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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, naturally sweetened drink that feels like a warm hug in a mug, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, thanks to the magic of dates. Whether you’re winding down after a crazy day or looking for something special to kick off your morning, this latte has become my go-to for a good reason. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make — and how every sip tastes like a little celebration.

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Why This Recipe Works

Natural Sweetness: Dates provide rich, caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar, making this latte wholesome and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up anytime without extra trips to the store.
Versatility: Whether you like it hot, iced, or as a coffee topper, this recipe adapts perfectly to your mood or season.
Creamy Texture: Using non-dairy milk ensures a smooth, velvety cup every time, even if you’re dairy-free or vegan like me.

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate drink, vegan coffee alternative, naturally sweetened latte, cozy fall beverage - 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 combines simple, everyday ingredients that balance flavor and comfort perfectly. Each one brings something special to the cup, and getting good quality versions really makes the difference — especially with the dates and cacao powder.

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate drink, vegan coffee alternative, naturally sweetened latte, cozy fall beverage - 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: Almond, oat, or cashew milk all work beautifully here to keep things creamy without overpowering the flavor.
Cacao powder: Opt for unsweetened raw cacao for that deep, chocolatey taste — it’s way better than cocoa powder for richness.
Dates: Medjool dates are my favorite because they’re soft and super sweet, but any pitted date will do.
Cinnamon (stick or ground): Adds warmth and subtle spice; cinnamon sticks give a gentler infusion, while ground cinnamon packs a bolder punch.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint amps up the chocolate flavor and smooths out the date sweetness.

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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 making this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe my own depending on the day — sometimes I like it extra chocolatey, other times I throw in a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick. There’s no right or wrong here, so feel free to experiment and find what makes your heart happy.

Variation: I sometimes swap the vanilla for a splash of almond extract to add a nutty twist — it’s surprisingly delicious and unexpected.
Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut milk for a tropical vibe or oat milk for super creamy texture without any nuttiness.
Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add an extra date; for a low-sugar version, reduce the dates to one and rely more on cinnamon and vanilla.

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

Step 1: Combine and Simmer

I start by adding all the ingredients — non-dairy milk, cacao powder, pitted dates, cinnamon, and vanilla — into a small pot. Then I bring it gently to a low boil over medium heat. It’s important to keep an eye on it here to avoid scorching the milk and chocolate, which can happen if you rush it. Once it reaches a soft boil, I reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 5 minutes to really let those flavors mingle and soften the dates.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

After simmering, I fish out the cinnamon stick(s) if I used them, then carefully transfer everything to a blender. Here’s a key safety tip: make sure the blender lid is on tight and slightly vented if possible because the hot steam inside can create pressure. I blend until perfectly smooth — the dates completely dissolve, and the cacao gives the drink a gorgeous dark hue that’s so inviting.

Step 3: Enjoy Warm or Cold

This latte is fabulous straight from the blender, but you can also pour it over ice or add a shot of espresso for a mocha-like twist. I’ve found that starting with a quality cold brew and pouring this over makes an irresistible afternoon pick-me-up. Just give it a quick stir and you’re golden.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Soften Your Dates First: If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding — it helps them blend super smooth.
Low and Slow Simmer: Keep heat moderate to avoid burning and bitterness; slow simmering gently wakes up all flavors.
Secure Blender Lid: Hot liquids create steam; blender lids can pop off if you’re not careful—use a kitchen towel over the lid for safety.
Try Different Milks: Experiment with what you like best, but I personally find oat milk gives the creamiest, richest texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy hot chocolate drink, vegan coffee alternative, naturally sweetened latte, cozy fall beverage - 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 love topping my Chocolate Date Latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of extra cacao powder to make it look café-worthy. Sometimes I add a small dollop of coconut whipped cream for a little indulgence, especially when serving guests—it’s such a nice, unexpected touch that others always ask about.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti or a few biscotti-style cookies. I’ve also enjoyed it with warm cinnamon-spiced banana bread or simple buttery toast when I’m keeping things easy but still delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this latte layered over espresso in a clear glass mug so you can see the pretty color contrast. Adding a tiny cinnamon stick inside the mug makes the presentation feel thoughtful and elevated without extra effort—perfect for impressing guests with minimal fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover latte (which rarely happens in my house), I store it in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, just give it a good stir or quick warm-up before drinking to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing this latte can work if you want to batch make, but I recommend freezing it in ice cube trays. When thawed, the texture can separate slightly, so I use the cubes to add flavor to smoothies or to melt into hot drinks instead of drinking frozen leftover latte alone.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. I avoid high heat because it can make the milk separate or burn the cacao, losing that lovely smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Date Latte Recipe with dairy milk?

Absolutely! While I prefer non-dairy milks for the smooth texture and to keep it vegan-friendly, whole milk or any dairy milk will work just fine if that’s your preference.
How sweet is the latte with only two dates?

Using two Medjool dates provides a natural, mild sweetness that’s pleasantly balanced by the bitterness of cacao and the warm spice of cinnamon. If you like it sweeter, you can always add another date or two, but I recommend tasting first!
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?

You can, but cacao powder typically offers a richer, deeper chocolate flavor because it’s less processed. Cocoa powder tends to be brighter and slightly less bitter, which changes the character of your latte. I love cacao for the full-bodied taste.
Is this latte suitable for diabetics?

Since this recipe sweetens solely with dates, it does contain natural sugars, so it’s best consumed in moderation if you’re sensitive to sugar. You could reduce the number of dates or consult with a healthcare provider for alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Date Latte Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen not just because it tastes amazing, but because it’s a little daily ritual of comfort and indulgence that’s also good for me. Sharing it with friends and seeing their surprised smiles when they realize how delicious and wholesome it is? That’s what makes it truly special. So grab your pot and blender, give this a try, and I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your home too.