If you had to pick just a few treats that feel like “the holidays,” there’s a fair shot that hot chocolate is one of them. As should be: when else do we have the perfect excuse to guzzle down dreamy chocolate right out of a mug? (Though with all the sugar and preservatives most boxed hot cocoa varieties contain, let’s just say it’s a good thing this drink is a such a limited-time-only experience!)
While the hot chocolate we grew up enjoying may have been quite nice on flavor, there’s actually no need to make the drink so nutritionally naughty. After all, chocolate in and of itself is a legendary superfood, especially when used in its unaltered raw form.
That’s why we always use real raw cacao powder for hot chocolate (and not roasted cocoa) to maximize the benefits. And to embellish the flavor—as cacao on its own can sometimes fall a little flat—we add some coconut water for its complex sweet-salty flavor, roasted almond butter for a full-bodied creaminess, and sugar-free monkfruit sweetener to keep the added sugars of this drink at a nice round ZERO! (Bonus: save 15% off all monkfruit sweeteners with code LUMINBERRY)
The result is a hot chocolate that tastes shockingly similar to the premade varieties you so fondly remember … in the very best way! Each sip is so richly flavored, full of the chocolatey taste you crave, and yet you’d never even consider how many healthy rewards it contains. (Minerals! Antioxidants! No sugar! No dairy!) In fact, likely the only thing on your mind once you're finished ... is when to make this truly amazing comfort drink next.
Looking to incorporate more low-sugar beverages into your healthy routine? Try our popular on-demand cooking course: Low-Sugar Superfood Smoothies
WATCH HOW WE MAKE OUR SUGAR-FREE SUPERFOOD HOT CHOCOLATE:
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SUGAR-FREE SUPERFOOD HOT CHOCOLATE PREP TIPS:
Keep in mind these simple tips while making your next batch.
Pick the right almond butter. Roasted almond butter, as opposed to raw, will offer the fullest flavor needed to make this recipe so “convincingly chocolate.” Also be sure your variety does not have any added sugar—it's not needed here.
Sweeten as desired. The amount of sweetness for the hot chocolate is up to you: dark chocolate lovers may enjoy just 3 tablespoons of sugar-free 1:1 monkfruit sweetener for this recipe, while 4 tablespoons will provide more of a traditional hot chocolate flavor (aka quite sweet)! You can also use coconut sugar or another sugar of your choice for a sugar-inclusive variation—just use a 1:1 ratio when substituting.
Pay attention to texture. Depending on the grind of the almond butter you use, some particulates of the nuts may remain after being blended. For the smoothest results, pour the blended chocolate mixture through a fine mesh sieve when adding it to the pot for heating. Alternatively, wait a moment before pouring to allow any particulates to settle to the bottom, then simply avoid pouring the very last tablespoon or so of "textural" mixture into the pot.
Warm gently. Chocolate can burn very easily, even when in the liquid form of a hot chocolate, resulting in a bitter flavor. Always use a low heat on the stove, stir often, and remove the recipe from the heat as soon as it’s at temperature.
MORE HOLIDAY FAVORITES:
Sugar-Free Superfood Hot Chocolate
Creamy classic meet healthy upgrade: This hot chocolate is genuinely good for you with its naturally occurring minerals, antioxidants, and zero added sugar.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 2-3
Author: Julie Morris Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups coconut water
3 tablespoons roasted almond butter
3 tablespoons 1:1 monkfruit sweetener (add more if you like it sweeter!), or coconut sugar
2 tablespoons cacao powder
Directions
1. Add all the ingredients to the blender (starting with just 3 tablespoons of monkfruit), and blend together. Taste, and add more sweetener if desired.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepot. Warm gently over low heat, mixing now and then, until pleasantly hot. Pour into mugs and serve.
Optional: Garnish with a dollop of non-dairy whipped cream on top of each mug.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below, or tag @luminberry on Instagram and hashtag it #luminberry