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Get cozy this winter with our Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate! Imagine relaxing with a mug of smooth, creamy keto hot chocolate, spiced up with a festive mix of cinnamon, star anise, and ginger. This recipe is a dream come true for keto enthusiasts, offering a deliciously warm treat that fits right into a low-carb lifestyle.
Perfect for those brisk evenings or as a special treat during the holidays, this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate brings the joy of the season to your cup, guilt-free and full of flavor. It’s simple to whip up and just as delicious as our Creamy Keto Eggnog, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional holiday beverages.
Why You’ll Love Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
- Keto-Friendly: Fits perfectly into a low-carb, ketogenic diet.
- Festive Flavors: Infused with classic gingerbread spices for a holiday feel.
- Easy to Make: Simple instructions, only a few minutes of prep time.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite keto-friendly add-ins.
- Comfort in a Cup: A cozy, warming treat for cold evenings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Getting this keto hot chocolate just right is easy with these simple ingredients. Let’s check out what you’ll need to create this festive, comforting drink.
- Almond Milk: The base of our hot chocolate, providing a creamy texture without extra carbs. Opt for unsweetened milk. Macadamia, cashew or poppy milk can be used instead.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a warm, comforting spice.
- Star Anise: Adds a subtle, sweet licorice note.
- Ginger Powder: Key for that signature gingerbread flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Sweetens without the carbs.
- Unsweetened Dark Chocolate: Brings a rich, deep chocolatey essence.
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, sugar-free marshmallows, and cacao powder for an extra special touch.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to switch things up in your Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate? Here are some tasty variations and substitutions to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Whipped Cream Topping: For an extra layer of creamy goodness.
- Sugar-Free Marshmallows: Add a bit of fun and sweetness. Feel free to make your own for a personal touch!
- Grated Dark Chocolate, Cacao Powder, or Cinnamon: Choose one for dusting on top to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
- Protein Boost: Mix in 1-2 scoops of your favorite keto-friendly collagen powder like Perfect Keto Collagen (use this link for 15% off).
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in roasted almond butter or Perfect Keto Nut Butter scoops of your favorite keto-friendly collagen powder like Perfect Keto Collagen (use this link for 15% off) for a richer texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Use 85% or 90% dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate, and adjust the sweetener accordingly.
Absolutely! Just swap out the heavy whipping cream for coconut cream. It’ll give your hot chocolate a deliciously creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor without any dairy.
Yes! Feel free to use 85% or 90% dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you go for these options, you might not need any additional sweetener, or just a little, depending on your taste. For a sweeter and less intense option, opt for dark or milk chocolate with low-carb sweeteners.
Feel free to use any keto-friendly sweetener like allulose, stevia, or monk fruit. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, keeping in mind that every sweetener has its own level of sweetness.
How To Make Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Infuse the Milk. Pour your chosen unsweetened almond or cashew milk into a saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let the flavors infuse for 20 minutes.
Add Cream and Sweetener. Return the saucepan to the heat. Remove the spices, and stir in heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) and your preferred keto-friendly sweetener. Heat until it’s nearly simmering.
Melt the Chocolate. Add unsweetened dark chocolate, or a high-percentage dark chocolate like 85% or 90%, to the saucepan. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Serve. Pour the keto hot chocolate into mugs. Optionally, top with whipped cream, sugar-free marshmallows, and a sprinkle of cacao powder or cinnamon. Enjoy it warm!
Tips for Best Keto Hot Chocolate
- Spice Balance: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, star anise, and ginger to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amounts and tweak as needed.
- Chocolate Choice: If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, go with 85% dark chocolate. For a richer, more robust flavor, opt for 90% dark chocolate, or unsweetened chocolate (cacao paste) as per recipe.
- Sweetener to Taste: Start with a smaller amount of sweetener and add more as needed. Remember, each sweetener is different.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier hot chocolate, use heavy whipping cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a fantastic alternative.
- Heat Control: Be careful not to boil the mixture once the chocolate is added to prevent burning. Gentle heating helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftover Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, simply pour it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-5 days.
Yes, you can! Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to bring it to a boil to maintain its creamy texture.
How to Serve Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Ready to enjoy your Keto Gingerbread Hot Chocolate? Here’s how to make it extra special!
- Classic Mug: Serve it in your favorite mug for a traditional, cozy feel. Perfect for snuggling up on the sofa.
- Festive Touch: Add a festive twist with holiday-themed mugs or garnishes like a cinnamon stick or a star anise on top.
- Toppings Galore: If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few sugar-free marshmallows.
- Pair with a Snack: Enjoy alongside a low-carb cookie or biscotti for a delightful afternoon treat or a light dessert.
Low-Carb Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or cashew milk)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream)
- 4 tbsp granulated low-carb sweetener (such as Allulose or Swerve)
- 2 oz unsweetened dark chocolate (broken into pieces or chopped)
- whipped cream (optional: sugar-free marshmallows and cacao powder for dusting on top)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine almond or cashew milk with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger powder. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 20 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
- Remove the spices, then reheat the infused milk. Add heavy whipping cream and your preferred keto-friendly sweetener. Warm until it's nearly simmering.
- Stir in chopped chocolate and mix until fully melted and integrated. Adjust sweetener to your taste.
- Pour into mugs, adding optional whipped cream, sugar-free marshmallows, and a dusting of cacao powder or cinnamon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: 1 glass.
- Storage: Keep any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays great for 3-5 days.
- Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the smooth texture.
- Dairy-Free Options: Substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a delicious, dairy-free version.
- Sweetener Flexibility: Feel free to use any keto-friendly sweetener like allulose, stevia, or monk fruit. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Chocolate Variations: Use unsweetened dark chocolate for a classic taste, or 85% to 90% dark chocolate for a deeper flavor. The higher the cocoa content, the less sweetener you may need.
