# Indulgent Protein-Packed Tahini Hot Chocolate
If you’re in search of an indulgent, refined hot chocolate made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is for you! We’ve been whipping up this frothy, tahini-enhanced, incredibly dreamy hot chocolate, and even expert cocoa lovers agree it deserves praise.
Although it’s **naturally sweetened** and mixed with water, it’s perfectly balanced in sweetness, intensely chocolaty, and smooth on the palate. It even **incorporates healthy fats, fiber, protein**, and cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar. Enjoy it plain, or add your favorite whipped cream for the ultimate cozy experience.
## Protein-Packed Tahini Hot Chocolate Ingredients
This isn’t your typical hot chocolate! It’s incredibly creamy, indulgent, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create it:
– **Cocoa powder** – a *generous* serving of cocoa powder ensures this beverage is exceptionally chocolaty, nearly like a liquid chocolate!
– **Tahini** – not only is tahini among our favorite ingredients for its [nutritional properties](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tahini-benefits) (hello vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats), but it contributes a beautiful thickness, richness, and nutty flavor to this hot chocolate.
– **Sweetener** – we enjoy a blend of maple syrup (or honey) + a medjool date, but you can substitute almost any sweetener here. The date imparts a caramel-like taste and enhances the creaminess of the texture!
– **Sea salt** – just a small pinch is all that’s needed to elevate all the flavors here. Plus, [salt + tahini + maple](https://minimalistbaker.com/chocolate-tahini-caramels-no-candy-thermometer/) = MAGIC!
– **Cinnamon** – provides a hint of extra sweetness and [blood sugar-stabilizing benefits](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cinnamon-and-diabetes).
– **Collagen** – if you’re a fan of protein in your hot chocolate, be sure to add the collagen! Combined with the tahini, it gives one cup of hot chocolate a substantial **15 grams of protein**. It also contributes extra creaminess. If you’re vegan, your hot chocolate will still be fantastic without it!
– **Coconut milk powder + water // milk of choice** – when it comes to selecting your milk, there are plenty of options. We love a mix of [coconut milk powder](https://www.amazon.com/Native-Forest-Coconut-Powder-Ounce/dp/B00QIVB19Y/?tag=minimalistbaker-20) and hot water to create a wonderfully creamy, rich dairy-free “milk,” but you can easily replace both with coconut milk or use [another milk](https://minimalistbaker.com/guide-making-dairy-free-milk/) you prefer (almond, oat, and cashew would all work beautifully).
## How to Prepare Tahini Hot Chocolate
When it’s time for hot chocolate, **combine everything** (including the hot water) in a **heat-safe blender** (one equipped with a lid that has a vent for steam to escape, such as a [Vitamix](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H4SLV6/?tag=minimalistbaker-20)). Blending ensures it’s extra frothy and breaks down the date. Avoid using a sealed container for blending since hot liquids can create pressure and cause the container to burst. *Yikes.*
What if you don’t have a heat-safe blender? Or a blender at all? You could try preparing this drink in a saucepan on the stove and adding coconut sugar (or a liquid/granulated sweetener) instead of a date. Optionally, you can use a [handheld frother](https://www.amazon.com/handheld-milk-frother-handheld-mixer-drink-mixer/dp/B01K8W0BZI/?tag=minimalistbaker-20) to make it creamy/frothy!
We can’t wait for you to experience this hot chocolate! It’s:
– Rich
– Creamy
– Chocolaty
– Perfectly sweet
– Frothy
– Dreamy
– Fiber- & Protein-rich
– Nourishing
– & SO delicious!
This is the ideal cozy beverage for the holiday season, after a snow-filled play session, or whenever you crave something indulgent yet nourishing. It pairs wonderfully with [holiday cookies](https://minimalistbaker.com/the-ultimate-cookie-recipes-round-up/), especially anything chocolatey, like our **[Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies](https://minimalistbaker.com/gluten-free-ch