Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

This vegan chai hot chocolate is a comforting blend of rich cocoa and warming chai spices, perfect for chilly days. Creamy oat milk and a touch of vanilla create a smooth, indulgent drink that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 350ml oat milk (use barista-style for a creamy texture)
• 1 tsp organic cocoa powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 cardamom pod
• ½ tsp ground coffee
• 1 organic vanilla bean pod, split (or use 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• Vegan whipped cream and shaved semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour two-thirds of the oat milk into a saucepan. Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom pod, and ground coffee. Heat over medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the split vanilla bean pod (or vanilla extract) and agave nectar. Froth the remaining oat milk using an electric milk frother or the mini whisk attachment on a hand blender.
3. Step 3: Strain the hot chocolate mixture into two mugs, discarding the cinnamon and cardamom pod. Gently pour the frothed milk on top.
4. Step 4: Top with vegan whipped cream, shaved vegan dark chocolate, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use barista-style oat milk for a richer, creamier drink that froths better.
• For extra spice, add a small piece of fresh ginger or a star anise pod during heating.
• Swap agave nectar with maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
• If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the ground coffee slightly or use espresso powder.

Storage

This chai hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving. Froth fresh oat milk before adding, as frothed milk loses texture when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use non-oat plant milk instead?

Yes, any plant milk like almond or soy works, but oat milk is preferred for its creaminess and frothing ability.

Is the ground coffee necessary?

The ground coffee adds depth and a subtle roasted note, but you can omit it if you prefer a purely spiced chocolate drink.

Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

This vegan chai hot chocolate combines the rich, creamy texture of oat milk with warming spices and a hint of coffee for an indulgent, dairy-free treat. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly day, this comforting beverage is sweetened naturally with agave nectar and finished with optional vegan whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 350ml oat milk (use barista-style for a creamy texture)
• 1 tsp organic cocoa powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 cardamom pod
• ½ tsp ground coffee
• 1 organic vanilla bean pod, split (or use 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp agave nectar

For Serving (Optional)

• Vegan whipped cream
• Shaved semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Heat the milk and spices: Pour two-thirds of the oat milk into a saucepan. Add the organic cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cardamom pod, and ground coffee. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
2. Add vanilla and sweetener: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the split vanilla bean pod (or vanilla extract) and agave nectar until well combined.
3. Froth remaining milk: While the flavored milk is warming, froth the remaining one-third of oat milk using an electric milk frother or the mini whisk attachment of a hand blender to create a creamy foam.
4. Strain and assemble: Strain the hot chocolate mixture into two mugs, removing the cinnamon and cardamom pod to avoid any gritty texture. Gently pour the frothed oat milk over the hot chocolate.
5. Garnish and serve: Top each mug with vegan whipped cream and shaved semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate if desired. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the aroma and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use barista-style oat milk for a richer, creamier texture that mimics dairy milk.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less agave nectar to taste.
• If you cannot find an organic vanilla bean pod, substitute with high-quality vanilla extract.
• To keep the drink spicy, do not omit the coffee powder—it adds depth without bitterness.
• For a stronger chai flavor, gently crush the cardamom pod before adding it to release more oils.
• Vegan whipped cream and chocolate shavings are optional but recommended for a decadent finish.

Keywords: vegan hot chocolate, chai hot chocolate, oat milk hot chocolate, dairy-free hot chocolate, vegan beverage, warm drink, cozy drink, spiced hot chocolate