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

If you’re looking for a cozy, decadent pick-me-up that just happens to be naturally sweet and comforting, the Chocolate Date Latte is pure bliss in a mug. This recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a crafted café drink right at home, with velvety chocolate, fragrant cinnamon, and creamy non-dairy milk—plus the lovely, caramel-like sweetness of dates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet: Plump dates make this latte lusciously sweet without a single grain of added sugar.
Rich & Creamy: Non-dairy milk and real cacao blend together for that decadent, café-style texture we crave.
Super Fast: Ten minutes start to finish—yes, you can level up your coffee break any time of day.
Delightfully Customizable: Play with flavors, make it your own, or pair it with coffee for a fun mocha twist!

Chocolate Date Latte Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of staple ingredients come together to create the rich, multidimensional flavors of this Chocolate Date Latte. Each one pulls its own weight—bringing something special to the cup—so don’t skip the details below if you want to make your mug truly magical.

Non-dairy milk (1 ½ cup): This forms the creamy base. Oat, almond, or soy milk work great! Make it barista-style for extra froth.
Cacao powder (2 tbsp): For that deep chocolate flavor—raw cacao brings rich, slightly bitter notes, but cocoa powder is a fine substitute.
Dates, pitted (2): The key sweetener! Dates add natural, caramel-like sweetness and a silky-smooth body.
Cinnamon (½ tsp or 1-2 sticks): Aromatic warmth and a hint of spice that lifts all the flavors. Use either ground or whole sticks depending on preference.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash brings roundness and an irresistible bakery-style aroma.

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.

Variations

The beauty of the Chocolate Date Latte is how easy it is to adapt—so go ahead and tailor it to your cravings or dietary needs! Experiment with flavors, add-ins, or creative swaps to make it truly your own signature treat.

Add Coffee: For a mocha-style pick-me-up, pour the finished latte over a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Make It Iced: Blend, chill, and serve over ice for a refreshing summer version that’s just as indulgent.
Peppermint Twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract for a fun, wintry vibe reminiscent of peppermint hot chocolate.
Nutty Vibes: Blend in a tablespoon of almond, cashew, or peanut butter for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Date Latte

Step 1: Simmer the Flavors

Add your non-dairy milk, cacao powder, pitted dates, cinnamon (either sticks or ground), and vanilla to a small pot. Turn the heat to medium-low and bring everything to a gentle bubble. Simmer for about 5 minutes—this allows the dates to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Blend Until Creamy

Remove any cinnamon sticks if you used them, then carefully pour the hot mixture into a blender. Secure the lid tightly (hot liquids can create steam pressure!) and blend until the latte is completely smooth, frothy, and irresistibly creamy. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy the cozy aroma.

Step 3: Serve and Savor

Sip as is for a pure chocolate hug, try it iced on warm afternoons, or pour over fresh espresso for the ultimate chocolatey-coffee treat. Each variation makes this Chocolate Date Latte feel like a little luxury, any time of day.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Date Latte

Date Softening Shortcut: If your dates feel firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before simmering to ensure the smoothest blend.
Froth Boost: After blending, whisk the latte briskly or use a milk frother for that classic café foam on top.
Spice Swap: Love warm spices? Try swapping cinnamon for a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a captivating flavor twist.
Blender Safety: Always vent your blender lid slightly when blending hot liquids to prevent pressure build-up—safety and creamy lattes go hand in hand!

How to Serve Chocolate Date Latte

Garnishes

Dress up your mug with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a few cacao nibs for a little crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, top with a cloud of dairy-free whipped cream—a swirl worthy of your inner barista.

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Date Latte shines as a solo treat, but it’s especially delightful alongside nutty biscotti, a buttery croissant, or simple oat cookies. For a nourishing brunch, try pairing it with a bowl of fruit and toasted sourdough.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the latte in a clear glass mug to show off its decadent color. Make a “latte flight” with classic, mocha, and peppermint variations for a gathering, or pour your latte over ice in a tall glass for an elegant summer transformation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Chocolate Date Latte, simply store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just give it a good shake or stir before reheating or enjoying cold.

Freezing

Not ready to finish your latte? Pour the cooled mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze—these cubes are perfect for blending into smoothies or instant iced lattes later on!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 20-second bursts until hot. Stir well to reincorporate any settled chocolate or dates, and enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! While the Chocolate Date Latte is designed to be plant-based and extra creamy with non-dairy milk, dairy milk works just as well if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
Will a regular blender work for blending dates?

Most high-speed or standard blenders handle this recipe well. If your blender is old or basic, ensure the dates are fully softened during simmering, or pre-soak them to achieve that extra-smooth, silky result.
Can I make this Chocolate Date Latte caffeine-free?

Yes! As written, the recipe contains no caffeine—just delicious chocolate flavor and natural sweetness. Only add coffee if you want that classic mocha kick.
How sweet is this latte, and can I adjust it?

The dates lend a gentle, caramel sweetness, but feel free to add another date for more sweetness or use just one for a subtler effect. You can also add a little maple syrup or your favorite sweetener if desired.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, chocolatey, and a little bit special, I hope you try this Chocolate Date Latte soon. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to share with friends—or savor alone as a delicious act of self-care. Enjoy every silky, spiced sip!