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    Home » Low-Carb Desserts » Keto Hot Chocolate

    Keto Hot Chocolate

    Last updated: Feb 20, 2023 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Wonderfully thick and creamy, hot chocolate is the perfect keto indulgence this time of year.

    I make it with ultra-dark chocolate (90% cacao) and add just a touch of sweetener, but the added sweetener is completely optional.

    Keto hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

    I'm sure I'm not the only one who has cozy childhood memories of mugs of hot chocolate topped with tiny marshmallows. There's something incredibly comforting about a hot drink on a cold winter day.

    So it's good to know that while the marshmallows are a definite no, enjoying hot chocolate on the keto diet is very much a possibility - and it's absolutely delicious.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe Card

    Ingredients

    You'll only need four simple ingredients to make this keto hot chocolate. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    • Half-and-half: You can also use heavy cream. Personally, I feel that heavy cream is a bit much.
    • Sweetener: I use stevia glycerite. You can use a granulated sweetener instead.
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: It's best to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It's milder and less acidic than natural cocoa powder.
    • Extra-dark chocolate: I use Lindt Excellence 90%. You can use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, but the darker the better, obviously.
    The ingredients needed to make keto hot chocolate.

    Instructions

    Making keto hot chocolate is delightfully easy. The detailed instructions are listed in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

    First, measure and gather all your ingredients so that everything's ready. Things happen fast in this recipe! If using a chocolate bar, chop it with a sharp chef's knife, as shown in the video.

    Pour a cup of half-and-half into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat until tiny bubbles appear around the edges.

    Don't let the half-and-half come to a boil. As soon as those bubbles appear, add the sweetener and the cocoa powder, then lower the heat to low and whisk until completely dissolved.

    A photo collage showing steps 1-4 for making keto hot chocolate.

    Turn the heat off. Add the chopped chocolate (or the chocolate chips) and stir it in until completely melted.

    Divide the drink between four espresso-size cups. If desired, top with a dollop of keto whipped cream and dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.

    A photo collage showing steps 5-8 for making low-carb hot chocolate.

    Expert tip

    It's best to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this recipe. This cocoa powder is treated with alkali, making it milder, darker, and less acidic than natural cocoa powder. It's not that the recipe won't work with natural cocoa powder. But it won't taste as good, in my opinion.

    Frequently asked questions

    What type of chocolate should I use?

    I really like Lindt Excellence 90% dark chocolate. It's my favorite chocolate to eat too (except when I make homemade chocolate!). You can replace this with your favorite dark chocolate, taking into account that the nutrition info might change.

    Whatever chocolate you use, make sure it's a truly high-quality one. Using real chocolate, and the quality of the chocolate used is what makes this recipe so good.

    Can I serve this in a mug instead of an espresso cup?

    Yes, you can, and the nutrition info will change accordingly. But this drink is VERY rich - the photo below should give you an idea of just how thick it is.

    Truly, you would not want to drink an entire mug of this. Try the suggested serving size and see how you feel. I think it's perfect. Pouring keto hot chocolate into a cup.

    Can I substitute almond milk for the half-and-half?

    You can, but I don't recommend it. Almond milk is very watery and the result won't be as good. You could try using equal parts of almond milk and heavy cream.

    Variations

    The best way to vary this recipe is to use different types of chocolate. You can also add a few drops of flavor extracts, such as vanilla, coconut, orange, or peppermint.

    Serving suggestions

    I usually just serve this tasty drink as is. It's thick and creamy and it really doesn't need to be enhanced. It's really good with these almond flour cookies!

    If you'd like, you can serve it with a dollop of keto whipped cream (or go all out and use chocolate whipped cream!) and a dusting of cocoa powder.

    Storing leftovers

    While it's highly unlikely that you'll have any leftovers, in case you do, you can cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    When it's time to reheat them, you can either do it in the microwave in 30-second sessions, stirring after each session. Or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.

    Regardless of the method you choose for reheating, it's possible that you'll need to add a bit of half-and-half. And make sure the mixture doesn't boil. Heat it very gently.

    Keto hot chocolate served in a mug and topped with whipped cream.

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    Recipe Card

    Keto hot chocolate served in a cup and a saucer.
    4.96 from 22 votes
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    Keto Hot Chocolate

    Wonderfully thick and creamy, hot chocolate is the perfect keto indulgence this time of year.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 166kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup half-and-half
    • ¼ teaspoon stevia glycerite (equals about 1 tablespoon sugar)
    • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
    • 2 oz Lindt 90% chocolate chopped (½ bar, 5 squares)

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, heat the half-and-half over medium-low heat until small bubbles appear around the edges. Don't allow it to come to a boil.
    • Lower the heat to low. Whisk in the stevia and the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
    • Turn the heat off, leaving the saucepan on the hot burner. Stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.
    • If desired, garnish with a dollop of keto whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, then serve.

    Video

    Notes

    It's best to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this recipe. This cocoa powder is treated with alkali, making it milder, darker, and less acidic than natural cocoa powder. It's not that the recipe won't work with natural cocoa powder. But it won't taste as good, in my opinion.

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    Nutrition per Serving

    Serving: 2fl oz | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 28mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 2.5g
    SubscribeI aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
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    DisclaimersMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

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    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kate

      September 09, 2023 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      Very rich and delicious. Maybe a bit too rich for my taste, but my husband loved it!

      Reply
      • Vered DeLeeuw

        September 09, 2023 at 7:01 pm

        Thanks for the feedback, Kate!

        Reply

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    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered DeLeeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    👩🏻‍🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

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