If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and just a little bit nutty, you’ve got to try this Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe. It’s a cozy twist on classic hot cocoa, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want a comforting drink that’s dairy-free and naturally sweetened.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I’ve fallen in love with this almond butter hot chocolate for how rich and creamy it is—without any dairy! It’s like dessert in a mug but better because it’s made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
- Rich, Dairy-Free Flavor: Uses dark dairy-free chocolate for a deep, luscious taste.
- Natural Sweetness: Medjool dates add gentle, wholesome sweetness without refined sugar.
- Nutty Creaminess: Roasted almond butter gives it a smooth texture and subtle nutty depth.
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients and blending bring the magic together in minutes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you grab your shopping list, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients make this hot chocolate so special. Pro tip: opt for quality non-dairy milk and chocolate to really bring out the flavor.

- Unsweetened non-dairy milk: I love using this as the creamy base to keep it vegan and light without extra sugar.
- Dark dairy-free chocolate: Adds rich cocoa flavor and ensures the recipe stays dairy-free and vegan.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts that deep chocolate taste while keeping things natural.
- Roasted almond butter: Gives it a velvety texture and lovely nutty undertones that make it stand out.
- Medjool dates: These natural sweeteners are soft, chewy, and add a subtle caramel note.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash brightens all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance chocolate flavors.
- Coconut whipped cream (optional): For that extra luxurious topping that makes it feel like a treat.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and mood. Whether you're craving something a little sweeter or want to add a cozy spice, there’s plenty of room for personalization.
- Try a Sprinkle of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Adding a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives the drink a seasonal twist that’s perfect during chilly evenings. I love that subtle depth it adds!
- Swap Medjool Dates for Maple Syrup or Agave: If you prefer a liquid sweetener or don’t have dates on hand, maple syrup works beautifully. It still keeps things natural and vegan-friendly.
- Boost the Nutty Flavor: For extra almond goodness, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds on top of the coconut whipped cream. It adds a lovely crunch and enhances the roasted almond butter's richness.
- Make It Spicy: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can turn this hot chocolate into a warm and invigorating treat. It’s a personal favorite for cold nights when I want a little kick!
- Use Different Non-Dairy Milks: Feel free to experiment with oat, cashew, or even macadamia milk. Each lends a unique creaminess and subtle flavor that can transform your mug of hot chocolate.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Gently Warm Your Non-Dairy Milk
Start by pouring 2 ½ cups of your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk into a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and let it come up to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or scorching on the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when you see steam rising and just a few small bubbles forming around the edges. This gradual heating helps develop a creamy texture that perfectly carries all the chocolatey flavors.
Step 2: Combine Your Rich Ingredients in the Blender
While the milk is warming, measure out 1 ½ oz (43 grams) of chopped dark dairy-free chocolate, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons roasted almond butter, 2 to 4 soft Medjool dates (depending on how sweet you like it), ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Place all these ingredients in an upright vented blender. The vented lid is crucial here because it allows steam to escape safely while blending hot liquids—so don’t forget this step!
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once your non-dairy milk is piping hot, carefully pour it directly into the blender with the rest of your ingredients. Secure the lid tightly and start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. You’ll notice the almond butter fully integrating and the dates lending natural sweetness, leaving you with a perfectly velvety hot chocolate base.
Step 4: Serve and Elevate Your Cozy Moment
Pour the luscious almond butter hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. For an extra indulgent touch, top each serving with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream. This luscious topping melts into the drink, adding a hint of tropical creaminess that makes the experience feel truly special. Sip slowly, savor the warmth, and enjoy every comforting moment.
Top Tip
These tips will help you nail your Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe every time and enjoy the perfect creamy, dreamy cup.
- Choose Your Dates Wisely: I’ve found that using 3 soft Medjool dates gives the perfect balance of natural sweetness without overpowering the rich chocolate flavor.
- Blend with Care: Since you’re blending hot milk with the rest of the ingredients, always make sure your blender lid is vented to avoid pressure build-up and a potential hot splash surprise!
- Use Roasted Almond Butter: Roasted almond butter adds a deeper, nutty warmth to the drink — a little game changer compared to natural almond butter, which is milder.
- Don’t Rush Heating: Bringing the non-dairy milk to a gentle boil but not scorching it is key. Stir occasionally and keep medium heat to prevent any burnt flavors.
How to Serve Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your Almond Butter Hot Chocolate, top it with a generous swirl of coconut whipped cream—its light, slightly sweet creaminess pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and almond notes. You could also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or shaved dark dairy-free chocolate for extra flair and aroma.
Side Dishes
This cozy drink pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting treats. Consider fresh-baked vegan cookies, almond biscotti, or a warm slice of spiced pumpkin bread. For a lighter option, fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples offers a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s so good, that rarely happens!), store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before reheating, as natural separation may occur.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe because the texture can become grainy after thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or store in the fridge as described above.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover hot chocolate gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, which can cause the mixture to curdle or scorch. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to be vegan and dairy-free, you can swap the unsweetened non-dairy milk for your favorite dairy milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind this will no longer be vegan-friendly.
You can use between 2 to 4 soft Medjool dates depending on how sweet you like your hot chocolate. I recommend starting with 3 for a balanced sweetness that complements the rich chocolate and almond flavors.
Yes, using a vented blender when blending hot liquids is important to allow steam to escape safely. This prevents pressure buildup and reduces the risk of the lid popping off or hot liquid splashing out.
Definitely! To make your Almond Butter Hot Chocolate creamier and thicker, simply reduce the amount of unsweetened non-dairy milk slightly or add a bit more almond butter during blending.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly soothing about a warm cup of Almond Butter Hot Chocolate on a chilly evening. This recipe brings together rich chocolate, nutty almond butter, and naturally sweet dates for a decadent drink that’s entirely plant-based and guilt-free. Whether you’re curled up with a good book or sharing it with a loved one, it’s the perfect little ritual to savor warmth and comfort. I hope you enjoy making and sipping this cozy treat as much as I do!
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Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A rich and creamy Almond Butter Hot Chocolate made with unsweetened non-dairy milk, dark dairy-free chocolate, roasted almond butter, Medjool dates for natural sweetness, and a touch of vanilla and sea salt. This dairy-free, vegan-friendly hot chocolate is perfect for a cozy night in and can be topped with coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz (43 grams) dark dairy-free chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons roasted almond butter
- 2-4 soft Medjool dates
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
Optional Topping
- coconut whipped cream
Instructions
- Heat Milk: In a medium saucepan, bring the unsweetened non-dairy milk up to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Prepare Blender Mixture: While the milk heats, combine the chopped dark dairy-free chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, roasted almond butter, Medjool dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in an upright vented blender.
- Blend Ingredients: Once the milk is hot, carefully pour it into the blender with all other ingredients. Secure the lid and start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Serve: Pour the almond butter hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with coconut whipped cream if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Medjool dates add natural sweetness – adjust the number of dates according to desired sweetness.
- Use dark dairy-free chocolate for a rich, vegan-friendly drink; semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate can be substituted if preferred.
- Roasted almond butter enhances flavor; natural almond butter can be used but may alter taste slightly.
- The coconut whipped cream topping is optional but adds a luxurious creamy texture.
- Ensure the blender is vented to safely blend hot liquids.
- For a thicker drink, reduce the amount of non-dairy milk slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg






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