Healthy Frozen Hot Chocolate

Published: Aug 7, 2016 · Modified: Aug 20, 2019 by Emily Criswell · I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article · 57 Comments

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Frozen Hot Chocolate is a super fun treat on a hot summer day. Icy cold, chocolaty, creamy goodness mixed with healthy, whole food ingredients, topped with rich chocolate fudge sauce and homemade marshmallows is sure to please.

I learned about frozen hot chocolate the first time I watched one of my favorite movies, Serendipity. I LOVE this movie so much and have probably seen it hundreds of times. It's a magical love story between Jonathan {John Cusack} and Sara {Kate Beckinsale} - based on love at first sight and fate. If you like romantic comedies and haven't seen this movie, watch it, it's a must see!

But back to frozen hot chocolate.

While sitting in the Serendipity 3 cafe, sipping frozen hot chocolate, Jonathan says to Sara, "This is the ultimate blend to drink. How'd you find this place?" and Sara replies, "I first came in because of the name: Serendipity. It's one of my favorite words." Jonathan says, "It is? Why?" and Sara explains, "It's such a nice sounding word for what it means: a fortunate accident."

The two hopeless romantics looked into each others eyes sipping two huge glasses of frozen hot chocolate.

Because I love food, and I love this movie, I had to recreate my own frozen hot chocolate.

My real foodified frozen hot chocolate version is loaded with whole, REAL, protein-rich, nutrient dense ingredients! You won't find any refined sweeteners or packaged ingredients in this drink.

I load this deliciousness up with healthy ingredients like raw/organic whole milk {or coconut milk}, avocado oil, avocado, grass-fed collagen, and raw honey or maple syrup. Authentic? No. But it's still super thick, delicious, chocolaty goodness.

Why I Use Avocado Oil

I love adding healthy fats to treats, shakes and smoothies. Some great options for healthy fats are avocados, avocado oil, coconut milk, raw or organic whole milk, whole yogurt, kefir, pastured egg yolks, and melted coconut oil/ghee/pasture butter.

I used Primal Kitchen avocado oil for this recipe. Their oil is first pressed, cold pressed from the soft green flesh of premium organic avocados. It's naturally gluten-free, non-GMO, rich in antioxidants, tasteless in shakes or smoothies, and full of healthy, good-for-you fat. While it's not labeled organic, they use organic avocados and are working on obtaining the organic certification.

Why I Use Grass-fed Collagen

If you follow a traditional, Paleo, Primal, real food or Weston A. Price diet, you probably know about nourishing, healthy bone broth. Bone broth is nutrient dense because of the gelatin that is produced when you cook the bones. Gelatin is cooked collagen.

But it's not always practical or easy to work bone broth into your diet and who wants to use it in sweet treats, smoothies or drinks? Not me! So I use collagen instead to get all of the goodness of bone broth.

What are the Benefits of Collagen

Grass-fed Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a key role in numerous bodily functions (source).

Improve Skin Health
Promote Younger, Firmer Skin
Support Joint Health
Improve Gut Function and Digestion
Keep Excess Inflammation in Check
Build and Restore Muscle
Support a Healthy Metabolism
Keep Appetite in Check
Promote Healthy Brain Function
Promote Deeper Sleep

When I support a product or company on my blog, it has to fit my standards for health, quality and sourcing. I only recommend using quality grass-fed collagen. Knowing the source and where the collagen comes from is very important to me.

Quality is always my first priority, but my favorite brand also just happens to have an awesome price point. Their collagen is 100% pesticide and hormone free, non-GMO, lab tested with proof of purity, high protein {97%}, tasteless, dissolves in liquid, and is 100% hydrolyzed.

BONUS: I have a 10% OFF collagen coupon code just for my readers! Just follow the link here and enter NOURISH10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order.

Enjoy this seriously delicious, super fun treat on a hot summer day or for a special family dessert. Whatever you do, make sure to share some with someone you love.

Healthy Frozen Hot Chocolate

YOU WILL NEED: High Powered Blender

Healthy Frozen Hot Chocolate

Yield: 8 servings

Enjoy this seriously delicious, super fun treat on a hot summer day or for a special family dessert. Whatever you do, make sure to share some with someone you love.

Ingredients

½ avocado, frozen
1 cup organic or raw whole milk, frozen into ice cubes
4 cups ice made with filtered water
1 batch homemade real food chocolate fudge sauce
2 cups organic or raw whole milk*
1-2 tablespoons light colored raw honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon pure organic vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt (<-- salt)
1 scoop grass-fed collagen (about 2 tablespoons) (<-- and recommend)
Optional, but highly recommended Homemade Mini Marshmallows

Instructions

If making homemade mini marshmallows to top frozen hot chocolate, you will need to make them one day in advance.
At least 12 hours or one day prior to making the frozen hot chocolate, freeze peeled avocado, 1 cup milk into ice cubes, and water into ice cubes if making your own ice.
Make 1 batch of homemade chocolate fudge sauce. Set aside to cool completely. You can also place it in the refrigerator to cool fast, but don't leave it in there too long, you don't want it to harden. It's okay if it thickens up a bit, just don't allow it to completely solidify.
Prepare high powered blender, add frozen avocado, frozen milk ice cubes, ice, milk, ¾ of the chocolate fudge sauce {reserving ¼ for topping frozen hot chocolate and/or drizzling in cups}, honey or maple syrup, avocado oil, vanilla extract, sea salt and collagen. Pulse until it's creamy, fully incorporated and combined and no chunks remain, about 1 minute depending on your blender {I use the ice cream setting or smoothie setting on mine, then pulse towards the end}.
Serve immediately. Optional - drizzle some of the remaining chocolate fudge sauce in serving glasses. Fill glasses with frozen hot chocolate. Top with remaining chocolate fudge sauce and optional homemade mini marshmallows

Notes

*Dairy Free Version: Substitute milk with full-fat coconut milk. Substitute ghee, avocado oil or coconut oil in chocolate fudge sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Top with homemade mini marshmallows, extra chocolate fudge sauce, and/or homemade honey sweetened whipped cream.

My family likes to store any leftovers in bpa-free popsicle molds for fun popsicles.

Notes for the Marshmallows: Using my homemade marshmallow recipe from my Smores Bars recipe, I use a 9x13 pan instead of a 8x8 pan to make thinner mini marshmallows. You will have plenty of leftovers to enjoy.

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 185mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 4g

This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Gluten Free Treats and one just for Frozen Treats too. Come follow along.

MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Nourishing Honey Sweetened Hot Chocolate

Smooth Chocolate Chia Pudding

Homemade Smores Bars

Disclosure: While this post is not sponsored, I did receive avocado oil from Primal Kitchen to use in my recipes. I only recommend products that I do use, like and trust for my family. All opinions, recipe and photography are my own.

« Naturally Sweetened Real Food Smores Bars {Grain Free}

Holiday Season Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes {Fall + Winter} »

About Emily Criswell

Emily Criswell is a chocolate- and sweet treat-loving, holistic-minded, work-at-home, single mom of 4. She's a 4-time cookbook author - The Art of Great Cooking with Your Instant Pot (ranked as an Amazon top 10 new release in gluten free recipes), The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes (which has sold over 23,900 copies so far), Amazing Mexican Favorites with Your Instant Pot (ranked as an Amazon #1 New Release Best Seller), Low-Carb Cooking with Your Instant Pot , food photographer, homeschooler and the founder of Recipes to Nourish, a gluten-free blog focusing on real food and natural living. She works to empower her readers by showing them that there is a healthier way to eat and live. Her passion is to make healthy, natural living as uncomplicated and enjoyable as possible. Find Emily’s latest recipes and natural living tips at Recipes to Nourish. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X Twitter and YouTube plus grab her free eBook Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy. Read more >> About Emily.

Comments

Megan Stevens

August 08, 2016 at 7:45 am

Very fun why you chose to make this! I actually haven't seen the movie! So I'll put it on my mental list! 🙂 This looks really fun and decadent!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 08, 2016 at 7:58 am
  
  Oh Megan, I think you'll like it! This movie holds a very special place in my heart and got me through a very hard time in my life. I hope you get to see it. xo
  
  Reply
  - Megan Stevens
    
    August 09, 2016 at 12:45 pm
    
    I'm glad it did! <3 I'll add it to my queue!
    
    Reply
    - Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
      
      August 11, 2016 at 8:29 am
      
      🙂 xo
      
      Reply
J+E | Real Simple Good

August 08, 2016 at 8:21 am

WOW! This looks amazing and so decadent! I love the marshmallows on top!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 18, 2016 at 2:29 pm
  
  Thanks so much! It's so fun and yummy 🙂
  
  Reply
Renee Kohley

August 08, 2016 at 10:09 am

Oh GOSH! I can't even! I need this right NOW!!!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:31 am
  
  Wish I could send you some Renee! 🙂
  
  Reply
Bethany @ athletic avocado

August 09, 2016 at 7:42 am

Serendipity is my Mom's favorite movie! I think I've watched it at least 20 times lol, but yes that frozen hot chocolate from the cafe is soooo good! I love that this version is healthy and beneficial to my health (unlike the loads of sugar from the original version)!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:31 am
  
  I love that you've seen the movie a lot too 🙂 Thanks Bethany!
  
  Reply
Andrea Fabry

August 09, 2016 at 7:48 am

I am so excited to try this, Emily! My son loves avocado ice cream, but this is a whole new twist! Thank you so much.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:30 am
  
  Oh fun! I hope he gets to enjoy some. They're really a fun drink. 🙂
  
  Reply
linda

August 09, 2016 at 8:13 am

Seriously though...these look amazing!!! I want one for breakfast!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:30 am
  
  I want one for breakfast too 😉 Wish I could share some with you.
  
  Reply
Kelly

August 09, 2016 at 2:59 pm

You had me at chocolate! This sounds amazing and is going on my menu for next week's dessert. 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:29 am
  
  So fun! Enjoy it! 🙂 {and thank you}
  
  Reply
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

August 10, 2016 at 8:49 am

Well this is a power packed "cold" chocolate 😉 Love it!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 18, 2016 at 2:29 pm
  
  It's super yummy! Thanks! 🙂
  
  Reply
Raia

August 10, 2016 at 9:12 am

I love EVERY part of this, Emily! 🙂 I can't wait to try it! 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:28 am
  
  I hope you get to enjoy some soon Raia 🙂
  
  Reply
jules

August 10, 2016 at 11:38 am

I add avo oil to my smoothies, too! I thought I was the only one - hahah! 😉

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:28 am
  
  lol that's awesome Jules! 🙂
  
  Reply
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog

August 10, 2016 at 8:05 pm

I have everything I need to make these, I'll have to try them soon!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 18, 2016 at 2:29 pm
  
  It's so good! I hope you get to make some! 🙂
  
  Reply
Sylvie

August 11, 2016 at 12:24 am

Looks so amazingly indulgent, love that they are filled with so many great nourishing ingredients!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 8:28 am
  
  Thanks Sylvie 🙂
  
  Reply
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife

August 11, 2016 at 9:16 am

This looks amazing!! What a delicious treat for a hot summer day like today. I've been reading more about grass-fed collagen and haven't tried it yet but I'm so curious about it. Thank you for all of this great info in addition to the recipe!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 10:45 am
  
  Thanks so much Marlynn! Wish I could send some your way. Grass-fed collagen is awesome stuff! So beneficial health-wise. Hope you get to try some. 🙂
  
  Reply
Hilarie Zimbicki

August 11, 2016 at 10:42 am

mmm that looks and sounds delicious! Never would have thought of adding avocado oil to a dessert!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 11, 2016 at 10:46 am
  
  Thanks! 🙂 It's a nice healthy, tasteless addition.
  
  Reply
Ciera Chang

August 11, 2016 at 10:58 am

Yum! This recipe looks and sounds amazing!!

xoxo, CiCi

Reply
Diana Johnson

August 11, 2016 at 11:00 am

This recipe is so fun! I've never seen anything like it before.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:37 pm
  
  Thanks! 🙂
  
  Reply
Marvina Stedge

August 11, 2016 at 11:13 am

Looks really good. I will need to try it.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:37 pm
  
  Thanks Marvina 🙂
  
  Reply
Dr. Daisy

August 11, 2016 at 12:50 pm

OMGee!! This look delightful and I love how you shared the vegan ingredients we can use in place of the dairy. Thank you for that...will definitely be experimenting this weekend 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:38 pm
  
  Hope you get to try some 🙂
  
  Reply
Elle @ Only Taste Matters

August 11, 2016 at 2:58 pm

Well I actually live in NYC and have had the frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity and I can honestly say this looks way better. Be damn proud of it.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 18, 2016 at 2:29 pm
  
  I LOVE that!!! So fun that you've been there! And so kind of you, thank you so much xo
  
  Reply
Sarah Zerbe

August 11, 2016 at 8:10 pm

Oh WOW does this look amazing.

Sarah

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm
  
  Thanks Sarah! 🙂
  
  Reply
Lindsey

August 11, 2016 at 8:12 pm

Oh my gosh this looks amazing!!!! Thank you so much for sharing! I need it right now lol

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm
  
  Thanks so much! Wish I could share some 🙂
  
  Reply
Joanna

August 11, 2016 at 8:50 pm

This looks amazing! I have never seen those ingredients used before. Also, I need those marshmallows in my life ASAP!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:34 pm
  
  Thanks Joanna! I hope you get to make some marshmallows 🙂
  
  Reply
bella

August 11, 2016 at 10:32 pm

OK so this look INCREDIBLE!!!!! I need to make this asap! such a great share. I love that its made from good ingredients.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:34 pm
  
  Thanks Bella! Hope you get to make some. 🙂
  
  Reply
thesocialbeing721

August 12, 2016 at 10:17 am

Thank you for this! Delicious.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm
  
  Thanks 🙂
  
  Reply
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com

August 12, 2016 at 10:37 am

This looks so delicious, I can't believe how healthy it is!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm
  
  Thanks Elise 🙂
  
  Reply
Adaleta Avdic

August 12, 2016 at 11:31 am

When you said healthy hot chocolate, you had me sold. I don't care how complex the recipe is at that point, I just need some! xx Adaleta Avdic

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm
  
  lol I feel the same way about chocolate 🙂
  
  Reply
Shannon

August 12, 2016 at 11:38 am

Yum! I love anything chocolate! Looks so good!!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm
  
  Me too! LOVE chocolate 🙂
  
  Reply
Maya | Wholesome Yum

August 13, 2016 at 10:57 am

This looks delicious! Such a beautiful presentation, too.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  August 18, 2016 at 5:32 pm
  
  Thanks Maya! 🙂
  
  Reply