Dates melt into the chocolate and coffee like caramel, so this latte needs no sugar at all.
Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Total10 min
Serves1
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Cocoa powder
Milk
Cinnamon
I'm a mocha person, but café mochas are usually far too sweet for me. This version uses a few soft dates instead of syrup, and honestly I like it more. It tastes like chocolate and caramel with a nice coffee kick.
How it works
Dates are naturally sticky and sweet. Once softened in hot water and blended, they disappear completely and give the latte body and a caramel flavor. Cocoa brings the chocolate, espresso the depth, and a pinch of salt makes it all taste more like itself.
Tips for a silky cup
Use soft dates. Medjool dates are best. If yours are firm, soak them a bit longer.
Blend longer than you think. Give it a full minute so there are no little flecks of date.
Don't forget the salt. It sounds odd, but it's what makes the chocolate pop.
Pick a creamy milk. Whole milk or barista oat milk froth beautifully.
Twists to try
Iced: blend with cold milk and ice instead of steaming.
Spicy mocha: add a tiny pinch of cayenne.
Extra caramel: an extra date and a few more grains of salt.
Protein boost: blend in a scoop of chocolate protein powder.
Good company
This is lovely next to a slice of banana bread, a muffin or a bowl of oatmeal on a slow weekend morning.
A rich chocolate latte sweetened only with soft dates, blended with cocoa, espresso and cinnamon, then topped up with steamed milk.
Drinks Easy American
Prep
5 min
Cook
5 min
Total
10 min
Servings
1
Ingredients 8 items
Tap to check off as you go
Latte Base
Instructions 6 steps
1
Put the pitted dates and hot water in a blender and let them soften for 2 to 3 minutes.
2
Add the cocoa, cinnamon, salt, vanilla and espresso and blend until completely smooth.
3
Heat the milk until steaming and froth it if you like.
4
Pour the milk into the blender and pulse briefly to combine.
5
Taste and add another date or a little more cocoa if needed.
6
Pour into a mug and dust with cocoa or cinnamon.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
190
Protein
5g
Carbs
34g
Fat
4g
Sugar
27g
Fiber
4g
Sodium
90mg
Questions, answered
My dates are dry. Will they still work?
Yes. Soak them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes first so they blend smoothly.
Can I make it without coffee?
Swap the espresso for extra hot milk or a caffeine-free coffee substitute like chicory.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Blend the date, cocoa and coffee base and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add hot milk when serving.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
