This 5-minute high-protein hot chocolate is ultra-creamy, rich in dark chocolate flavor and packed with protein. Plus, it is so easy to whip it up! The perfect treat on a cold day and this version is vegan + dairy-free!
Who does not crave hot chocolate on a cold day? I like to treat myself to this chocolate chai latte or this turmeric hot chocolate on a slow weekend afternoon, or this oat milk hot chocolate when making a batch for my kids.
But this high-protein hot chocolate recipe comes at the perfect time as I have been trying to include more protein in my diet recently. It has everything you love in a hot chocolate: delicious, creamy, thick and filled with a rich and dark chocolate flavor, but in this case, it also packs a generous amount of protein (over 20 g!).
So whether you are trying to reach your fitness goals, keep hunger at bay or want to support the growth of your children, give this protein-rich hot chocolate a try! ❤️
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy recipe done within 5-10 minutes
- Made with just 4 ingredients
- Simple recipe perfect to boost your diet with more protein
- Single-serve recipe that can be made on the stove or in the microwave
- Healthy recipe: high in antioxidants (thanks to the cacao powder), low in added sugar and packed with plant-based protein
- Perfect for snacking, as a post-workout treat or a light and comforting dessert on a cold evening
- This recipe is dairy-free and vegan!
🗒 Ingredient notes (+ substitutions)
- Cacao powder: responsible for the dark chocolate flavor. I prefer using raw cacao powder for its higher level of antioxidants, but cocoa powder works too.
- Protein powder: I used the vanilla-flavored plant-based pea protein powder from Orgain, but you can use your favorite brand! You can also use chocolate-flavored protein powder for a stronger chocolate taste! Keep in mind that the total amount of protein in your hot chocolate will vary depending on which brand you use.
- Milk: I love using the full-fat oat milk from Oatly to make drinks: it is so creamy, thick and naturally a little sweet (from the natural sugar in oats). But, feel free to use any kind of milk you like, such as almond milk or soy milk. You can also make it using hemp chocolate milk!
- Sweetener: I use a little maple syrup to sweeten my hot chocolate, but agave nectar or even granulated sugar will work and dissolve well in the warm drink. You might not need much depending on how sweet your protein powder is.
⭐️ Full list of ingredients (+ quantities) down below in the recipe card!
📝 Variations
- Chocolate vs vanilla protein powder: you can use both flavored protein powders. If using chocolate flavored, then add some vanilla extract and cut the amount of cacao powder in half to start with. And if using vanilla flavored, then skip the vanilla extract altogether.
- Large batch: if serving for more than one person, then you can make a double or triple batch and make it all on the stove in a medium-sized pot (instead of using the microwave).
- Spices: hot chocolate is amazing when combined with spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom or nutmeg. Or even cayenne pepper! Simply mix in your spices of choice when adding the cacao powder.
- Frothy hot chocolate: use a hand-held frother to mix in the powder with the warm milk for a super smooth result and lightly foamy mixture.
🍽 How to make high-protein hot chocolate
Step 1: Pour the oat milk into a small saucepan and warm up until steamy (but do not simmer or boil).
Step 2: Add the raw cacao powder, protein powder and sweetener.
Step 3: Whisk well to combine and keep warming up until very hot. You can also use a hand-held frother to help break the clumps.
Step 4: Pour in a mug and garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream or any desired topping ingredients!
⭐️ Detailed recipe (+ video) down below in the recipe card!
✅ How to make protein hot chocolate in the microwave
To make it using the microwave, then you can simply combine all the ingredients in a large mug and whisk well until the powders are completely dissolved. Then, warm up for 1 minute and whisk again. Heat an extra 20-30 seconds at a time until warm enough. Be sure not to let the milk boil!
💡 Helpful tips
- The amount of sweetener you will need depends on how sweet your protein powder is and how sweet you like your drinks. You can simply add the maple syrup at the very end and add it right into your mug.
- Do not boil the milk, which can curdle or cook it or clump the protein powder.
- For an indulgent and ultra-creamy result, then you can also use coconut milk!
🍴 Serving suggestions
Serve the hot chocolate very hot garnished with:
- Mini marshmallow (we love the vegan marshmallow from the brand Dandies)
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Mini chocolate chips
- Vegan coconut whipped cream
- Drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce
- Pinch or raw cacao powder
❓ FAQs
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a sealed jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Then, simply warm up what you need in your mug using the microwave or pour it into a saucepan to heat up on the stove. This can be great for your kids as an after-school snack!
This will depend on the strength of your microwave, but usually, you can start with 1 minute and then warm up 20-30 seconds at a time while watching carefully.
This can happen with super fine powders like cacao powder or protein powder, they can be hard to dissolve in liquids. If you end up with lumps, then whisk vigorously to break them and if you have a frother, then use it!
🌱 More protein-rich drink recipes to try!
I hope you like this high-protein hot chocolate recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!
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📖 Recipe
High-Protein Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Small pot (or use the microwave)
- Serving mug
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup dairy-free milk - I used full-fat oat milk from Oatly
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder - or cocoa powder
- 1 scoop protein powder - I used the plant-based vanilla-flavored pea protein powder
- 1 tbsp sweetener of choice (sugar, maple syrup)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract - optional, depending on the flavor of your protein powder
For serving (optional)
- coconut whipped cream
- vegan marshmallows
- shaved dark chocolate
- pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small pot, add the milk and warm up on medium heat. Make sure to not let it boil!
- Add the raw cacao powder, protein powder, sweetener and vanilla extract, if using. Whisk vigorously until the powders is all dissolved and keep warming up until hot enough to your taste.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a serving mug and garnish with your favorite topping ingredients. Enjoy!
- To make it using the microwave: simply combine all the ingredients in a large mug and whisk well until the powders are completely dissolved. Then, warm up for 1 minute and whisk again. Heat an extra 20-30 seconds at a time until warm enough. Be sure not to let the milk boil!
Video
Notes
- The amount of sweetener you will need depends on how sweet your protein powder is and how sweet you like your drinks. You can simply add the maple syrup at the very end and add it right into your mug.
- Watch the temperature: Do not boil the milk, which can curdle it or clump the protein powder.
- For an indulgent and ultra-creamy result, then you can also use coconut milk!
- Chocolate vs vanilla protein powder: you can use both flavored protein powders. If using chocolate flavored: add some vanilla extract and cut the amount of cacao powder in half to start with. And if using vanilla flavored: skip on the vanilla extract.
- Spices: hot chocolate is amazing when combined with spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom or nutmeg. Or even cayenne pepper! Simply mix in your spice of choice when adding the cacao powder.
- Frothy hot chocolate: use a hand-held frother to mix in the powder with the warm milk for a super smooth result and lightly foamy mixture.
- Large batch: if serving for more than one person, then you can make a double or triple batch and make it on the stove in a medium-sized pot.
- Nutrition: Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.
Easy and delicious, thanks for the recipe Jess!
😊 Glad it worked out!