Chocolate for Breakfast! 22 Delicious Dairy-Free Recipes

This chocolate breakfast recipes round-up is the fourth post in my “food trend” sponsored series for this year’s 21 Day Dairy-Free Challenge with So Delicious. The Challenge will run from January 23rd to February 12th, but sign up now for some great goodies. They’ll send you new coupons, a chance to win a year’s supply of So Delicious Dairy Free, dairy-free tips, a shopping list, snack guide, and more!

Today we’re celebrating my favorite top food trend prediction with dairy-free chocolate breakfast recipes! According to the Sterling-Rice Group (SRG), recent research is encouraging us to enjoy chocolate for breakfast, and we as consumers are eager to oblige.

The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study has been evaluating 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.

Creamy Chocolate Breakfast Recipes

Chocolate Decadence Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls may be “so 2016” but this version is on point with a double infusion of plant-based chocolate and just FOUR ingredients!

Cherry Blossom Smoothies

I think the chocolate shavings are a must on this candy bar-inspired healthy shake recipe.

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.

Smoky Joe’s Blueberry Smoothie

A subtle infusion of cacao adds depth to this nutritious, plant-based smoothie.

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.

Cashew Hot Cocoa with Cinnamon Whip

My chocolate breakfast recipes list wouldn’t be complete without a winter warmer. 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 Chocolate Smoothie

If you’re like me, then you may want to add a few drops of pure liquid stevia to brighten the flavors in this healthy blend.

Peanut Butter Cup Yogurt

I often whip together this simple blend that takes advantage of chocolate dairy-free yogurt. Yes, it does exist!

“Melted Chocolate Ice Cream” Protein Smoothie

With a name that’s impossible to resist, this cocoa-infused smoothie delivers with a double dose of dairy-free and plant-based protein.

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!

Baked & Brunchable Chocolate Breakfast Recipes

Chocolate Buckwheat Crepes with Whipped Coconut Cream

They may be a little decadent, but these vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly crepes are still loaded with wholesome goodness.

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.

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops

Fans of Seinfeld will definitely appreciate this easy vegan and gluten-free recipe. But I think everyone can agree that the muffin top is the best part of America’s favorite baked good! And fortunately, this recipe doesn’t require a special pan, just a baking sheet!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

Technically these aren’t labeled as breakfast cookies, but I think think they’re wholesome enough for the morning. Each bite is sweetened solely with coconut sugar and packed with hearty oats. As is, the recipe is gluten-free, but you can use whole wheat flour or spelt flour in place of the gluten-free flour blend.

Banana Oat Trail Mix Muffins

These naturally vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly muffins have just 8 ingredients, but I promise that you won’t miss a thing.

Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Granola

I adore this granola doused with almond, cashew or coconut milk beverage. In terms of both taste and nutrition, it puts cocoa crispies to shame.

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

This wholesome stack is topped with a dollop of cashew cream! The cakes themselves are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and infused with cocoa. If you’re in more of a waffle mood, try Emily’s Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Waffles with unsweetened almond milk beverage.

Overnight Oats with Banana, Cinnamon & Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips are optional on this scrumptious overnight oatmeal recipe, but we don’t think they should be. I swap in cacao nibs sometimes for a lower sugar crunch, or I go all out with chopped dairy-free dark chocolate.

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

What would a round-up of chocolate breakfast recipes be without a vegan delight from Chocolate-Covered Katie?

Chocolate Hazelnut Scones

These are a wonderful vegan treat, but you can make them more nourishing with a whole grain flour and coconut sugar swaps. Or you may want to skip the added sugar and enjoy the light hazelnut sweetness.

Jumbo Triple Chocolate Mug Muffin

This is a beloved recipe from my own kitchen. As a bonus, I’ve included speedy microwave and traditional oven directions. Plus, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free with options for allergy-friendly.

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.

Just Top it With Dairy-Free Chocolate!

You can make many of your favorite breakfasts better with a sprinkle of cacao nibs, mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, chopped pure dark chocolate or straight-up cacao powder. All of these can add delicious decadence to oatmeal, cereal, smoothies, baked goodies, French toast, or dairy-free yogurt.