Dairy-Free Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate for First Trimester Cravings

During my first trimester, sweet cravings would sneak up on me — quiet, persistent, and oddly specific.

Some days it was chocolate. Other days, it was something warm and caramel-like, the kind of sweetness that wraps around your senses. This Dairy-Free Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate came from that longing — a drink soft enough for my queasy stomach, but indulgent enough to feel like an escape.

It reminded me of my Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate and Dairy-Free White Hot Chocolate — little cups of calm when the world (and my hormones) felt a bit too loud.

Why This Pregnancy Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works

• Gentle sweetness: A bit of dulce de leche and maple syrup satisfy cravings without overwhelming your stomach.
• Dairy-free comfort: Oat milk keeps it light and easy to digest.
• Quick: Ready in 10 minutes for when you need instant comfort.
• Emotional lift: Brings cozy nostalgia and calm to unpredictable days.
  

Benefits of This Pregnancy-Friendly Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate For You & The Baby

I think back to winter in Patagonia years ago — snowflakes melting into my scarf, the cold so sharp it felt alive. 

I remember ducking into a café where the windows fogged with cocoa steam, sipping something warm and sweet while the wind howled outside. 

This recipe brings me right back there — to that feeling of safety and small luxury — only now, it’s gentler, kinder to my body in its changing state.

Prep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 10 minutes / Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon dulce de leche (regular or dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or 1/2 teaspoon dark brown sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For toppings (optional):

• Whipped cream (regular or dairy-free)
• A dusting of cocoa powder
• 1 small spoonful of dulce de leche

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the oat milk, cocoa powder, dulce de leche, maple syrup, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and the dulce de leche has completely melted into the milk. The mixture should be hot, but do not allow it to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
5. Use a handheld frother to create a light foam on top or add whipped cream.
6. Garnish: Add a small spoonful of dulce de leche over the top and finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Dulce de Leche Caramel Hot Chocolate

• More chocolatey: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of my Chocolate Hazelnut Spread until completely smooth for a more indulgent sip.
• Swap for caramel: If your grocery store doesn't sell dulce de leche (canned or jarred), feel free to substitute it with thick caramel :) 
• Smoother whisking: Pour 1/2 cup oat milk into the pot and whisk in the cocoa powder until completely smooth, then add the rest of the milk and ingredients. It's usually easier to combine them when you have less liquid initially. 
• Pistachio Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate: Swap the oat milk for Homemade Pistachio Milk for an easy, nutty variation. 

What to Serve With This Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it: 

• With a slice of my Cinnamon Pumpkin Banana Bread or Banana Date Walnut Bread.
• With a Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin with Oat Crumble for breakfast.
• With a small sugar cookie, gingerbread, or shortbread if my stomach can handle it :) 
• While nibbling on my Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cakes for a simple snack. 

How to Store & Reheat This Pregnancy Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight jar or container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving in 20-second increments works too. 

FAQs about this Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate for Pregnancy 

1. Can I have dulce de leche while pregnant?

Yes, in moderation. This version uses a small amount for flavor, and when made with pasteurized or dairy-free dulce de leche, it’s perfectly safe during pregnancy.

2. What’s the difference between caramel and dulce de leche?

Dulce de leche is made from slowly heated milk and sugar, giving it a deeper, milkier flavor. Caramel, made from sugar alone, is slightly more bitter and sharper in taste.

3. Can I make hot chocolate with oat milk?

Absolutely — oat milk creates a naturally creamy texture that’s gentle on digestion and perfect for nausea-prone mornings.

4. Is cocoa safe during pregnancy?

Yes — cocoa in moderate amounts is safe and can even lift mood and energy due to its antioxidants and flavanols.

5. Does dulce de leche contain caffeine?

No. Dulce de leche is caffeine-free, making this a great cozy evening drink for pregnancy.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

There’s something beautiful about creating comfort for yourself again — not by chasing what used to soothe you, but by reimagining it for the season you’re in now.

That’s what this cup feels like. A reminder that sweetness can still belong to you, even here, even now.

For more pregnancy-safe holiday drink recipes, check out my Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate, Dairy-Free Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate.