Name: Chocolate Date Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup non-dairy milk; 2 tbsp cacao powder; 2 dates, pitted; ½ tsp cinnamon or 1-2 cinnamon sticks; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re anything like me and adore cozy, naturally sweetened drinks, then this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe is going to be your new obsession. It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly balanced — combining the deep richness of cacao with the caramel-like sweetness of dates. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up at home, no fancy barista skills needed! Stick around, I’ll walk you through every step and share some tips to nail it perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

Natural Sweetness: Dates add a rich caramel flavor without refined sugar, making this latte deliciously wholesome.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, so it’s easy to throw together any day.
Customizable Warmth: Cinnamon adds a cozy spice that you can adjust to suit your mood or season.
Versatility: Enjoy it hot, iced, or even over your morning coffee for a little extra kick.

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate with dates, cozy cacao drink, natural sweetener coffee beverage, homemade chocolate latte - A small gray saucepan filled with smooth, rich dark brown liquid is placed on top of a soft, off-white cloth with fine brown stitching around the edges, all set on a white marbled surface. The liquid inside the pan is thick and glossy, covering the entire inner base evenly without any visible bubbles or texture, showing a uniform surface. The handle of the saucepan extends to the left and has a slightly worn metal look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chocolate Date Latte Recipe calls for just a few ingredients, each playing its role in building a balanced flavor and creamy texture. I always keep these on hand because making this latte feels indulgent without the fuss.

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate with dates, cozy cacao drink, natural sweetener coffee beverage, homemade chocolate latte - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth cacao powder, two whole glossy dates with pits removed visible but natural, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine cinnamon powder alongside a couple of whole cinnamon sticks, a small white ceramic bowl with rich golden vanilla extract, and a white ceramic cup filled with creamy non-dairy milk, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Non-dairy milk: I use almond or oat milk usually — they’re creamy and mild, perfect to blend the cacao and dates together.
Cacao powder: Look for unsweetened and high-quality cacao for that deep chocolate taste without bitterness.
Dates: Medjool dates work best here; they’re soft, super sweet, and blend smoothly to create that natural syrupy sweetness.
Cinnamon: Ground or sticks both work — sticks infuse gently during simmering but ground adds an instant punch of spice.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and depth — it’s the little thing that makes it taste extra cozy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe depending on the time of day or my mood. If you like it sweeter, add an extra date or two — I sometimes sneak in a pinch of chili powder for a Mexican chocolate vibe!

Variation: Some mornings I swap the cacao powder for matcha powder — and though it’s no longer chocolate, the dates still give that rich sweetness I crave.
Dairy Swap: Feel free to use regular milk if you prefer; it makes the latte a bit creamier.
Spice It Up: Adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom can bring extra warmth, especially cozy during colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Heat

Start by adding your non-dairy milk, cacao powder, pitted dates, cinnamon (sticks or powder), and vanilla into a small pot. Turn the heat to medium-low and bring everything to a gentle low boil. You want to see steam and small bubbles, but don’t let it rush — this gentle simmer helps the flavors meld without scorching the milk or cacao.

Step 2: Simmer for Depth

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the dates to soften further and infuses the cinnamon aroma deeply into the latte. If you’re using cinnamon sticks, the simmering helps extract their flavor without overpowering.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Remove the cinnamon sticks (if using), then carefully transfer the mixture to your blender. Secure the lid tightly — this is key to avoid escaping steam or even an unexpected hot mess! Blend on high until completely smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. This makes the date’s texture disappear, leaving you with a silky latte.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Pour the latte into your favorite mug and enjoy right away. Feel free to drink it hot, over ice, or even pour it over a shot of espresso for a morning pick-me-up. It’s one of those drinks that’s delicious any way you take it.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Use Ripe Medjool Dates: Their softness blends best, avoiding graininess or chunks in your latte.
Control the Sweetness: Try one date first, blend, taste, then add another if you want it sweeter.
Secure the Blender Lid: Always hold or use a towel over the lid to prevent hot latte explosion!
Simmer Low and Slow: This avoids curdling and ensures a smooth texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate with dates, cozy cacao drink, natural sweetener coffee beverage, homemade chocolate latte - A light purple speckled cup filled with smooth milk chocolate-colored drink with a cinnamon stick inside sits on a matching light purple speckled saucer. Two cinnamon sticks lie on the saucer beside the cup. The set is placed on a soft off-white cloth on top of a wooden board, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of extra cacao powder on top. If I’m feeling fancy, a little whipped coconut cream adds that lush, creamy finish. Besides just looking pretty, they elevate the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs wonderfully with a warm almond biscotti or a slice of banana bread for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. The mildly sweet sides balance the intense chocolate and date flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer the latte in a glass mug with a swirl of caramel or drizzle of date syrup on top. Serving it with a cinnamon stick stirrer makes it feel extra special and inviting — a simple touch that makes a big difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare in my house!), store the latte in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir or shake before reheating because natural separation can happen.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing it in ice cube trays to add to smoothies, and it works surprisingly well! Just pop out the cubes and blend them with your favorite plant milk for a chocolaty treat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. This keeps the texture creamy without scorching or breaking the milk.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk in this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use cow’s milk or any other milk you prefer. The flavor will be creamier with dairy milk, but non-dairy options like oat or almond milk give a lighter, slightly nuttier taste that pairs beautifully with cacao and dates.
How sweet is the Chocolate Date Latte Recipe — do I need to add extra sugar?

The sweetness really depends on your dates. Medjool dates are naturally sweet enough that you usually don’t need additional sugar. If you prefer it sweeter, you can always add another date or a drizzle of maple syrup after blending.
Can I make this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe iced?

Definitely! After blending, pour your latte over ice and enjoy a refreshing, naturally sweet iced chocolate drink. It’s a great way to cool down while still savoring all the rich flavors.
What if I don’t have a blender?

You can try mashing softened dates very finely and whisking them directly into warm milk and cacao, but blending ensures the smoothest texture. If you don’t have a blender, consider using a hand blender or food processor for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Date Latte Recipe is one of those simple little joys I love having on chilly mornings or when I need a peaceful afternoon break. It’s comforting, naturally sweet, and feels a little indulgent without any guilt. I hope when you try making it, you’ll find it becomes a reliable favorite in your own kitchen, just like it is in mine. Drink up, savor the warmth, and enjoy every sip!