Creamy Vegan SunButter Hot Chocolate: The Ultimate Dairy-Free Indulgence

Discover how to make the richest, creamiest vegan hot chocolate using cacao powder, dark chocolate, and the unique addition of Chocolate SunButter. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting treat on any day, whether it’s chilly outside or you simply crave a warm chocolate hug!

Hello, fellow chocolate lovers!

I’m incredibly excited to share this delightful hot chocolate recipe with you today, even if the weather outside isn’t cooperating with the traditional “cozy drink” vibe. March 20th might mark the official start of spring, and it’s been unexpectedly warm here all week. In fact, as I write this, the sun is streaming through my open windows, and there’s a gentle breeze trying to cool things down. It’s arguably the warmest day of the year so far, making a hot beverage seem almost counterintuitive.

But let’s be honest: is it ever truly *too* hot for hot chocolate? I say no! This extraordinary SunButter Hot Chocolate is so irresistibly delicious, so profoundly comforting, that I simply couldn’t wait until next winter to unveil it. I developed this recipe during colder weeks, anticipating the perfect moment to share its decadent magic, and that moment is now.

Prepare yourself for an incredibly rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying vegan hot chocolate. It requires only four essential ingredients, with two optional additions to elevate the flavor even further. This isn’t just any hot chocolate; it’s a warm, sweet embrace in a mug, capable of brightening any day, regardless of the temperature outside.

The Creamiest Vegan Hot Chocolate Experience

The inspiration for this recipe struck after a long, brisk hike on a particularly cold day. I craved something deeply warming and rich, reminiscent of my beloved Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate. While pondering how to make it even more decadent, my eyes landed on a cookbook lying open on the dining room table, featuring a recipe for Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. A sudden, inspired thought led me to a jar of Chocolate SunButter, and on a whim, I added a spoonful to my concoction.

The result was nothing short of miraculous. The addition of Chocolate SunButter transformed the drink into something undeniably delicious – intensely creamy, wonderfully thick, and exceptionally rich, all without a drop of dairy or any added oils. My partner, M, took a solo sip and declared it “even better than the original” vegan dark hot chocolate. High praise indeed!

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of the new Chocolate SunButter. What’s not to love about the perfect marriage of rich cocoa and savory sunflower butter? This delightful spread is lightly sweet, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious. With only 5g of sugar and 6g of plant-based protein, it’s a fantastic ingredient that also happens to be free from the top 8 allergens, making it an inclusive choice for many.

Why Choose Vegan Hot Chocolate?

Opting for a vegan hot chocolate offers numerous benefits beyond simply accommodating dietary restrictions. For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, it provides a safe and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort drink. Environmentally conscious individuals will appreciate that plant-based milks typically have a smaller ecological footprint compared to dairy milk. Furthermore, vegan hot chocolates can often achieve a richer, more profound chocolate flavor because they aren’t masked by the taste of heavy cream or milk, allowing the quality of the cacao and dark chocolate to truly shine. This recipe, in particular, proves that dairy-free doesn’t mean compromising on creaminess or decadence.

What You Need to Make SunButter Hot Chocolate

This recipe prides itself on its simplicity, using a handful of pantry staples to create an extraordinary beverage. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This forms the creamy, neutral base for our hot chocolate, allowing the chocolate and SunButter flavors to dominate.
• Unsweetened Raw Cacao Powder: For an intense, deep chocolate flavor and a boost of antioxidants. Using raw cacao powder ensures maximum nutritional benefits and a truly rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: These melt beautifully, adding extra richness and a luxurious texture to the hot chocolate. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
• Chocolate SunButter: The secret ingredient! It provides an incredible depth of flavor, natural sweetness, and unparalleled creaminess without needing additional fats or oils.
• Pure Maple Syrup (optional): A natural sweetener that allows you to adjust the sweetness to your exact preference. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
• Pinch of Cinnamon (optional): This subtle spice beautifully enhances the chocolate flavor, adding warmth and a hint of aromatic complexity.

That’s it! With these simple ingredients, you’re just minutes away from a truly exceptional hot chocolate.

How to Make SunButter Hot Chocolate: A Simple Stovetop Method

One of the best things about this SunButter Hot Chocolate is how incredibly easy and quick it is to prepare. You can have a steaming mug of perfection ready in less than 10 minutes, all on your stovetop!

1. First, pour the unsweetened almond milk into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. You want the milk to warm up gently until it’s steaming, but not boiling rapidly.
2. Once the milk is warm and steamy, add in the cacao powder, dairy-free dark chocolate chips (you can roughly chop them if they are large pieces for faster melting), the star ingredient, Chocolate SunButter, and the optional pinch of cinnamon.
3. Whisk the mixture continuously until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, and there are absolutely no lumps. Keep whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and the SunButter has blended seamlessly, creating a smooth, homogenous, and velvety chocolate elixir.
4. Now for the crucial step: taste! Since Chocolate SunButter is already lightly sweet, I recommend tasting before adding any extra sweetener. If you prefer it sweeter, add pure maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
5. Once it’s perfect, carefully pour the steaming hot chocolate into your favorite mug. For an extra touch of indulgence, top it with optional shaved chocolate, a dollop of vegan whipped cream, or another sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Serve immediately and savor every glorious sip!

How to Serve Your SunButter Hot Chocolate

This SunButter Hot Chocolate is versatile enough to be enjoyed on a chilly winter evening, a crisp autumn morning, or frankly, any day you feel the need for a warm chocolate hug. Its decadent flavor profile makes it a perfect pick-me-up or a comforting end to your day.

• Sweetness is Key: As mentioned, Chocolate SunButter provides a subtle sweetness. Always taste your hot chocolate before adding maple syrup. My preference leans towards a darker, less sweet profile, while M enjoys his medium-sweet. This recipe gives you full control to customize it to your palate.
• Scaling Up: Hosting friends or feeding a crowd? This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients for more servings. Just ensure you use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume.
• Garnish Galore: While shaved chocolate and a pinch of cinnamon are fantastic toppings, feel free to get creative! Consider a dollop of vegan whipped cream, a handful of mini vegan marshmallows, a drizzle of extra Chocolate SunButter, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate notes.
• Pairing Perfection: Enjoy your SunButter Hot Chocolate alongside your favorite vegan cookies, a slice of banana bread, or simply on its own as a mindful moment of indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Batch Every Time

• Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a big difference. Use good quality cacao powder and dairy-free dark chocolate chips for the richest flavor.
• Low and Slow for Creaminess: Don’t rush the heating process. Medium heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to dissolve evenly without scorching the milk.
• Whisk Vigorously: Ensure a smooth, lump-free texture by whisking consistently until all powders and solids are fully incorporated.
• Taste and Adjust: This is a personal preference. Always taste the hot chocolate as you go and adjust sweeteners and spices to your liking.
• Storage: While best served fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking occasionally.

Nutritional Boost in Your Mug

Beyond its incredible taste, this SunButter Hot Chocolate offers some impressive nutritional benefits. Cacao powder is packed with antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body. Dark chocolate is also known for its mood-boosting properties. And with the inclusion of Chocolate SunButter, you’re adding plant-based protein (6g per serving of SunButter) and healthy fats, which contribute to satiety and sustained energy. It’s a truly indulgent treat that also provides a little goodness with every sip.

More Vegan Hot Chocolate Delights to Explore

If you love this SunButter Hot Chocolate, I encourage you to explore other delightful vegan hot chocolate recipes from my kitchen. There’s a world of warm, chocolatey goodness waiting for you:

• Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate

  A spicy, rich twist on the classic, infused with warming cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper for an exhilarating kick.

• Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate

  The original inspiration for this recipe, offering a deeply intense and sophisticated chocolate experience.

• Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats

  A breakfast twist on your favorite beverage, perfect for a cozy and satisfying start to your day.

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this amazing SunButter Hot Chocolate recipe a try, please let me know your thoughts!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review below. Your feedback helps me create more delicious recipes for you.

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your beautiful creations. I love seeing what you make!

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later when the craving strikes.

Love this post and want more delicious plant-based recipes? Go to my homepage and subscribe to get updates delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren

Print