This sweet Vegan Molasses Hot Cocoa gives you a boost of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Chocolate and blackstrap molasses not only make a nice pair, but both are great for that time of month!
Warm Up With This Sweet Combo
One of my favorite combinations is blackstrap molasses and chocolate. I often add molasses to my chocolate smoothies, especially lately since I’m recovering from a broken ankle. It adds a good dose of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Since I love chocolate and blackstrap molasses together, I thought I’d make a Vegan Molasses Hot Cocoa. When the weather is cold (cold for the warm climate that I live in), it’s time for some hot cocoa.
Even though I live in sunny Tucson, I am usually cold. As I type this I am wearing fingerless gloves and a scarf. Meanwhile, my husband is in shorts and a t-shirt.
I should point out that he was just working outside, while I have been at my computer in one of the coldest parts of the house most of the day.
Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate
Many people use hot cocoa and hot chocolate interchangeably, but they are actually two different drinks. Traditionally, hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, milk and sugar. Whereas hot chocolate is made with chocolate that is melted down.
Hot chocolate is thick and rich. Hot cocoa is thin and sweet.
Now that that’s out of the way, I will say that I decided to make hot cocoa instead of hot chocolate because for one, I always have cacao powder stocked. Chocolate on the other hand usually disappears a few days to a week after I buy it.
I just can’t resist having a daily piece of dark chocolate when I have it around. Then there’s dark chocolate bark. I would say that a piece becomes many pieces when I get hold of that stuff.
The other reason I decided on hot cocoa is because I already have two hot chocolate recipes, but only one hot cocoa recipe.
Blackstrap Molasses
If you have never had blackstrap molasses, it tastes bitter sweet. It gives gingerbread its distinctive flavor.
As I mentioned earlier, blackstrap molasses provides a good dose of iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also is rich in antioxidants compared to other sweeteners. The other thing that I like about it is it has a low glycemic level.
It is said to help with PMS symptoms, so when you combine it with chocolate, you have a PMS fighting elixir. Chocolate also contains magnesium, which helps soothe cramps by relaxing your muscles.
Other Recipes to Keep You Warm This Winter
- 3 Ingredient Vegan Chili
- Vegan Matcha Latte
- 5 Ingredient Curry Peanut Pumpkin Soup
- Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate
Vegan Molasses Hot Cocoa
This vegan hot cocoa with molasses has a rich sweetness. Perfect for a cold Winter day!
If you love this recipe, please come back and leave your feedback and star rating.
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You may need:
Vegan Molasses Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Bring blackstrap molasses, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and almond milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking constantly until blackstrap molasses is melted and almond milk is frothy.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Aitza B says
This is my kind of drink. i’m Phasi dairy products out. Of my diet so this is useful
Bryant at Preppy Guy Guide says
Hot cocoa is one of my weaknesses so this is definitely being saved to my “Have to try” list.
Willow Moon says
Thanks, I hope you like it!
Aditi Kulkarni says
Great post! I must admit I did not know the difference between hot chocolate and cocoa!! Thanks for that 🙂
Never tried blackstrap molasses..but I got to try now.
Willow Moon says
I think people either love it or they hate it. It pairs great with chocolate.
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
This looks amazing! It looks so creamy, I can’t believe it’s vegan!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Carrie! Yup, it really is vegan!
Jen says
oh my! Looks too good to be true!!
Tammy says
OMG!! Where was this recipe when I use to have PMS so bad!! Great recipe and passing this along to my girl friends.
Willow Moon says
I hope it helps to relieve their symptoms!
Fran says
This is my new favorite breakfast drink! I love the boost of vitamins and minerals from the molasses!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Fran!
Cyndi says
This is amazing! SO good.
Question though. I did use organic non-homogenized milk which contains only 120 mg sodium. . My molasses was blackstrap, organic with only 10 mg of sodium. I used Divine cocoa, no sodium. SO. WHERE do you figure 664mg of sodium?. Thank you.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Cyndi! I have a plugin that figures out the nutritional info. When it shows me the totals before publishing it only shows me calories and other basic information – not the sodium count, vitamins, etc. So when I go into that recipe it doesn’t show me exactly where the high amount of sodium is coming from. That’s why I disclose under each recipe card that the nutritional info should be considered an estimate only.