Introduction to Keto Hot Chocolate
We get asked all the time what the secret to our delicious and thick keto-friendly hot chocolate is. Well, I’m here to tell you what it is, and exactly how you can make it at home tonight! Whether you are dairy-free or not, this keto hot chocolate using canned coconut milk is going to blow your taste buds away.
Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
Keto hot chocolate recipes are normally sugar-free and gluten-free, but not dairy-free. We wanted to create an easy-to-make low-carb keto-friendly recipe that’s thick and sweet just like the original. This dairy and gluten-free keto recipe uses canned coconut milk to make a thick and delicious hot cocoa. The carb count is low and it cooks just like any other keto-friendly milk. While you can use almond milk, we really recommend canned coconut milk because it creates a much more decadent end product.
Is Chocolate Keto?
Cacao or the original form of chocolate is 100% keto-friendly. Cacao is low-carb, but also very bitter. It is the main ingredient that makes up dark chocolate. For this reason, dark chocolate is keto, because it is mainly; or all cacao rather than a blend of cacao, milk solids, and sugar. We use a lot of baker’s chocolate which is 100% cacao and works well in a variety of keto recipes. If baker’s chocolate is too bitter for you, you can always add more stevia to the low-carb hot chocolate mix.
Cocoa Powder on Keto
We made sure to again buy 100% cocoa powder. Don’t be confused with any kind of hot cocoa mix or sweetened baking cocoa. Our favorites are Hershey’s specially dark and Better Body Foods CACAO powder. Cacao powder is the unheated version of unsweetened cocoa powder and retains more antioxidants. Both unsweetened can be keto, it just depends on how much you want to spend.
Low Carb Chocolate
You will for sure have a variety of options online, and some in-store as well. Store-bought options will really vary on how sweet you want your hot cocoa. For a sweeter cocoa use the Lily’s dark chocolate bars for a sugar-free hot cocoa recipe. If you want a good dark chocolate store-bought option we recommend 90-100% chocolate like the 100% baker’s chocolate or 90% Lindtt chocolate bars.
Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Our hot chocolate recipe is dairy-free and sugar-free. We felt making a recipe that was BOTH dairy and sugar-free is vital because there are already so many heavy cream hot chocolates out there. This does pose its own problems though as we had to find a dairy-free heavy cream option that was low sugar and still keto-friendly. The sugar-free hot chocolate base we settled on was canned coconut milk. It has the same thick texture as heavy cream without any of the dairy.
For the sweetener itself, we chose liquid stevia. We find liquid stevia to do a good job sweetening this recipe alone without anything else added. If you don’t like or have liquid stevia, you can use erythritol or monk fruit instead. Just check to make sure your sugar-free hot chocolate recipe has the right sweetness ratios.
Thick vs. Thin Hot Chocolate
We LOVE thick hot chocolate. I know this isn’t for everyone, but I really think a thick keto hot chocolate is the best. It also works for dipping in cinnamon sugar donut holes or churros too because it’s practically melted chocolate. For thicker hot chocolate, make this recipe with no added almond milk, just canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Almond milk is thin and runny so the hot chocolate recipe won’t be thick like with heavy whipping cream.
On the other hand, if you would much rather have thin hot chocolate, use 1-2 cups of added almond milk. Almond milk and coconut milk will make a thinner dairy-free option for low-carb/keto cocoa. The original recipe makes 3 servings, but with added milk, you may get 4 or 5. The carb count and macros will change depending on what dairy-free option you choose.
The Macros for Low Carb and Keto Hot Cocoa
We pride ourselves in making decadent keto recipes that are sugar and gluten-free while still tasting like the original. This is one of the best hot chocolate recipes you’ll ever try and it’s super easy to make. Per serving (serving size 1/3 of recipe) it’s only 2 net carbs, 279 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. There are 6 total carbs from the cocoa powder, but 4 grams of fiber making it 2 net carbs.
Topping Keto Hot Chocolate
Everyone knows a dollop of whipped cream makes the perfect topping for any keto hot chocolate recipe. If you want a dairy-free option for whipped cream, try whipped canned coconut cream. This is not coconut milk! Coconut cream is just the thick part on top of canned coconut milk. If you aren’t dairy-free, you can just use regular heavy whipping cream made into whipped cream on your keto hot cocoa.
Another good topping is shaved chocolate, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of Mexican chili powder. This makes an Aztec-style low-carb hot chocolate.
How to Make Keto Hot Chocolate
If you are ready to make our keto hot chocolate recipe, get out a few ingredients and a pot. This low-carb keto hot chocolate will be done before you know it!
Ingredients
The first and main ingredient of this dairy-free hot chocolate is canned coconut milk. You can use unsweetened almond milk like in other low-carb recipes, but know it will be much thinner. We specifically choose canned coconut milk because it is similar in viscosity to heavy cream. For the chocolate portion, you will need unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder. As well as dark chocolate squares or a dark chocolate bar. We like anywhere between 90-100% chocolate for the lowest carbs.
The remaining ingredients you’ll need are liquid stevia for sweetness (or any sweetener of choice), vanilla extract, and pink salt. Finally, if you desire a thinner dairy-free keto hot chocolate recipe, you’ll want almond milk or a nut milk of choice.
Making Low Carb Hot Chocolate
Begin by adding the cocoa powder, dark chocolate, vanilla extract, salt, and coconut milk to a small saucepan over low heat. Keep whisking until everything is dissolved and combined, you don’t want any clumps of cocoa or burned chocolate.
Start to simmer the hot cocoa and then add in almond milk if desired. You can now take it off of the heat and pour it into two-three mugs.
Top with whipped heavy cream or coconut cream and chocolate shavings. You can also whip up a mug cake or protein waffles to go with it.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 279
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Instructions
- Add coconut milk, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, stevia, vanilla extract, and salt to a small saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk to combine until everything is completely dissolved.
- Bring to a simmer and add nut milk to increase volume, if desired.
- Remove from heat and pour into two mugs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Yields: 3 servings
