Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Christin Gillespie

This Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect healthy and protein-packed twist on the cozy dessert beverage for fall. A mix of canned butternut squash puree, rich cacao powder, plant-based protein, warming spices, and your refined sugar-free sweetener of choice are the ingredients used to create a super creamy and completely dairy-free mug of hot chocolate. Cheers to the dreamiest autumn drink!

butternut squash hot chocolate garnished with coconut whipped cream on a white marble counter.

Hot chocolate season is in full swing, and this seasonal dessert beverage is definitely not like the others, and it has fall written all over it. Shall I present to you Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate! The creamiest, coziest, and cleanest drink to warm up with on a chilly day!

May I just say that canned butternut squash puree does not get enough credit, as it’s a convenient and sneaky-veggie way to boost the nutrition and vitamins of any recipe. And when blended up with a few other healthy hot chocolate staples, it creates the most irresistible, velvety consistency that you’ll be obsessed with.

I am so excited for you to make this dairy-free blend of healthy goodness. Also, if you’re feeling the love, double the recipe and enjoy it with a loved one!

Reasons to Love this Healthy Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate

Secretly Healthy: Thanks to the boost of butternut squash, this hot chocolate mix is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and plant-based ingredients, while delivering the dreamiest, creamy consistency.
Protein-Filled & Fueling: By including a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein, antioxidant-rich cacao powder, and using a natural sweetener, this seasonal beverage nourishes your body at every sip.
Vegan & Very Impressive: This fall hot chocolate recipe is completely dairy-free and will have your loved ones taken aback by how healthy and decadent it actually is.

healthy butternut squash hot chocolate in a mug with homemade coconut whipped cream on top.

Butternut Hot Chocolate Ingredients

Organic Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Your favorite homemade or store-bought variety will do as the base to get things blended. If you go for store-bought, please check the ingredient label! My favorite trusted non-dairy milk brands include Three Trees, MALK Organics, and Edwards & Sons (Native Forest)!
Organic Canned Butternut Squash: The star of this healthy hot chocolate recipe! Canned butternut squash puree is an easy way to amp up the nutrients while providing a luxurious consistency. Farmers Market Foods is my go-to brand!
Organic Raw Cacao Powder: No, cacao powder is not the same thing as Dutch-processed cocoa powder. True cacao powder is full of magnesium, antioxidants, and mood-boosting compounds that make this fall hot chocolate even more nutrient-packed. Discover the difference here!
Organic Plant-Based Protein: Adding a serving provides a solid boost of protein and makes this hot chocolate recipe truly satisfying. For maximum benefits, go for a brand that is clean and contains at least 20 grams of plant-based protein. Review this post to check out my recommendations!
Organic Sweetener: You’ve got a few options depending on your dietary preference: organic pure maple syrup, a pitted Medjool date, or a high-quality honey (like local raw unfiltered honey or Manuka honey). All are refined sugar-free, and each brings its own unique twist.
Organic Vanilla Powder, Ceylon Cinnamon, & Sea Salt: A pinch of each to enhance the cozy vibes and rich hot chocolate flavor.
Organic Garnishes: A dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream or a clean scoop of coconut yogurt complements the butternut hot chocolate ingredients beautifully.

Steps to Make This Butternut Hot Chocolate Mix

Blend. To a high-speed blender, first add the warm non-dairy milk, canned butternut squash puree, dry ingredients, and sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth. If needed, you may need to add more liquid to achieve your desired hot chocolate consistency.
Serve. Pour into a mug with a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

butternut hot chocolate mix in a blender.

Butternut Hot Chocolate Your Way: Mix It Up

Make this Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate your own by including your favorite vegan mix-ins. I’ve listed just a handful to get your cozy creativity flowing, so feel free to experiment and sip it your way!

Organic Superfoods: Gelatinized maca powder, mesquite powder, lucuma powder, and tocotrienols are my favorites! Include one or all, and it will definitely supercharge this hot chocolate. If you’re new to superfoods, here’s a helpful post.
Organic Nut or Seed Butters: If you’re feeling a tad nutty, add a tablespoon of your favorite to level up the protein, healthy fats, and fiber. I think organic raw almond butter or a few raw pecans would blend right up perfectly!
Organic Caffeine: Use half cooled organic coffee and half unsweetened non-dairy milk to give this Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate a mocha vibe!
Organic Toppings: A dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream is always a classic, but a scoop of organic coconut yogurt adds a fun, tangy twist to top it off!

Fall Hot Chocolate Made Perfect: Expert Tips

When it comes to preparing an irresistible mug of healthy hot chocolate, I’ve learned a few pointers to nail it each time. Below are my tried-and-true strategies!

Organic Butternut Squash Puree: Quality matters, so be sure to use a trusted and clean brand, like Farmers Market Foods.
Use Organic Raw Cacao Powder: To achieve that rich and decadent hot chocolate flavor, plus a solid serving of superfood benefits.
Gently Warm Your Non-Dairy Milk: Slowly heat your milk of choice to prevent scorching and to keep things smooth.
Blend to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to add more liquid so that you can achieve your desired consistency. Since butternut squash is included, it naturally thickens this fall-infused hot chocolate.

Storing and Sharing

Storing: Transfer the cooled hot chocolate to a glass jar and cover with a lid. Place in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid to loosen it up and warm it through.
Sharing: Double the recipe as written and enjoy with a loved one!

butternut squash hot chocolate recipe with homemade coconut whipped cream and Ceylon cinnamon.

More Healthy Vegan Fall Drinks You’ll Love

If you made this Butternut Squash Hot Chocolate or any other recipe on the blog, please leave a rating and review below! I love hearing from you, and it helps others discover the blog as well. If you aren’t already, follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.