This maple hot chocolate is easy to make and delicious. This recipe makes a single serving, but you can easily scale it up to prepare as many portions as you need. It can be made quickly in the microwave, or you can make it on the stovetop if you prefer, which is simpler if you’re making a larger batch.
Key Ingredients
You can use any type of cocoa powder you prefer when making this recipe. I used natural cocoa powder, but Dutch process cocoa powder works too. Or you can use raw cacao powder if you like.
Natural cocoa powder is untreated, so it has a bold, slightly tangy chocolate flavor. Dutch process cocoa powder is treated to reduce acidity, which gives it a smoother, milder taste and darker color. Cacao powder is less processed and made from raw cacao beans, which retains more nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, but has a stronger, more bitter flavor.
Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a complex, earthy flavor to this hot chocolate. Maple syrup and cocoa powder are an unexpectedly delicious flavor combination that works perfectly in this drink.
Vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the maple and cocoa powder in this recipe. I recommend using pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring if possible.
I like to add a small pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness of this hot chocolate. It adds nutritious minerals too. You can substitute regular table salt or omit the salt if you prefer.
How to Make Maple Hot Chocolate
Add the cocoa powder and boiling water to a mug, then mix until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and optional sea salt, then mix well. Add the milk, then mix again.
Next you’ll heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature (this should take about 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, heat in a pot on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired temperature (this method is simpler if you’re making several servings).
Storage
Serve right away, or store in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat and stir before serving.
More Refined Sugar-Free Drinks to Try
- This black bean smoothie is sweet and chocolaty.
- This gingerbread smoothie is creamy and delicious.
Maple Hot Chocolate Recipe
Equipment
- Mug
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of choice (my favorites are soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add the cocoa powder and boiling water to a mug, then mix until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
- Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and optional sea salt, then mix well.
- Add the milk, then mix again.
- Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature (this should take about 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, heat in a pot on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired temperature (this method is simpler if you're making several servings).
Notes
-
Serve right away, or store in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat and stir before serving.
Nutrition
Absolutely delicious!! So simple to make! Tvm Jennifer
I’m so glad you enjoyed the hot chocolate! Thank you for the lovely feedback!