Note that if you purchase something via one of our links, including Amazon, we may earn a small commission.
Set up a hot cocoa bar complete with flavorful hot chocolate, homemade plant milk, and all of your favorite toppings.
Print
RECIPE: DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
- Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
Description
Go traditional or get creative with spices, seasonings, and add-ins with this cocoa recipe. Use your preferred milk, whether it’s organic cow’s milk or a plant-based version. If you’re serving a crowd, try different ingredients in a few batches.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups milk of choice
- 1 1/2–2 Tbsps cocoa powder
- 1–2 oz dark chocolate or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Seasonings (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Whisk the milk together with the cocoa, chocolate, and sweetener. Slowly whisk over a low simmer until chocolate is melted and everything is incorporated. Stir in the vanilla, salt, and any extra spices or seasonings of your choice.
- Serve with homemade marshmallows and whipped cream or coconut cream.
Notes
- Sub cocoa powder and chocolate for 2 tablets Rancho Gordo stoneground chocolate.
- Add in a shot of espresso.
- Add a pinch of your favorite herbs and adoptogens such as chaga, ashwagandha, or maca powder.
- Spice it up with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or even cayenne.
Whipped and Other Toppings
- Homemade Cashew Cream: Blend 1 cup of soaked and drained cashews with 3/4 cups fresh water and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. (No need to strain.) Add more water if necessary. You can also add 1 to 2 dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra spice.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: Chill 1 can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop the solids from the top, leaving the liquid for another use. Whip it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until light and fluffy.
- Classic Whipped Cream: Simply whisk 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add vanilla or sugar if you like, or simply leave as is.
- Cacao Nib Crackle: Toast cacao nibs for 2 to 3 minutes, then toss with maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt for a crunchy sprinkle.
- Shakers: Set out cinnamon and cocoa shakers for a final dusting.
- Dark Chocolate or Mexican Chocolate Tablets: These can be shaved with a cheese grater on top.
Other Hot Chocolate Bar Goodies
- An assortment of homemade or store-bought cookies — a must for dipping!
- Fresh fruit to cut through rich chocolate
- Seasoned and raw nuts for a crunchy snack
- Prezels for a salty dipper
