Protein hot chocolate!! There is no denying that a cup of hot chocolate is one of the ultimate cozy drinks come cooler temps. It just hits the spot and feels so homey.
But this hot chocolate recipe is next level. Not only are we adding some protein, but it is ridiculously creamy thanks to a secret ingredient.
If you have followed me for some time, you know I love blending cashews into sauces, soups, and drinks to make them extra thick and creamy. Their taste is so neutral that you don’t even know they are there, but it creates the best texture.
This collagen hot chocolate takes about 5 minutes to make. You simply just have to heat the mixture up on the stove so everything softens, and then blend. It’s thick and creamy, packed with protein, lower in sugar, and has some healthy fats.
I opted to use collagen as it blends so well, but most protein powders will work!
Why we love this protein hot chocolate recipe
- made from whole food ingredients – no artificial flavors or preservatives
- ready in 5 minutes
- SO CREAMY – thanks to blending cashews with our milk, the result is a thick and creamy texture you will love
- not loaded with sugar – we are using one date to add the perfect amount of sweetness
- packed with protein – adding some protein (and healthy fats) help keep this hot chocolate blood sugar friendly and avoids those spikes and crashes that classic hot chocolate can do.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a very important building block in our bodies – it’s the most abundant protein and is found in bones, muscles, tendons, skin, the digestive system, and blood vessels. It’s also found in hair, and nails, Collagen is basically the “glue” that helps hold the body together. Unfortunately, as we age, the production of collagen starts to slow down.
Supplementing with collagen can help improve your body’s collagen levels. It dissolves in just about anything, the flavor is tasteless (you can buy flavored though!), and is easily digested, making it easy to add to your diet.
Look for a high-quality source. I like ones from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows.
Protein hot chocolate ingredients
- milk – your favorite kind of milk works
- raw cashews – blended to make this hot cocoa SO creamy
- Medjool date – for a little sweetness
- cocoa powder
- cinnamon
- collagen – I’m using chocolate flavored, but unflavored works great too
- salt – to help bring out the flavors
How to make protein hot chocolate
- Add milk, cashews, date, cocoa powder, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine and let it come to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Blend. Add mixture to a Vitamix or high-powered blender, along with collagen and salt, and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour into your favorite mug, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Can I use another protein powder?
This protein hot cocoa is quite versatile and you can use your favorite protein powder. Here are the different pros and cons of each.
- collagen – this is my favorite to use as it dissolves so easily and doesn’t change the texture.
- whey protein powder – whey is another great option to use as it mixes pretty easily in most liquids, especially when using a blender.
- vegan protein powder – in my experience, plant-based protein powders seem to be a little heavier/thicker. Due to that, it makes the hot chocolate a little thicker. It still tastes delicious though!
Depending on the brand/flavor and sweetness level of your protein powder, it can alter the taste a little. You can use chocolate flavored, unflavored, or whatever flavor you like.
Substitutions and additions
- milk – dairy or non-dairy milk works (unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or dairy milk).
- raw cashews – any neutral nut will work. Almonds or macadamia nuts would be great. If you don’t have nuts, nut butter will work.
- Medjool date – add a teaspoon to a tablespoon of maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey if you don’t have dates.
- cocoa powder – cacao powder works the same
- collagen – most protein powders will work. See the section above for how to make tweaks when using one or the other. You can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder if you like.
Here are some additions you can add to your hot cocoa as well:
- vanilla extract
- peppermint extract
- spices – nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice
More healthy drink recipes
- best golden milk latte
- peanut butter frosty
- coffee protein smoothie
- pumpkin pie milkshake
- chunky monkey protein shake
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Protein Hot Chocolate
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons raw cashews (15 grams)
- 1 medium Medjool date (16 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 scoops chocolate protein powder (I used chocolate collagen)
- pinch of sea salt
- optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon…
instructions
- Add milk, cashews, date, cocoa, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine and let it come to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Blend. Add mixture to a Vitamix or high-powered blender, along with collagen and salt, and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour into your favorite mug, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Dan says
Can’t wait to make it
Kelly says
Hope you enjoy it!
Shalin says
Love love love it!!!!! I’ve made it at least 3 times in less than a week. It’s a perfect pick me up around evening without the sugar high of hot cocoa. My husband and my mom love it. This drink is so creamy and rich without all the heavy cream and sugar. This drink made me fall in love with dates. An easy and delicious way to get my collagen intake for the day.
Kelly says
So good right?! And the date has the perfect amount of sweetness. Glad everyone enjoyed it and thanks for trying Shalin!
Gail Tutt says
This was such a healthy and delicious treat! I will definitely be enjoying this drink this winter! I love incorporating the collagen with all of its healthful benefits! Thank you for this recipe Kelly!
Kelly says
Yes, it’s a great way to sneak in some collagen without you even knowing it! Glad you enjoyed it Gail, thanks for trying!
Amanda Haile says
This recipe is creamy, delicious and something I felt good giving to my kids! You added to the magic of our snow day ❤️
Kelly says
So happy to hear that Amanda! Thanks for trying it!
Samantha Bjorgaard says
This was SO creamy and delicious! We used a splash of peppermint extract instead of cinnamon and it was SO GOOD!
Kelly says
Love the peppermint extract idea! Thanks Samantha!
Troi says
I was looking for a little something different from my usual coffee this morning, so I tried this. IT IS SO CREAMY. I used a mixture of almond milk and coconut cream, and I added some cardamom powder to spice it up a bit. Perfect for this blustery, rainy day we’re having here. Yum,
Kelly says
Oh yum, love that addition! Thanks for trying it Troi!
Katie says
Incredibly creamy and easy for a plant based and refined-sugar-free cocoa! I had to use about 1/4 cup of regular milk because I ran out of almond but still worked and was delicious. Highly recommend trying!
Kelly says
So glad it loved it Katie – thanks for trying!