By Elaine Gordon · Published: · Modified:
Jump to Recipe
9 Comments
Gluten-FreePaleoRefined Sugar-FreeVegan
This rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe contains 12 grams of protein, making it the perfect drink to enjoy during the cold winter months when you're craving a nostalgic hot cocoa but with a healthy and nutritious boost!
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (1) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-24.jpg)
As a kid, there were few things I loved more than coming home after playing in the freezing snow and sipping on a cup of hot chocolate with the whole family. It warmed me up and satisfied my sweet tooth all at the same time.
What I didn't realize back then is that my fondest hot chocolate memories came from mixes containing preservatives and artificial sweeteners and colors. It is definitely time to scrap the hot chocolate mix and make your own!
Nowadays I enjoy hot chocolate that uses real, simple ingredients that I actually feel good about. My blender hot chocolate is made up of just water, cacao powder, Medjool dates, almonds, vanilla and salt and it is seriously out of this world.
My latest project for this winter season was to build on that vegan recipe to add some extra protein for after an active day out in the cold, whether it be sledding with the kids or an intense outdoor run. After a few attempts, I landed on the most delicious and healthy hot chocolate recipe!
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (2) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-13.jpg)
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Creamy, delicious and soothing hot drink
- Healthier than traditional hot chocolate
- High protein treat (12 g protein per serving)
- Easy recipe - ready in 5 minutes!
- Simple ingredients
- Allergy and diet-friendly - vegan, dairy-free, paleo and refined sugar-free
Ingredients
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (3) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Protein-Hot-Chocolate-Ingredients-1.png)
- Hot water - I bring the water to a boil in an electric kettle but you can also use a small pot on the stove top. Any non-dairy milk will also work so feel free to use your milk of choice. Almond milk, cashew milk and oat milk will increase the protein content further. Coconut milk works as well.
- Medjool dates - These stone fruits are a natural sweetener that also provides fiber, potassium and iron.
- Maple syrup - Maple syrup adds another touch of sweetness that is free of refined sugar.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - This provides the distinguishable chocolate taste. Cacao powder can be used for added nutrients. Learn more about the differences between cocoa and cacao in this post all about chocolate.
- Protein powder - I use unflavored, unsweetened vegan protein powder so that I can control the flavor profile using all of the whole food ingredients in this hot cocoa recipe rather than relying on the taste from the powder. You don't need chocolate protein powder to achieve a chocolaty taste!
- Almond butter - Almond butter provides additional creaminess as well as increasing the protein intake.
- Vanilla extract - This balances out the chocolate flavor perfectly and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Fine salt - To bring out all the flavors.
Instructions
1. Blend. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth (about 40 seconds on the highest speed setting will provide the perfect consistency).
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (4) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-2.jpg)
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (5) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-3.jpg)
2. Taste. Adjust the sweetness if desired.
3. Serve. Pour into mugs and serve piping hot. Garnish with coconut whipped cream and/or dark chocolate shavings if desired.
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (6) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-7.jpg)
Recipe Tips
The protein powder affects the texture and flavor. There are so many different types of protein powder (e.g., hemp, pumpkin seed, whey, casein, pea protein), each of which has its own consistency and flavor profile. It all boils down to preference so feel free to use your favorite protein powder. I use pumpkin seed protein from Sprout Living because it is vegan and contains no flavoring, additives or gums (you can use my affiliate coupon code ELAINE20 for 20% off your order on anything sitewide).
Add other garnishes. Make it more of a treat with additional toppings such as mini vegan marshmallows, vegan chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles overtop the whipped cream. Or make it more of a Mexican hot chocolate by adding Ceylon cinnamon and ground cayenne pepper. Or, add a touch of peppermint extract to make a peppermint hot chocolate which is oh-so-festive this time of year.
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (7) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-23.jpg)
More Healthy Warm Winter Beverages
I often find that the best way to warm up is with a hot beverage. The following are also great options:
- Vegan chai latte
- Spiced apple cider
- Turmeric golden milk latte
- Vegan gingerbread steamer
I hope you enjoy this protein hot chocolate recipe! Please comment below and tag me @eatingbyelaine as I always value your feedback. Happy winter!
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (8) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/EBE-Protein-Hot-Chocolate-16.jpg)
5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate
5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Elaine Gordon
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe contains 12 grams of protein, making it the perfect drink to enjoy during the cold winter months when you're craving a nostalgic hot cocoa but with a healthy and nutritious boost!
Ingredients
UnitsScale
- 2.5 cups boiling water - use an electric kettle or the stovetop
- 6 soft pitted Medjool dates
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for double the protein of cocoa powder)
- 1 scoop unflavored, unsweetened plain protein powder (or 3 tablespoons hemp hearts)
- 1 tablespoon raw creamy almond butter (or any nut or seed butter: tahini, cashew butter etc.)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- Blend. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth (about 40 seconds on the highest speed setting).
- Taste. Adjust the sweetness if desired.
- Serve. Pour into mugs and serve piping hot. Garnish with coconut whipped cream and/or dark chocolate shavings if desired.
Equipment
![5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (10) 5-Minute High Protein Hot Chocolate (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatingbyelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Vitamix-High-Speed-Blender-150x150.png)
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blender
- Chocolate
- Dates
- Winter
- Christmas
- Valentine's Day
- Gluten-Free
- Paleo
- Refined Sugar-Free
- Vegan
- Blender
- No-Bake
- Easy
- Quick
Reader Interactions
Comments
Kathleen says
This hot chocolate looks so creamy, rich and delicious. It's a big bonus that it's full of protein.
Reply
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you Kathleen!
Reply
Dina and Bruce says
Love that this is so tasty and sweetened with dates!! Very satisfying!
Reply
Elaine Gordon says
Thanks so much Dina and Bruce!
Reply
TAYLER ROSS says
This hot chocolate was just what I needed to warm me up today! It was delicious and I felt good about drinking it without all the added extra sugar!
Reply
Elaine Gordon says
I'm so happy you enjoyed this and that it warmed you up! Thank you so much for sharing!
Reply
MacKenzie says
I love this hot chocolate it’s packed with flavor and I can’t get over that. It has extra protein in it. This recipe is perfect for the new year. I am always trying to add in more protein.
Reply
Elaine Gordon says
So happy you enjoyed it and is helping with your protein intake. Thank you for sharing MacKenzie!
Reply