Home » Vegan Recipes » Healthy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
ByKristen Wood Last updated
Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe
This super creamy and delicious Healthy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is like pumpkin pie in a cup! If you’re in need of some cozy comfort with a big dash of flavor, look no further! This autumn beverage made with cacao powder, plant-based milk, pumpkin puree and a dash of warming spices is a nutritious way to get your pumpkin fix sans guilt. Vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free + refined sugar-free!
Once the weather turns cooler, I’m all about cacao everything. And, this healthy hot chocolate recipe is no exception! With a pumpkin twist, this cozy autumn beverage will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside with its super creamy, deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super rich, creamy and silky.
- Packed with flavor.
- Super easy to make.
- Cozy, comforting and truly heart-warming.
- Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free with nut-free + sugar-free options!
Ingredients
- Plant-based milk or dairy milk if you are not dairy-free or vegan.
- Maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (see Tips section below in post).
- Cacao powder.
- Pumpkin puree.
- Coconut oil.
- Spices.
Note: for full recipe ingredients and amounts, scroll to the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
How to Make Healthy Hot Chocolate with Pumpkin – Step by Step
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat, serve, and enjoy!
Alternatively: Check out this fun post on how to make hot chocolate in a coffee maker— you can blend the ingredients sans milk, then follow the steps in this post.
Top Tips
Milk It
I love to use unsweetened vanilla almond in this recipe, but cashew and coconut are also great options. And, if you are not on a vegan or dairy-free diet, regular dairy milk works well, too!
Pure Pumpkin
Be certain to use a pumpkin puree that is nothing more than pure pumpkin (no other added ingredients). My favorite store-bought pumpkin puree is an organic one from Thrive Market.
Sweeteners
I love how maple syrup complements pumpkin, but raw honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar and coconut nectar are also great options. If you are on a sugar-free diet, this sugar-free maple syrup is a great option.
Make it Frothy
Do you like your warm beverages super creamy and frothy? Then I highly recommend using a milk frother after you’ve poured this healthy hot chocolate into your mug!
Healthy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate — Common Recipe Questions
- Cacao or Cocoa?
Cacao adds extra nutritional benefits compared to cocoa powder, which is processed, but if you’re just going for some deliciousness – cocoa powder can be used without any further adjustments to the recipe! You can read more about cacao powder in this Hot Cacao post.
- Why Coconut Oil?
For a nice dose of healthy fats and a dash of extra creaminess! If coconut oil is not your deal, you can certainly omit if need be.
- Do I Have to Use a Blender?
No! I find blending it makes for the smoothest option, but you can also simply whisk while heating on the stovetop until all is mostly dissolved and smooth!
Are you a dark chocolate fan? Check out this dark hot chocolate recipe!
More Cacao Powder Recipes
Hot Cacao with Cardamom + Tahini (Vegan)
Golden Lavender Cacao Adaptogenic Latte (Vegan)
Buckwheat Banana Bread with Cacao (Gluten-Free)
Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy (Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free)
More Pumpkin Recipes
The Best Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Bread (Gluten-Free)
Cheesy Pumpkin Chipotle Polenta
Almond + Coconut Pumpkin Muffins (Gluten-Free)
More Cozy Beverages
Almond Rose Chai Tea Latte (Vegan)
Spicy Golden Milk Recipe (Turmeric Tea) + 20 Health Benefits
Moringa Moon Milk (Vegan)
If you try this recipe please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, share this post, usePinterest’s“tried it” feature, or take a photo, & tag me onInstagramand I’ll share it! Thank you so much! <3
Healthy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
This super creamy and delicious Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe with Pumpkin is like pumpkin pie in a cup! If you’re in need of some cozy comfort with a big dash of flavor, look no further! This autumn beverage made with cacao powder, plant-based milk, pumpkin puree and a dash of warming spices is a nutritious way to get your pumpkin fix sans guilt. Vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free + refined sugar-free!
4.34 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate Save
Course: Beverages, Sweets, Vegan
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
Author: Kristen Wood
Ingredients
- 2 cups plant-based or dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup see Tips section above in post for other options
- 1 teaspoon unrefined coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin puree
Instructions
In a blender or food processor combine milk, cacao powder, maple syrup, coconut oil and spices. Blend until smooth.
Add pumpkin puree. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed throughout.
Pour into a mug, optionally sprinkle with ground ginger (+ a good stir), and enjoy!
Notes
Please see ‘Tips’ above in the blog post for suitable substitutions, storage advice and more!
You might also like Dairy Free Oat Milk Hot Chocolateor Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins!
You might also like our October Produce Guide.
You might like: Healthy Black Bean Brownies.
Nutrition
Serving: 2cups | Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 4669IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 656mg | Iron: 2mg
Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
Watch Our Latest VideosFollow us on YouTube!
Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum
