High-Protein Hot Chocolate

5 from 1 vote

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!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: high protein, hot chocolate, protein drink

Servings:

Calories: 310kcal

Author: Jessica Laroche

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.

Nutrition