Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate Homemade Recipe

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As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate. But what if you’re skipping dairy by choice or necessity? Don’t worry; you won’t have to miss out on this quintessential comfort of cooler months. Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate offers a delightful alternative, ensuring everyone can indulge in the simple pleasure of a hot cocoa moment.

How to make Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate

Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate is a version of the popular Swiss Miss hot chocolate that doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients. It’s designed for people who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Instead of milk powder, it uses non-dairy ingredients like cocoa and vegetable oils to create a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 envelope of Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Cocoa Mix
• 6 oz (approximately 3/4 cup) of hot water or non-dairy milk (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc. for a creamier texture)

Optional additions:

• Marshmallows (ensure they are vegan/dairy-free if necessary)
• Whipped coconut cream (for topping)
• A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
• A drop of vanilla extract
• A dash of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor
• Vegan chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the Liquid: Begin by heating your chosen liquid (water or non-dairy milk) until it’s hot but not boiling. You can do this in a microwave-safe mug in the microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove. If you opt for non-dairy milk, heating it slowly and stirring frequently is key to prevent it from scalding.
2. Mix in the Cocoa: Open an envelope of Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Cocoa Mix and pour the contents into your heated liquid. Use a spoon to stir well until the cocoa mix is completely dissolved. This ensures your hot chocolate is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
3. Add Extras (Optional): If you want to elevate your hot cocoa, add extras like a drop of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or a dash of sea salt. Mix well to combine the flavors evenly.
4. Serve: Pour your hot cocoa into your favorite mug. For an extra festive touch, top with dairy-free whipped cream, a few marshmallows, vegan chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
5. Enjoy! Wrap your hands around the mug and savor the warmth and delicious taste of your Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate.

Tips for the Perfect Cup

• Liquid Choice Matters: For a richer and creamier hot chocolate, opt for a non-dairy milk option. Each non-dairy milk has a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
• Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer your hot chocolate sweeter, consider adding a bit of your preferred sweetener. Agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute can be great options.
• Temperature Control: Ensure your water or non-dairy milk is hot enough to dissolve the cocoa mix fully. However, avoid boiling, especially when using non-dairy milk, to maintain the best flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Cup: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your hot chocolate. Adding spices, extracts, or toppings can turn a simple cup of Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Cocoa into a gourmet treat that’s uniquely yours.

What to serve with

Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate can stand alone as a comforting, warm treat, but pairing it with the right companion can transform your cocoa experience into something truly exceptional.

1. Sweet Bites

• Vegan Cookies: Chocolate chip, gingerbread, or shortbread cookies make a great pairing. Opt for vegan options to keep everything dairy-free.
• Dairy-Free Pastries: Look for pastries made without butter or milk, such as croissants, danishes, or sweet bread. A slice of banana bread or pumpkin loaf also pairs wonderfully.

2. Savory Snacks

• Popcorn: A bowl of freshly popped popcorn, lightly seasoned with sea salt, makes a surprisingly delightful companion to hot chocolate. The contrast between salty and sweet enhances the flavor of both.
• Pretzels: Choose plain or salted pretzels for that savory crunch. The saltiness of pretzels combined with the sweet warmth of hot chocolate creates a harmonious taste experience.

3. Fruits

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a refreshing and slightly tangy contrast to the richness of the hot chocolate.
• Sliced Apples or Pears: These fruits, especially when slightly tart, offer a crisp freshness that balances the creamy sweetness of your hot cocoa.

4. Nuts and Seeds

• Roasted Almonds, Pecans, or Walnuts: The nutty flavors and crunchy textures beautifully complement the hot chocolate’s smoothness.
• Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds: For a lighter option, these seeds provide a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor.

5. Heartier Companions

• Vegan Sandwiches or Paninis: For those seeking something more substantial, a vegan sandwich with grilled vegetables, avocado, and dairy-free cheese can be a satisfying choice.
• Soup: A cup of soup, especially tomato or butternut squash soup, can be a warming and comforting side dish on a cold day.

6. Festive Additions

• Holiday Treats: Vegan gingerbread men, peppermint sticks, or dairy-free pumpkin pie are festive and fun additions during the holiday season.
• Homemade S’mores: Make a campfire classic at home by using vegan marshmallows, a slab of dairy-free chocolate, and a couple of graham crackers.

Ingredients Substitutes

Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate comes pre-made, designed to be dairy-free from the start, making it suitable for those who follow a vegan diet or have dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. However, if you’re preparing your version of hot chocolate at home using a different hot cocoa mix or recipe that calls for dairy, and you’d like to substitute those ingredients to make it dairy-free just like Swiss Miss, here are some ingredient substitutes you can use:

1. Milk

The primary dairy component in traditional hot chocolate is milk. Here are some non-dairy alternatives you can use:

• Almond milk: Offers a light, nutty flavor and is quite popular in dairy-free recipes.
• Coconut milk: Provides a creamier texture and a hint of coconut flavor which can complement the chocolate well.
• Soy milk: One of the creamiest milk alternatives, soy milk makes for a rich hot chocolate.
• Oat milk: Known for its natural sweetness and full-bodied texture, oat milk is also an environment-friendly option.
• Rice milk: A more watery option with a neutral taste, suitable for those who prefer a less creamy hot chocolate.
• Cashew milk: Similar to almond milk but creamier, it can enrich the hot chocolate’s texture.

2. Chocolate

Many brands of chocolate contain dairy, but there are dairy-free substitutes available:

• Dairy-free chocolate bars: Look for chocolate bars that are specifically labeled as dairy-free or vegan.
• Cocoa powder: Pure cocoa powder is naturally vegan. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder and sweeten your drink to taste.
• Dairy-free chocolate chips: Use these to melt into the hot chocolate or as a topping.

3. Sweeteners

If you need to replace condensed milk or other dairy-based sweeteners:

• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar work well as straightforward sweeteners.
• Maple syrup: This can offer a subtle maple flavor in addition to sweetness.
• Agave nectar: A plant-based syrup that is sweeter than sugar and dissolves easily in liquids.
• Date syrup or paste: Made from dates, it provides a natural caramel-like sweetness.

4. Cream or Heavy Cream

For recipes that call for a creamy topping or a richer texture:

• Coconut cream: This is thicker than coconut milk and can work as a whipped topping or stirred in for richness.
• Soy or Rice Whip: There are dairy-free whipped creams available made from soy or rice.

Final Thoughts

With these simple steps and tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a cozy, comforting, and completely dairy-free cup of Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
• Copycat Stephen’s Gourmet Hot Cocoa Recipe
• Making Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder