There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day. For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, traditional hot chocolate can be off-limits due to its high sugar content. But don’t worry—this Low-Carb Hot Chocolate recipe is here to satisfy your cravings! Made with rich unsweetened cocoa, creamy almond milk, and a touch of keto-friendly sweetness, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or enjoying a holiday treat, this recipe will keep you cozy and on track with your goals.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Serves: 2
Total Carbs: ~3g
Net Carbs: ~2g
Calories: ~150
Fat: ~14g
Protein: ~3g
Choosing the Best Cocoa Powder for Hot Chocolate
To make truly delicious hot chocolate, the key is starting with high-quality cocoa powder.
You can use either natural cocoa or Dutch-process cocoa for your hot chocolate:
- Natural Cocoa: Offers a lighter, slightly fruity flavor with a hint of acidity.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa: This cocoa is alkalized, giving it a smoother, less acidic, and deeper, earthy flavor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a richer, darker chocolate taste.
When combined with warm milk, the flavor of the cocoa powder will shine even more, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality option. Skip the low-fat, generic supermarket varieties and opt for a higher-fat cocoa powder for a creamier, more indulgent drink.
Low-Carb Milk Alternatives
Traditional cow’s milk is often too high in carbohydrates for a keto diet. For example, an 8 oz serving of 2% milk contains a surprising 12g of carbs—not ideal for staying low-carb.
Thankfully, there are plenty of dairy-free milk alternatives that fit perfectly into a keto lifestyle. Here’s a quick comparison of their carb counts (per 8 oz serving):
- Flax Milk: 1g carbs
- Coconut Milk: 1g carbs
- Hemp Milk: 1g carbs
- Cashew Milk: 1g carbs
- Almond Milk: 2g carbs
- Soy Milk: 4g carbs
For most recipes, I recommend unsweetened almond milk because it’s widely available, versatile, and has a mild taste that complements both sweet and savory dishes. That said, feel free to choose the low-carb milk alternative you enjoy most—any of these options will keep your carbs in check while adding flavor and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp keto sweetener (like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional Toppings:Keto whipped cream . A sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder or cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine almond milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in Cocoa Powder and Sweetener
- Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and keto sweetener. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
- Add Vanilla Extract
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and aroma.
- Serve
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
- Optional Toppings
- Top with keto whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Conclusion
This Low-Carb Hot Chocolate is proof that you can enjoy your favorite indulgences while sticking to a keto diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, chocolatey drink that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Pair it with your favorite toppings like keto whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, and savor every sip—guilt-free!
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