Instant Pot Hot Cocoa

5 from 47 votes

Instant Pot Hot Cocoa

Instant Pot Hot Cocoa is an easy way to make the perfect cozy cup of hot cocoa. This rich and delicious hot cocoa can be made with dairy milk, oat milk, or other dairy milk alternatives. Make a big batch for parties and gatherings, and use the "keep warm" setting to have it ready to pour as needed!

Prep Time1

Cook Time5

Total Time6

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: easy instant pot recipes, hot cocoa from scratch, instant pot drinks, instant pot hot cocoa, pressure cooker hot cocoa

Servings:

Calories: 156kcal

Author: Kristina Tipps

Equipment

Ingredients

6 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup white sugar
4 cups milk (see notes on type)
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, white sugar, and milk to the Instant Pot. Set to saute on high for 3 minutes. Whisk frequently so the cocoa powder and sugar blend into the milk and the liquid is smooth.
Heat through, until the milk is steaming but not boiling and continuing to stir occasionally. This should take about 3 minutes. Once heated, add a pinch of salt and turn off the saute function.
Add the vanilla extract and stir. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings, and peppermint sticks.
*Use the "keep warm" setting to serve warm for up to 6 hours.

Notes

*Heated milk can be kept at room temperature or on the keep warm setting for 6-12 hours before spoiling. To err on the side of caution, move it to the fridge after 6 hours and reheat when ready to serve again.

Milk: you can use a dairy milk or milk alternative. Whole, reduced fat, low fat, or skim milk are all options for dairy milk. However, the lower the fat content of the milk, the less creamy the hot cocoa will be. Using a non-dairy milk alternative will make the recipe dairy free. Oat milk is my favorite choice of milks in hot cocoa, but soy, cashew, almond and any other non-dairy milks can be used.

Dairy-free option: in addition to using a non-dairy milk, make sure your brand of cocoa powder does not contain milk products (most don't).

Vegan option: use a vegan non-dairy milk and unrefined cane sugar.

Storing: keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stove top or in the Instant Pot.

Nutrition