On a cold winter night there’s nothing much better than heating up a cup of hot carob topped with homemade marshmallow fluff. It’s naturally sweetened, extra creamy and easy to make.

It is officially hot chocolate season.

Cold weather + snow = hot chocolate.

Well … even if there isn’t much snow (like this December), a hot drink is always welcomed. Over the years I have tried a variety of hot chocolate mixes and recipes. Everything from the store bought powdered mixes (shame on me) to making a homemade hot chocolate mix to a decadent stovetop recipe full of heavy cream and chocolate chips.

But this year I thought I’d try something different. A hot carob drink.

After hearing about the benefits of carob, I picked up a bag at a local amish market. I then set out to create an alternative to the classic hot chocolate. After a few batches, (thanks to my husband for being the official taste tester of the family) a delicious, creamy, sweet cup of hot carob was achieved. And if the warm drink wasn’t tasty enough, I recently discovered a healthy marshmallow fluff recipe on the Three Rivers Homestead YouTube channel that paired perfectly with my cup of hot carob.

No caffeine. No highly processed ingredients. No sugar. Just a scrumptious treat that you will feel good drinking.

What is Carob Powder?

Carob powder comes from carob tree pods. They are then dried, roasted and turned into a naturally sweet powder. Similar in taste and smell to cocoa powder, carob can be used in place of cocoa in baking recipes.

Cocoa Powder Substitute

Every one loves chocolate. At least many people do, including me! But sometimes it’s nice to have an alternative to chocolate. Especially when you’re making baked goods for people with allergies. Or if you’re craving a cup of hot chocolate in the evening but don’t want the added caffeine just hours before bedtime. Carob powder is a great substitute for cocoa powder.

There are many health benefits to consuming carob powder. Here are some of the most popular reasons to use carob powder:

• Caffeine-free
• Helps maintain a healthy gut
• Good source of fiber
• Can be low on the glycemic index
• Full of antioxidants

“Hot Chocolate” Carob Drink

Makes: 2 servings

Hot Carob Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbs carob powder
1/4 cup agave
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Using a whisk, combine the milk, whipping cream, carob powder and agave in a saucepan. Heat until warm.

Add vanilla. Pour into two mugs and serve immediately. Optionally, you can top it with the marshmallow fluff from the recipe below.

Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup water, divided
1.5 Tbs gelatin
1/2 cup agave
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Pour 1/4 cup water into a small bowl. Add gelatin and allow to bloom for 3-5 minutes.

While the gelatin is blooming, begin working on the sweetener for the marshmallow fluff. Add 1/4 cup water, agave and salt in a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat until the sweetener has dissolved. 

Add gelatin mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour hot sweetener mix over gelatin. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high for 9 minutes or until thick and fluffy. Add vanilla. Continue to mix for an additional minute.

Dollop a spoonful of marshmallow fluff on top of the hot carob drink. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for several days.

Kitchen Tips

The sweeteners in both the hot carob recipe as well as the homemade marshmallow fluff recipe can be substituted for many other types of sweeteners. Don’t have agave? Try fructose, honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar.

If you’re dairy-free, the milk can be substituted for almond milk or your favorite dairy-free option.

When you’re whisking the marshmallow fluff, be sure your mixer is on high or close to it. You need to whip air into it like you would when making homemade whipped cream.

The carob drink fills two mugs. If you ned more than two servings, double it! The marshmallow fluff makes plenty so you won’t need to double it.

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