Vegan Hot Chocolate

December’s fast approaching and Autumn is well underway. The cold, crisp evenings and darker skies mean one thing – it’s the perfect time to indulge in a hot, soothing cup of hot chocolate!

Nothing quite beats that first sip of a steaming hot mug of cocoa – however, most versions are laden with calories. So, with this in mind, we’ve found a fabulously tasty guilt free vegan version of an old classic! 

Vegan Hot Chocolate (Cocoa) – Serves 2 

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup pre-soaked whole cashews
• ¼ cup pre-soaked whole almonds
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon lucuma
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
• 6 pitted dates
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A small pinch Himalayan/sea salt

Instructions 

1      Soak the cashews and almonds in water for at least 30 minutes.

2      Once the nuts have been soaked, drain out all the water and place in a blender, along with the water, cacao powder, lucuma, extra virgin coconut oil, cacao nibs and dates.

3      Blend on full speed until all is liquidised.

4      Pour into a saucepan and turn the heat on high-medium high. Add a teaspoon of maple syrup, vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt.

5      Stir and let the liquid heat up to your desired temperature, which should take about 3-6 minutes.

6      Pour into a mug and top with a sprinkling of cacao nibs. 

Et Voila! A fabulously tasty and guilt free version of a winter classic.