route, you'll swap coconut cream for heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Either will do, and both will give you a cup of hot chocolate that is super rich and creamy.

This keto hot chocolate recipe only requires six simple ingredients:

• unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• full-fat coconut milk (from a can) OR heavy cream
• golden monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto (affiliate link)
• unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch processed (natural cocoa powder works too)
• vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt

A few other optional ingredients include a small handful of stevia-sweetened baking chips (for an extra rich keto hot chocolate), or a drop of peppermint oil for a minty, Christmastime hot cocoa.

an easy keto hot chocolate recipe

To make this keto hot chocolate, follow this process:

1. Mix the ingredients.  Pour ingredients into a small saucepan and use a whisk to combine.
2. Heat the keto hot chocolate. Over medium heat, cook the chocolate mixture until hot, about 10 minutes. Whisk frequently. If you're adding chocolate chips, add them in toward the end, stirring until they've completely melted. Make sure to add them to taste.
3. Pour and serve. Cool down with extra almond milk or serve with sugar-free whipped cream or your favorite toppings.

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keto hot chocolate variations and tips

One of the things I love about this keto hot chocolate recipe is that ingredient swaps are really easy to make!

• Unsweetened almond milk- This recipe works with most varieties of dairy-free milk, just make sure that it is also free of added sugars. My favorites to use are unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened macadamia milk.

• Coconut milk- If you do not have coconut milk, you could swap unsweetened macadamia milk and make the keto hot cocoa with a combination of almond milk and macadamia milk. Coconut milk and macadamia milk both have a certain thickness that other non-dairy milks do not have. They make this homemade hot chocolate rich and creamy.

• Monk fruit sweetener- I have made this keto hot cocoa using both granulated monk fruit sweetener and a liquid monk fruit sweetener (like llinea monk fruit, which is pure monk fruit without erythritol). To use liquid monk fruit, pour ¾ teaspoon in with the rest of the ingredients. If you need it to be sweeter, add a few more drops to taste.

• Cocoa powder- You can substitute raw cacao powder for the unsweetened cocoa powder. It won't have as rich of a chocolate flavor so you may need to add a little bit more.

• Keto bulletproof hot chocolate- Similar to a bulletproof coffee, you can also create a bulletproof hot cocoa! Add 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or ghee and 1 tablespoon MCT oil to 8-10 ounces of this hot chocolate. Blend well and enjoy.

• Storing- Store remaining hot chocolate in a glass jar, mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

This delicious hot chocolate recipe is perfect for when that chocolate craving really sets in!

Pour yourself a hot cup of cocoa, wrap up in a chunky, oversized sweater and cue the holiday movies. I'll be sipping on this creamy keto hot chocolate all winter long, how about you?

CHEERS!

you might also love...

• This incredibly tasty Keto Quiche Lorraine for all your holiday brunch (or easy dinner) needs!
• These keto cranberry curd bars, because they're perfect in every way- tart and sweet and the loveliest cranberry hue.
• Keto gingerbread cookies for a simple and delicious holiday treat!
• This pumpkin Basque cheesecake which is sugar-free, so easy to make and is the pumpkin and spice dessert to try this season.
• Sugar-free apple cider is full of warm spices, apple flavor and will make your whole house smell amazing!