Holy moly.
Good god almighty.
If you told me this hot chocolate was vegan I would not believe you.
It’s that rich, silky, luscious, and decadent.
The adjectives can easily go on, but I’ll spare you.
Basically I had half a bag of Dandies Marshmallows hanging out in the pantry, since end-of-summer camping plans evaporated due to intense smoke.
I was going to take on the all-too-familiar role as trusty fifth wheel, so the cancelation wasn’t that big of a disappointment.
Anywho.
Besides s’mores and Rice Krispies treats, marshmallows induce fond thoughts of creamy, cozy hot chocolate + hot cocoa, since I guess this cold-weather beverage is kind of both… why utilize just one source of chocolate when you can throw both cacao powder and divine dark chocolate bar squares into the mix?
Naturally sweet oat milk replaces regular dairy milk, plus creamy salted peanut butter amps up the thicc and dreamy factor.
Add a splash of pure vanilla extract and a few dashes of cinnamon for extra credit.
Then float a couple fluffy mallows in your steaming mug to really seal the deal.
P.S. My oat milk (the Trader Joe’s variety this time around) was sweet enough so I didn’t need to add any maple syrup. Taste and sweeten accordingly my friends. Oh, and the dark chocolate bar added some extra sug… shug, schug, suge?? Sugar, whatever.
P.P.S. Be sure to use salted creamy peanut butter for the best results. As in ingredients = peanuts, salt. We don’t want any weird oils or extra sugar added! Plus the salt helps bring out all the lovely chocolate flavor.
P.P.P.S. Honestly, the marshmallows aren’t necessary butttt they are fun and festive. I also added a shaved aka finely chopped up square of dark chocolate to the top of my hot chocolate for extra visual appeal. Speaking of chocolate, make sure you use a high-quality (dairy-free) bar. No Hershey’s crap here.
P.P.P.P.S. Yes that is a copper Moscow mule mug and no I didn’t slip any booze in my chocolatey bevvy (this time). Although a splash of bourbon never hurt nobody.
Vegan Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened unflavored oat milk (or your favorite nondairy beverage, I used Trader Joe's refrigerated oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons creamy salted peanut butter (no added oil or sugar)
- 1/3 ounce high-quality dark chocolate bar (I used 65% cocoa)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 3 dashes ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pure maple syrup, to taste (optional)
- Vegan marshmallows for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small pot over medium-low heat.
- Once the milk is almost at a simmer, whisk in the cacao powder.
- Stir in the peanut butter and chocolate, stirring until the chocolate has melted.
- Add the vanilla and cinnamon, if using.
- Whisk in maple syrup to taste, if using—my oat milk was naturally sweet enough, so I did not need maple syrup.
- Pour into a mug, then top with vegan marshmallows if you wish.