Hot Peanut Butter Chocolate Bliss
Flood-worthy rains, gusty winds, and temperatures hovering just above freezing … nothing makes you want to hibernate indoors more than chilled to the bone weather. I think I’ll actually be grateful when the temperature cools, the air dries out, and the rains turn to snow. Oddly enough, it is much easier to keep warm in conditions like that. But for now, I will simply have to enjoy the fall, and this is certainly helping …
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, no? So who says they are only for eating … what about drinking? I grabbed a fresh package of Chocolate Hemp Bliss and a jar of natural peanut butter, and a new favorite was born.
To note, I really like the new improved version of Hemp Bliss from Manitoba Harvest (they upgraded it last year or earlier this year I believe). Tony, my husband, loves chocolate milk, and was actually quite keen on this version, which is slightly less sweet than your average chocolate milk or chocolate milk alternative. The hemp part adds a slight nuance to the flavor that we both enjoyed (a couple of years ago hemp milks were a bit on the “skunky” side, but no more!).
Of course, you can use the chocolate “milk” of your choosing, or even use a plain or vanilla “milk” and add about 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder per cup of “milk.” That would be 2 tablespoons for the 2-mug recipe below …
Hot Peanut Butter Chocolate Bliss
When made using Hemp Bliss, this recipe is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Wheat-Free, and Refined Sugar-Free. To make the recipe Peanut-Free and even Nut-Free, sub Sunflower Butter or even Almond Butter for the Peanut Butter.
- 2 Pitted Dates, chopped or torn
- Boiling or Hot Water
- 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
- 2 Cups Chocolate Hemp Bliss (or chocolate milk alternative of your choosing – see note above for using other milk alternatives)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Cocoa Powder
- Optional Toppings: Marshmallows (duh!), Whipped “Cream,” a Swirl of Coconut Cream
Set the dates in a dish and pour the hot/boiling water over top to cover. Let those sit and soften for a couple minutes.
Remove the dates from the water (can use a strainer or simply sift them out) and place them in your blender along with about 1/2 cup of the milk alternative and the peanut butter. Blend for a minute or so, pureeing as much of those dates as possible.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a small pot. Eat the remaining date bits left in the strainer. Add the rest of the chocolate hemp milk, the vanilla extract, and the cocoa powder to the pot, and place it over medium-low heat. Whisk and heat until it reaches your desired serving temperature. Pour into two mugs and enjoy as is (pictured) or if desired, top with marshmallows, coconut cream, or whipped “cream.”
Short on Time? – For me, this was just right. In fact, I could have left the dates out and been happy, but they added that final hint of sweetness and brought the flavors together in my book. Of course, if you want to simplify the process, you can always omit the dates, skipping that whole soaking and blending process. Simply place all ingredients in a pot and whisk while heating to break up any PB clumps. Sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener. I think honey, agave, stevia, coconut / palm sugar, or plain old white sugar would meld well with these flavors. You can also heat this in the microwave, but I’m a big proponent of stovetop hot cocoa.
Makes 2 sweet, warm mugs
Blog Event:
- I submitted this recipe to the gluten-free event, Healthy over the Holidays. This stage of the event is being hosted by Ricki at Diet Dessert & Dogs. I’m going to indulge during the cooler weather holidays, but this healthier version of hot chocolate keeps me fueled and doesn’t cause a sugar crash!
- I submitted this recipe to Friday Firsts at Dinner at Christina’s.
26 thoughts on “Hot Peanut Butter Chocolate Bliss”
Peanut butter in hot chocolate, why didn’t I think of that? Wonderful!
genius. Like usual.
My daughter and I love hemp milk, although a couple years ago we had to order it by the case because we couldn’t find it single serve – I am sure by now its more available – she will love that there is a chocolate version!
Hee hee, love that you ate the strained dates 😀
Sounds incredible! Two of my favorite flavors–yum. And I really must try the new Hemp Bliss–wasn’t too crazy about the old version!
Thanks so much for your submission to the GF Holiday event. I inadvertently forgot to ask people to link back to my intro post–would you mind adding a link? Thanks (and sorry for the inconvenience!). 🙂
Sarah & Katie – Thanks. Such a simple concept, and so delicious, but I’d never seen it either!
Biz – waste not want not, and leftover date bits are yummy!
Ricki – sorry I forgot that, will update!
Count me in as one who has never heard of this, but it sure sounds good. Very appropriate for the cold, wet, and even snowy weather predicted for the weekend.
This is too funny! I just told Ricki that my favorite healthy holiday food was hot chocolate! You’re my sweet, hot chocolatey, peanuty hero! Oooh a nice swirl of coconut cream on top would really be delicious!
Mmm, warm, creamy chocolate and peanut butter. I feel the need to pick up some chocolate hemp milk now. And woohoo for Manitoba Harvest – Canadian company!
I’d totally skip the dates, simply because I’m not into dirtying all those extra dishes.
Oh my heavens… I am so ridiculously in! I’ve never been one for hot chocolate (preferring my chocolate in bar form) but throwing peanut butter into the mix? Amazing!!
Everyone – you must make this NOW. I went straight to my kitchen and made this after reading. Words will not do it justice. Just MAKE IT.
Ok, so would it be a little awkward to announce I might possibly be in love w/ you and want to get married!?!
Peanut butter hot chocolate!? Are you kidding me!!!!!? You need to win some kind of award b/c seriously, this IS the greatest thing since sliced bread!!
A PB-hot chocolate? That sounds too good to be true! I’ll take the peanut butter and chocolate combination in any form 🙂
Katie – So glad you enjoyed it that much!
Christina – Sorry, I’m taken, but I’ll take the award 🙂
Oh my this sounds delish. We love the peanut butter-chocolate combo around here! And I love the addition of dates. I think my kiddies will like this! Thanks.
Wow, bliss indeed 🙂 might have to whip this up soon!!
Thank you for sharing this with Friday Firsts Alisa! Definitely worthy!
Utter brilliance in a cup, my dear. Sounds creamy and delicious- and warm- that is key. Love hot drinks.. love them. Nothing says DRINK ME like a hot cup of something- in this case, PB and Chocolate!
Hello Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate cup O’ delishyness!!!
I am DEFINITELY making this!!!!!!!!
I would never have thought of that combo. Yum Alisa.
Wow, this does sound quite heavenly! Of course I love the combination of pb & chocolate and in this delicious drink form it must be fantastic, I can’t wait to try!
This sounds deeply satisfying!
Oh, yum!!! That’s all. ; )
What a tasty spin on classic hot cocoa! Thanks for sharing.
Yum, yum, and yum!!! I dearly miss drinking cup after cup of hot cocoa, I’m going to have to give this a try soon! I posted this recipe in my favorite recipes from last week post. Thanks!
~Aubree Cherie
This is perfect for a cold night, and I just started buying HEMP milk again. I love the nutty flavor with chocolate. I feel like i’m drinking a reeses PB cup. hehe.
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