EASY Vegan Hot Chocolate + Homemade Marshmallows (No Gelatin!)

raw cacao powder

🥗Healthier: carob powder

💰Cheaper: regular cocoa powder

Carob powder is less expensive and caffeine-free.

maple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave nectar

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave nectar is lower in calories, while honey is often cheaper.

coconut oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

raw cashews

🥗Healthier: soaked almonds

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Soaked almonds provide similar creaminess, while peanuts are more budget-friendly.

Grab a small bowl and add in 6 tablespoons of agar agar flakes and 6 tablespoons of water. Mix until fully combined and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add in 1/2 cup of aquafaba. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix on high for about 10 to 12 minutes until fluffy. Set aside.

In a medium-sized pot, add in 1 cup of maple syrup and the agar agar mixture. Heat on medium and mix until fully dissolved. Add in salt and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the maple syrup mixture into the whipped aquafaba, mixing thoroughly.

Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and dust it with a mixture of 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1/3 cup cornstarch. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan and even it out. Cover with a kitchen towel and let sit on the counter for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

After resting, uncover the marshmallows and dust the top with the cornstarch and powdered sugar mixture. Dust a clean surface or parchment paper with the same mixture and flip the marshmallows onto it, removing the parchment paper.

Use a pizza cutter to cut the marshmallows into desired sizes, rolling each piece in the cornstarch and powdered sugar mixture to coat. Set aside.

For the hot chocolate, chop 6 oz of dark chocolate and set aside. In a deep skillet or large pot, add 3 to 4 cups of light coconut milk and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, whisking until fully combined over medium heat.

Add a pinch of salt, 3 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Whisk until combined, then add in the chopped chocolate. Mix on medium heat until the chocolate melts and the hot chocolate comes together, darkening in color.

Pour the hot chocolate into cups and add as many marshmallows as desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens