This rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate is sweetened with pure maple syrup and can be dressed up with your favorite toppings. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
If you love peanut butter, this cozy hot cocoa tastes like a drinkable version of a peanut butter cup. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s thick, comforting, and perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday evenings.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy homemade hot chocolate
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly
Ingredients and substitutions
Below are brief notes on the main ingredients. The full list and quantities appear in the recipe card further down.
Natural peanut butter – Choose a natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best texture and flavor. Almond or sunflower seed butter can work as substitutes (sunflower seed butter makes it nut-free).
Unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder – Cocoa gives deep chocolate flavor; use cacao for a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate note.
Plant milk – Unsweetened almond milk is recommended, but any non-dairy milk such as soy, oat, cashew, or canned coconut milk will create a delicious dairy-free result.
Maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and depth. Agave, honey (if not vegan), or coconut sugar can be used instead if desired.
Pure vanilla extract – A small splash brightens the flavor—use pure vanilla for the best result.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Pour the plant milk into a small saucepan and warm it over low to medium-low heat. After the milk is warm, whisk in the cocoa (or cacao), peanut butter, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Once large lumps have mostly dissolved, add the maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk frequently until the mixture is smooth and reaches your preferred drinking temperature. Taste and add more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
To make an optional peanut butter drizzle, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup, adding maple syrup a little at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
How to serve
Adjust sweetness or peanut butter intensity before serving—add extra maple syrup for sweetness or another tablespoon of peanut butter for a bolder flavor. Pour into mugs and top with vegan marshmallows, a peanut butter drizzle, dairy-free whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped peanuts for texture.
FAQs
Yes. Peanut butter blends well into warm dairy or plant-based milk—whisk it into gently heated milk until smooth.
Yes. Brief heating on the stove or in short microwave intervals will loosen peanut butter for easier mixing.
Yes. Use a nut-free milk and substitute sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
Warm drinks are a simple comfort on cold days—try this peanut butter hot chocolate for a cozy treat. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and make it your own.
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Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate (Vegan)
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Rhubarb Bourbon Sour Cocktail
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📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (655 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 4 tablespoons (25 g) unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 pinches salt
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Drizzle (optional)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
Additional optional toppings
- Vegan marshmallows
- Coconut whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or cacao nibs
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond milk. After a few minutes, whisk in the cocoa powder, peanut butter, and salt.
- When the mixture is mostly smooth, whisk in the maple syrup and vanilla. Continue whisking until fully combined and heated to your liking. Taste and add more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a peanut butter drizzle if desired.
- To make the peanut butter drizzle: combine the peanut butter and maple syrup, adding maple syrup gradually until you reach a pourable consistency.