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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Drinks » Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

    ★★★★★ from 2 reviews

    Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

    Published Oct 19, 2022 · Modified Oct 24, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy and made with real pumpkin for the ultimate Fall drink! Try it with a splash of coffee or bourbon for an fun twist.

    mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Hi, just here to confirm that pumpkin hot cocoa is a thing.

    A BIG THING! My question is this. Why oh why aren't we throwing our extra pumpkin puree into hot chocolate? It's like my beloved Healthy Hot Chocolate and Pumpkin Pie Smoothie had a baby. She's sooooo good.

    Chocolate and pumpkin is nothing new here. We all know it's fantabulous, as evidenced by the chocolate chips bedazzling these Pumpkin Brownies and this Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal. Ugh, can it be October forever?

    How to make pumpkin spice hot chocolate

    We're making this homemade pumpkin hot chocolate recipe on the stovetop by simply whisking everything is smooth and steamy. Easy peasy pumpkin squeezy! (Had to.)

    1. Whisk pumpkin, maple syrup, cocoa powder, pie spice and salt in a small pot until a thick paste forms. Anyone else hate whisking cocoa into milk? Blech.
    2. Over medium heat, whisk in your milk of choice.. Add chocolate chips and warm, stirring often, until the mixture is hot. Don't boil! Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
    3. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows!
    pot of cocoa and pumpkin
    pot of brown paste
    pot of hot chocolate

    Key ingredients

    • Pumpkin puree: Delish pumpkin right out of the can. This helps thicken the hot chocolate. Use extra to make these vegan pumpkin pie bars!
    • Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder both work swimmingly.
    • Maple syrup: It just seems right sweetening our fall drink with natural maple syrup. But regular sugar works great here too! You can always add more, so start with 2 tbsp and add more to make it the perfect mug.
    • Milk: You can use any milk here--coconut, cow's, oat, cashew, you name it. I use unsweetened almond milk because it's what we always have on hand.
    • Chocolate chips: I love the extra layer of chocolatey goodness these add. This helps it taste like "real" hot chocolate. Yum!
    • Salt: just a tiny pinch adds such needed balance.
    • Vanilla extract: This brings out the deep chocolate flavor and adds richness.
    mug of hot chocolate

    What milk is best for hot chocolate?

    Typically you want a higher fat milk like 2%, whole, or coconut because it will make it thicker and creamier. No one wants watery hot cocoa! But with this recipe, the pumpkin acts as a natural thickener, so as long as it's a milk you enjoy drinking you'll be golden.

    Can I make it ahead?

    Yes! You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the fridge. Simply warm in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

    Can I make it vegan?

    This recipe is already gluten free, yay! Simply use non-dairy milk and vegan chocolate to make this dairy-free hot chocolate.

    marshmallows in hot chocolate

    Storage tips

    This recipe yield two servings. You can store any leftover hot chocolate covered in the fridge for up to three days, which is especially nice if you make a big batch. Reheat in the microwave or over the stove!

    More cold weather treats

    • Gingerbread Smoothie
    • Snickerdoodle Cookies (GF!)
    • Mint Chocolate Energy Bites
    Print
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    mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 2 cups 1x
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy and made with real pumpkin for the ultimate Fall drink! Try it with a splash of coffee or bourbon for an fun twist.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
    • 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup (or sugar)
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • tiny pinch of salt
    • 2 cups milk (I used almond milk)
    • 1 tbsp semi sweet chocolate chips
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. In a small or medium pot, thoroughly whisk together pumpkin, maple syrup, cocoa powder, pie spice and salt. It will form a thick paste.
    2. Turn on heat to medium low and whisk in milk. Add chocolate chips. Heat, stirring often, until the mixture is hot and just simmering. Do not boil! Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Taste and add more maple syrup to taste if needed.
    3. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream!

    Notes

    Nutrition information is calculated using unsweetened almond milk and 2 tbsp maple syrup.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Shelley says

      October 23, 2022 at 3:07 am

      This is the most luscious non dairy cocoa I've made. The pumpkin spice is perfect. It kept really well in fridge and easily warmed in microwave for the perfect cup. I used almond milk and 2 tbsp maple and sweetness level was good for me!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        October 24, 2022 at 3:20 pm

        I love it! I kept leftovers in the fridge, too 🙂 Thanks Shelley!!

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      October 20, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      Oh, wow. This was YUMMY! Definitely making on repeat this fall and winter.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        October 20, 2022 at 8:09 pm

        Yay, thanks Sarah!

        Reply
    3. Kori says

      October 20, 2022 at 7:36 pm

      I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        October 20, 2022 at 8:09 pm

        I can't wait for you to try it!!

        Reply

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    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

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