Can I use a different type of milk if I don't have oat?

Yep. I think oat milk works best for a plant-based hot chocolate because it's creamy and the flavor is mild. You could certainly try any of your other favorite alt milks here, but they may not froth as well.

I don't have a microwave. Can I make it on the stovetop?

You can! I've made it on the stovetop with success and added those directions in the recipe card "notes" section.

What's a good alternative sweetener for the sugar?

I haven't tried this with any other sweetener, but I think maple syrup or coconut sugar would work just fine if you're avoiding granulated sugar. The flavor will be slightly different though.

Oat Milk Hot Chocolate - Healthyish Appetite

Oat Milk Hot Chocolate

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Oat milk hot chocolate is a cozy and creamy hot drink and is totally plant-based. This drink will be a new favorite indulgence on snowy winter days.

Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon (7 grams) unsweetened cacao powder
1 tablespoon (12 grams) cane sugar
1 teaspoon (7 grams) vanilla bean paste or extract
pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon hot water
1 cup (240 grams) oat milk
optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

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Instructions

Add cacao powder through water to your largest mug (water can come from tap, or you can heat in the microwave if needed). Stir to form a thick chocolatey syrup.
Meanwhile heat oat milk in a microwave-safe dish, like a liquid measuring cup, for 90 seconds (or until it reaches your preferred temperature).
Pour oat milk over your chocolate syrup and stir with a spoon to combine. If you have a milk frother, you can use it to get the top all foamy and delicious.
Transfer to a smaller mug using the barista latte trick: use a large spoon to hold back the foam while you pour the hot chocolate, then spoon out the foam and/or pour it out last so it’s on top. Garnish with a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Serve immediately.

Equipment

milk frother

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vanilla bean paste

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Notes

The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
Cacao powder is similar to cocoa powder and often used interchangeably. Just be sure it’s unsweetened and not the Dutch-processed variety.
Stovetop directions: Add cacao powder through hot water to a small saucepan and heat over medium, whisking to combine until it forms a syrup. Pour in the oat milk while continuing to mix as you heat to a simmer. Remove from heat and use a milk frother or a whisk to get it foamy. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 209 calories
Fat: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Protein: 5 grams

Find it online: https://healthyishappetite.com/spicy-oat-milk-hot-chocolate/