Today we’re celebrating one of my favorite food trends with this delicious, healthy round-up of dairy-free chocolate breakfast recipes. According to a prior report from the Sterling-Rice Group (SRG), research is encouraging us to enjoy chocolate for breakfast, and we as consumers are eager to oblige.
The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study evaluated the relationship between diet and cognitive function. They found that habitual chocolate consumption was associated with improved memory, abstract reasoning, and organization – benefits that can help prepare your mind for a busy workday.
Fortunately, chocolate is a naturally dairy-free food when void of additives like milk solids, cream and butter oil. And I’ve compiled 22 delicious plant-based ways to enjoy a dairy-free chocolate boost in the morning.
22 Dairy-Free Chocolate Breakfast Recipes for a Plant-Based Morning
I originally created this post with So Delicious, but sadly a few of the recipes they created are no longer online. So I’ve updated this round-up with some new dairy-free chocolate breakfast recipes.
Chocolate, Chia, Raspberry & Acai Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls might be “so 2016” but this version is on trend with no added sugars and a double dose of cacao. Plus it’s plant-based and paleo-friendly.
Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Granola
I adore this sweet, hearty granola doused with almond, cashew or coconut milk beverage. It puts cocoa crispies to shame!
Smoky Joe’s Blueberry Smoothie
It might look like an ordinary blueberry smoothie, but it’s infused with cacao for delicious depth in flavor.
Jumbo Triple Chocolate Mug Muffin
This is a beloved recipe from my own kitchen, which is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly (simple ingredients!). I’ve also included speedy microwave and traditional oven directions.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Chia seeds gel for a unique tapioca-like experience, but are far more nutritious than those little pearls. They provide protein, Omega 3s, and even dairy-free calcium. Nonetheless, I usually reduce the sweetener in this recipe to suit my more sensitive morning taste buds.
Raw Chocolate Raspberry Crepes
I’m not going to lie, this is an elaborate recipe. But it’s divided into three recipes that you can make individually. Personally, I’d eat that Chocolate Ganache with a spoon!
“Melted Chocolate Ice Cream” Protein Smoothie
You won’t believe the combination of healthy ingredients in this healthy chocolate protein smoothie. And yes, it does taste delicious!
Healthy Chocolate Truffles
These nutty indulgences are made with unsweetened chocolate, have no added sugars, and are delicious with coffee or tea in the morning. They also store well in the refrigerator or freezer.
Eat Dirt Protein Shakes
I think this smoothie recipe is just sweet enough, and it’s a fun way to enjoy loads of nutritious ingredients. Plus, I can’t resist the cacao nibs, which make perfect “dirt” on top.
Matcha Power Bars with Cacao Nibs
If you’re on-the-go in the morning, reach for this dense and fulfilling recipe. These bars are raw, vegan, paleo-friendly and offer an extra boost of caffeine.
Cashew Hot Cocoa with Cinnamon Whip
My chocolate breakfast recipes list wouldn’t be complete without a healthy hot cocoa. You can replace that morning cup of joe with this rich, creamy, dairy-free hot chocolate recipe. It’s infused with cashews for some staying power.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Baked Donuts
This grand-prize winning gluten-free recipe is a special way to indulge in the morning. Note that there is a vegan and egg-free option included.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Power Muffins
These energizing breakfast muffins are simply loaded with healthy ingredients, but they taste delicious! My husband thinks the dark chocolate chunks are the star, but they meld seamlessly with these dense, wholesome muffins.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This easy pudding is rich in healthy fats, potassium, antioxidants, and of course, chocolate! It’s made with cacao and sweetened with fruit and maple syrup.
Easy Overnight Oats with Quinoa Crumble, Chocolate, and Coconut
I know the title doesn’t sound easy, but the quinoa crumble takes minutes to bake, and the rest is just stirring and sprinkling.
Peanut Butter Cup Yogurt
I often whip together this simple blend that takes advantage of chocolate dairy-free yogurt. Yes, it does exist! So Delicious, Silk, Yooga, Almond Breeze, CoYo, and Good Plants each have a chocolaty, plant-based yogurt.
Allergy-Friendly Double Chocolate Waffles
My friend Nicole is a master at creating top allergen-free treats. These decadent vegan and gluten-free chocolate waffles are just one delicious example.
Chocolate Fudgesicle Power Ice Cream
Ice cream for breakfast? You bet! This creamy frozen dessert is dairy-free, protein-rich, and perfect for summer mornings.
Mocha Fudge Energy Bites
Some mornings, I’m just too busy to get breakfast ready, so I reach for quick bites like these. They store well in the freezer.
Almond Butter Cup Shakes
These lovely, spoonable smoothies are a fun favorite in our home. But if you don’t have the patience for layering, you can blend it all together!
Mamma’s Big Batch Breakfast Cookies
The original recipe calls for raisins, but we like to swap in dairy-free dark chocolate chips. These oatmeal cookies are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and made with almond flour for extra heft.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Pancakes
Chocolate and peanut butter are literally layered into every bite of these short stacks. Vegan and gluten-free options are included, and you can swap whole grain flour in, if desired.
26 Comments
Whoever turns down any of these breakfasts is absolutely crazy! When you say Chocolate for breakfast nothing else needs to be asked! I cannot wait to try some of these all out!
So true! Thanks Meg!
There are so many delicious looking recipes here! Chocolate is the perfect way to get me out of bed in the morning 🙂 I am drooling over that Mexican chocolate smoothie!
That’s a definite winner!
I’m swooning over all these incredible recipes!! Chocolate for breakfast?! Yes please! I’ll start with you Chocolate Decadence Smoothie Bowl…stunning!
Isn’t that a pretty one? It’s almost worthy of your gorgeous smoothie bowl collection Sonali.
I’ll take chocolate for breakfast any day! These recipes all look fabulous!
Chocolate any time of day!
Chocolate for breakfast is my kind of breakfast!! I especially love the sounds of those chocolate peanut butter pancakes – YUM!!!
They’re oh-so-good!
I always have a little bit of chocolate for breakfast! Whether it’s in my smoothie or in my coffee! These all look awesome!
Lately I’ve been having some dark chocolate chips with tea as a mid-morning pick me up, so I hear you Laura!
A million times yes on chocolate for breakfast!!! There was a study awhile back about eating cake for breakfast helping people lose weight and I’ll say that backfired 🙂 but all the healthy options are a perfect way to feel like you’re treating yourself!
I saw that study when reading up on this one Amanda! I definitely thought that was pushing it for sure! Healthier chocolate for breakfast options is more along my belief system 🙂
Oh man I want chocolate for breakfast! I am planning my first non Whole30 breakfast and I know it will be two things: dairy free and full of chocolate!
Haha, I hope it was amazing and chocolaty Kortney 🙂
So Delicious is our dairy free milk of choice and I just love using their Chocolate coconut milk in breakfast recipes. It makes the best pancakes, muffins and delicious in protein shakes. Breakfast can’t come soon enough 🙂
Yes! That product is such a fabulous shortcut. Thanks for sharing your ideas Nicole.
Oh my goodness so many delicious options! That hot cacao has me drooling and I’ll take that with a side of pancakes, no baked donuts, oh I’m hungry now.
Thank you for including one of my creations.
Too much to resist – I agree! I recommend starting with donuts – go big!
Yum. I am a big believer of chocolate for breakfast! Thanks for all the great recipe ideas!
Always happy to share sweet breakfast deliciousness 🙂
These all look so amazing, I don’t know what recipe to make first!
For you Cricket, I recommend the Trail Mix Muffins. Simple & allergy-friendly 🙂
I always have to have my chocolate for breakfast!
Smart lady 🙂