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.

Two white mugs filled with hot chocolate topped with fluffy white whipped cream, sprinkled with light brown cocoa powder. The hot chocolate layer is rich and foamy with a smooth texture, visible beneath the whipped cream. The mugs sit on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a shiny gold candle holder adding a warm glow to the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Almond Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a small cluster of soft Medjool dates, a mound of roasted almond butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a few broken chunks of dark dairy-free chocolate arranged neatly on a white dish, a small white bowl filled with unsweetened cocoa powder, a whole vanilla bean pod next to a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on the side, a small white bowl holding smooth unsweetened non-dairy milk, and a dollop of fluffy coconut whipped cream placed in a small white bowl, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Two black mugs filled with dark brown hot chocolate topped with thick white whipped cream. The whipped cream forms soft, swirling peaks sitting on the bubbly surface of the hot chocolate. The mugs rest on a white marbled surface bathed in warm, natural light with soft shadows, and a golden candle holder and small green decorative trees blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

A gray ceramic cup with a rounded handle is shown close up on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with a dark brown liquid being poured in from above, creating a small splash. Beside it, there is a smaller gray cup filled with a similar brown drink topped with light foam. Steam rises softly from the pouring drink, giving a warm and cozy feel. The background is softly blurred with light colors and smoky detail near the liquid stream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use regular dairy milk instead of non-dairy milk?

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.

How many Medjool dates should I use for sweetness?

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.

Is it necessary to use a vented blender?

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.

Can I make this hot chocolate thicker?

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!