Delicious and Healthy Vegan Black Bean Soup Recipe
Hello, my fellow health enthusiasts! Are you in the mood for a hot, delicious drink that won’t undo all of your weight loss progress? Look no further than this low calorie vegan hot cocoa recipe.
As a vegan chef, I am passionate about finding nutritious and guilt-free alternatives to our favorite comfort foods, and this recipe is no exception. It’s perfect for those who are watching their weight or looking for a healthier alternative to traditional hot chocolate.
The best part? This recipe is made with only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy it without any animal products or worry about environmental impact.
So grab your mug and let’s get started on making the most delicious and healthy hot cocoa you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there fellow foodies! Are you ready for a delicious, guilt-free treat that will warm your insides during the colder months? Allow me to introduce you to my Low Calorie Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe! Trust me, this recipe is not just any regular hot chocolate; it is a vegan, dairy-free and low-calorie version of the classic hot cocoa.
Firstly, what sets it apart from other hot chocolate mixes is that it has only 42 calories per serving! Yes, you heard that right – less than half of the calories compared to regular hot cocoa. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
Furthermore, this recipe is entirely vegan and dairy-free – perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or those who have opted for a plant-based diet. It uses unsweetened almond milk as a base; therefore, it is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates.
Lastly, the best part of all, making this hot cocoa requires only four ingredients: unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar substitute (such as maple syrup), vanilla extract (pure is best), and unsweetened almond milk. It’s so simple; you can whip it up in just five-minutes flat! And trust me when I say that even with less than half the calories, this hot cocoa still tastes rich, smooth and chocolaty.
In conclusion, my Low-Calorie Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe outshines all competition with its ease of preparation, low calorie count, and take on traditional hot chocolate flavors. Give it a try and experience the perfect union between taste and health for yourself.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list! This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients 1 (for hot cocoa mix):
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar substitute, such as Stevia or Erythritol
- 1/2 tsp salt
Ingredients 2 (to make hot cocoa):
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk choice of your preference)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup or other preferred sweetener
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time for the main event — let’s get into the recipe! This is a quick and easy recipe that requires only four ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract
Note: You can use any type of milk as per your preference, be it coconut milk, oat milk or any other milk choice that suits your taste.
Directions
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In a saucepan, add almond milk and cocoa powder over medium heat.
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Once the mixture warms up, add maple syrup and whisk until all ingredients are mixed well.
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Bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally then lower the flame.
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Next, add vanilla extract and whisk well.
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Let it simmer for one minute before removing it from the heat.
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Pour it into a mug and allow it to cool down for just a few seconds before serving.
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Enjoy your delicious, low calorie vegan hot cocoa!
Tips: You can adjust the sweetness or bitterness by adding more or less cocoa powder or sweetener according to your taste preferences. If you’re craving something more indulgent or less creamy, try using oat milk instead of almond milk for a different flavor variation!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about the exciting part – the substitutions and variations. I know as a vegan chef, it’s always fun to experiment with different ingredients and make unforgettable dishes. So, let’s mix things up a bit and get creative with your low calorie vegan hot cocoa recipe.
– Milk choice: While I have recommended unsweetened almond milk in this recipe, you can easily use any dairy-free milk of your choice. Some of my other favorites include oat milk or coconut milk. Feel free to try out different kinds of plant-based milk to find the perfect match for your taste.
– Sugar substitute: If you don’t like using stevia or any other sugar substitute, you can choose to use maple syrup instead for a natural sweetener. It has fewer calories than regular sugar and will add a unique flavor to your cocoa.
– Vanilla extract: If you’re not a fan of vanilla extract or don’t have it on hand, feel free to skip it entirely – it won’t impact the recipe too much. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a nuttier flavor.
– Cocoa powder: The backbone of this recipe is the unsweetened cocoa powder. However, if you’re looking for something different, feel free to try cacao powder or even a hot cocoa mix. Just be mindful that these alternative ingredients may have added sugars and calories.
– Low carb version: If you’re on a low-carb diet or trying to stay away from sugary drinks altogether, simply omit the maple syrup and use unsweetened cocoa powder instead. You can even add in some chai spices for an added level of depth.
So there you have it – endless possibilities to customize your low calorie vegan hot cocoa recipe to suit your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegan low-calorie hot cocoa is done, it’s time to enjoy its enticing aroma and rich, decadent flavor. Remember to serve it piping hot, preferably in a lovely and cute mug of your choice.
To elevate the experience, you can add some dairy-free whipped cream on top or sprinkle a few mini vegan chocolate chips. The combination of the warm, creamy hot cocoa with the light, airy whipped cream or the rich, crunchy chocolate chips will be nothing less than heavenly.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, pair your hot cocoa with some homemade vegan cookies or biscotti. The sweetness of the cookies will complement the slightly bitter tang of the hot cocoa and give you a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter option, serve your hot cocoa with some fresh fruit skewers or unsweetened vegan yogurt. The sharpness of the fruit or yogurt will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cocoa and make it a perfect breakfast or mid-day snack.
Overall, this vegan low-calorie hot cocoa recipe is versatile enough to be paired with your favorite snacks or enjoyed on its own. So get creative with how you’d like to enjoy it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about how to make this vegan hot cocoa ahead of time and how to store or reheat it.
To make it ahead of time, prepare the recipe according to the instructions and let it cool down at room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container or a jar with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after thawing. To thaw, simply let the container sit at room temperature for a few hours, then reheat as directed below.
To reheat, you can either heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. To do so on the stove, simply pour the desired amount of hot cocoa into a small saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, transfer the hot cocoa to a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until heated through.
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you want to make enough for a large group of people. Just keep in mind that you’ll need more saucepans or larger containers to hold all of it. Also, keep in mind that reheating too many servings at once in the microwave can take longer than reheating one serving at a time.
Overall, this vegan hot cocoa is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later use or reheating when you want a warm and cozy drink. It’s easy to make, low in calories, and has tons of delicious flavor without sacrificing your health goals. So grab your favorite mug and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Before you dive into making this delicious low calorie vegan hot cocoa, there are a few helpful tips that can guarantee perfect results every time. In creating this recipe, I found that these tips will help you customize the hot cocoa to your personal preference while still keeping it healthy and delectable.
1. Adjust sweetness to taste: Different sugar substitutes have varying levels of sweetness, so adjust accordingly depending on how sweet you like your hot cocoa. For instance, if you opt for stevia as your sugar substitute, a few drops may be enough to achieve your desired level of sweetness. On the other hand, pure maple syrup may require more than a tablespoon to satisfy a sweet tooth.
2. Use unsweetened almond milk: To reduce the calorie count and keep the recipe vegan-friendly, unsweetened almond milk is significant. However, keep in mind that macadamia milk, soy milk and coconut milk are acceptable too.
3. Use high-quality cocoa powder: The type of cocoa powder used can greatly affect the taste of your hot cocoa. Make sure to use unsweetened and 100% pure cocoa powder for best results.
4. Blend all ingredients well: To ensure that all ingredients mix seamlessly and the hot cocoa is smooth and creamy, using a blender or an immersion blender is recommended.
5. Serve immediately: Hot cocoa tastes better when consumed fresh and hot off the stove.
By following these tips and ensuring to use high-quality ingredients in the recipe, you are well on your way to making perfect dairy-free low calorie vegan hot cocoa every time!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make the perfect Low Calorie Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe, let’s address some frequently asked questions to help you out. I understand that when it comes to vegan and low-calorie food, there might be questions you have about substitutes and variations. So, in this section, I’ve compiled some of the most common queries users have. Let’s dive into them together to ensure that you’re confident when making this delicious hot cocoa recipe.
Is hot chocolate healthy for weight loss?
It has been found that cocoa powder can support weight loss efforts by reducing appetite and increasing satiety. As a result, consuming cocoa can satisfy your desire for chocolate without the need to consume large amounts of sugary treats.
What vegan milk is best for hot chocolate?
Looking for a milk alternative to make your hot chocolate vegan? Oat milk could be a good choice, as it offers a subtle sweetness that complements the chocolate flavors without overpowering them. Alternatively, almond milk is a slightly less creamy option that can bring a nutty taste to your drink. Both options are plant-based and perfect for those who want to avoid dairy products in their hot chocolate.
How many calories are in hot cocoa with almond milk?
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy treat to warm you up on a chilly day, try our Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe made with almond milk! This recipe yields one serving and packs in 19g of total carbs, 19g of net carbs, 3.4g of fat, 2.3g of protein, and only 120 calories.
How many calories are in homemade hot chocolate?
A single serving of homemade hot cocoa, measuring 1 cup (250g), contains approximately 193 calories. The calorie distribution in this beverage is divided into 27% from fat, 56% from carbohydrates, and 18% from protein.
Bottom Line
Now that you have my delicious low calorie vegan hot cocoa recipe, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it! This is the perfect drink to cozy up with on a cold day, or for when you’re feeling down and need a little pick-me-up.
Not only is this hot cocoa vegan and dairy-free, but it’s also low in calories and packed with healthy ingredients. By using unsweetened almond milk and sugar substitute, you are cutting out unnecessary calories and sugar without sacrificing taste.
So next time you’re craving a warm cup of hot cocoa, skip the high-calorie hot chocolate mix and try this recipe instead. With only 4 simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
Remember, your health is important, and you can still indulge in delicious treats while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So go ahead, make yourself a cup of my low calorie vegan hot cocoa and enjoy guilt-free!
Low Calorie Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar substitute (Splenda)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 4 cups light soymilk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 dash salt
Instructions
- Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes.
- Add soy milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Reduce heat; make sure that once you have added the soy milk to the mixture, it does not boil. Heat it just so that it is warm or hot to your liking.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Whisk hot cocoa; the longer you whisk it, the frothier it will get.
- Enjoy!
- Cooks Note: If available, use LIGHT soy milk instead of regular soy milk. It will cut the calories in half, especially if you use a brand like Vitasoy Light.
Add Your Own Notes
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.