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· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, naturally sweet coffee alternative that feels like a warm hug in a mug, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home — plus, it’s dairy-free and sweetened entirely with dates, giving it a wonderful depth of flavor without any refined sugar. Stick around, and I’ll share all my little tips to make sure your latte turns out perfectly every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Natural Sweetness: Using dates as the sweetener gives the latte a rich, caramel-like taste without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe comes together quickly, even on your busiest mornings.
Versatility: Whether you want it hot, iced, or mixed with your morning coffee, this latte adapts beautifully.
Dairy-Free and Cozy: Using non-dairy milk keeps this recipe friendly for many diets while still delivering a creamy, comforting drink.

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy coffee alternative, dairy-free latte recipe, natural sweetener drinks, cozy warm beverages - 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 is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that blend harmoniously for a creamy, flavorful drink. Each element plays a part in building depth and warmth, so make sure to use quality items for the best results!

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy coffee alternative, dairy-free latte recipe, natural sweetener drinks, cozy warm beverages - 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 like oat or almond milk for their creaminess — they froth beautifully and add a subtle flavor.
Cacao powder: Pure, unsweetened cacao powder brings that deep, chocolatey note that’s not overly sweet.
Dates: The secret sweetener! Make sure to pit them first and soften if needed for a smooth blend.
Cinnamon (powder or sticks): Adds warmth and a bit of spice, perfect for cozying up this latte.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch amps up the flavor complexity and rounds everything out beautifully.

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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.

Make It Your Way

The best thing about this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand or my mood—but the core flavors always shine through. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Variation: When I’m craving an extra indulgent treat, I add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick — it pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate and dates.
Milk swap: Coconut milk works great if you want a tropical undertone and a bit more richness.
Extra sweetness: If your dates aren’t super sweet, a splash of maple syrup or honey can help—but I usually find dates alone do the job.
Iced latte: Blend it with ice cubes for a refreshing, creamy summer version.

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

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out your non-dairy milk, cacao powder, pitted dates, cinnamon, and vanilla. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to soften—that helps them blend super smoothly.

Step 2: Simmer the Magic

Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the cinnamon infuse the latte. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Remove any cinnamon sticks, then carefully transfer the hot mixture to your blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and frothy. Make sure your blender lid is secure because the steam can build up—trust me, I learned the hard way!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pour your Chocolate Date Latte straight into your favorite mug and savor. You can drink it as is, over ice for a refreshing twist, or add a shot of espresso if you want a caffeine kick. It’s the perfect treat any time of day.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Prep Dates Ahead: Soaking dates before blending completely changed the texture for me—no gritty bits here!
Watch the Heat: Keep it at a gentle simmer so the mixture doesn’t scorch or boil over, which can happen faster than you think.
Use a Tamper or Spoon: When blending, if needed, stop and stir to make sure everything is blending evenly for that velvety finish.
Safety First: Always secure your blender lid firmly before blending hot liquids. Steam can cause spills that catch you by surprise.

How to Serve Chocolate Date Latte Recipe

Chocolate Date Latte, healthy coffee alternative, dairy-free latte recipe, natural sweetener drinks, cozy warm beverages - 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 latte with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few cacao nibs for texture and visual appeal. A swirl of coconut whipped cream never hurts when I want to indulge a little! These toppings add extra layers of flavor without overpowering the natural chocolate-date goodness.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with simple breakfast treats like toasted almond butter on sourdough, date-studded granola bars, or even a rich slice of banana bread. I often enjoy it alongside a handful of mixed nuts for that perfect sweet-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this latte to guests, I like to present it in clear glass mugs so the rich, dark mocha color shines through. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer makes it look festive and inviting—especially cozy for chilly evenings or brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover latte (hey, it happens!), store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 48 hours. I recommend giving it a good stir or brief whisk before reheating to recombine any settled ingredients.

Freezing

Freezing this latte isn’t my go-to since the texture can separate slighty upon thawing. But if you want to freeze it, pour in ice cube trays for individual portions—you can add these cubes to hot water or coffee for a flavor boost later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts. Avoid boiling again—just warm it just enough to enjoy the full flavors and smooth consistency. A quick whisk afterward helps revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy?

Absolutely! While I prefer non-dairy milks for their flavor and creaminess, you can substitute regular cow’s milk or any other milk you like. Just adjust the simmering and blending times as needed to avoid scorching.
How sweet is this Chocolate Date Latte Recipe?

The sweetness level depends on your dates. Medjool dates are naturally very sweet, so two of those usually make the latte pleasantly sweet but not overpowering. If you want a sweeter drink, feel free to add another date or a little natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Can I make this latte ahead for a busy morning?

Yes! You can prepare the base the night before and store it in the fridge. Blend it fresh in the morning or reheat and whisk it to revive the creamy texture. It’s a real time saver.
Can I add coffee to this recipe?

Definitely! This chocolate date latte tastes amazing on its own, but adding a shot of espresso or some brewed coffee turns it into a mocha-style treat that’s perfect for a caffeine boost in the afternoon or morning.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Date Latte Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, sweetened naturally, and feels like a little daily indulgence that’s actually good for you. It’s perfect when you want something cozy without reaching for sugary syrups or complicated ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll love how comforting and versatile it is. Trust me, once you make one batch, you’ll find yourself brewing it again and again!