I’ve discovered (or rediscovered) the secret to thick dairy-free hot chocolate without the use of nuts, soy, or added gum: Dates. I hope you enjoy it too 🙂
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
Puree (in high power blender or food processor):
1 can coconut milk
1 can-full of water
6 soft pitted medjool dates
2 tbsp plus 1 tsp cocoa or cacao powder
a few drops of liquid stevia if more sweetener is needed
Slowly bring almost to a simmer. Let cool to desired temperature.
♥, Kelly
Brandon says
I think we’re on the same brainwave today. I made hot chocolate this morning very similar to this recipe. I like the added dates better than what I made, however. I have all the ingredients so I’m definitely giving it a try tonight!
One Ordinary Woman says
So do you leave the dates in? I’m confused. Also, are any dates acceptable?
Tammy says
that sounds really yummy. do you blend the dates?
Chelsea @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
This looks delicious! I love hot chocolate!
Chelsea @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
This looks delicious! I love hot chocolate!
Anonymous says
How many cups of cocoa would you say this makes?
Thanks!
Kathy (mom to 5, so may need to double, or triple it 🙂 )
Jen@thecraftingfiend says
Now this might seem like a silly question – but I’m dairy and egg free due to an allergy that came up with pregnancy so this is a bit new to me… but cocoa powder all says “cocoa butter” on it and butter to me means dairy – is all unsweetened baking cocoa powder dairy free?
Lynnie Ha says
what happens to the dates? do you take them out when you are done making this?
Kelly says
Thanks guys!
Yes, puree the dates in with the other ingredients. I used a Blendtec, but a food processor would also do the trick.
I use a cocoa powder that is 100% cocoa powder – no dairy or anything added. Be ware of the “mixes.”
Sariah says
Jen,
Cocoa Butter is not dairy. It’s technical name is theobroma oil, but it is actually a vegetable fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean….think of it as the cocoa version on peanut butter or almond butter.
Nancy @Real Food, Allergy Free says
I make dairy free hot chocolate all the time with sucanat but never thought to try dates. What a great idea!
Nancy @ Real Food, Allergy Free
alisa says
This is exactly how I make hot cocoa! But I use cashew milk or a regular milk alternative. The dates are plenty for thickening!
Katerina Bon Vora says
mmm… fine IDEA! I like this. wondering if I can do without the coconut milk? perhaps almond nut milk will do?
Tessa Domestic Diva says
I’ve thickened with sweet potato puree before…lovely, and and added bonus…veggies!! Dates is another good idea!
Stacy @ Say it With Sprinkles says
This looks super yummy and rich – I always love to see new versions of dairy free hot chocolate! =)
Lori @ Laurel of Leaves says
Dates! Of course! What a fantastic idea. Thanks so much Kelly!
Anonymous says
Hi, I’m new to this blog, just learned about you from someone on the forum at glutenfreesociety.org. I am trying to put my family on a grain free diet (after being gf among other things for 8 years)to include no quinoa as glutenfreesociety.org states that this seed could cause problems for some, so at this point I am trying to eat without it. I would love to purchase both of your cookbooks but I have some questions first – my son has a nut allergy (but he is fine with coconut) so my question is are there enough recipes in your cookbooks that do not use the almond meal? Have you ever seen sunflower meal or pumpkin meal being sold? Or would you know how to make them? I’m hoping I would be able to substitute these nut meals in your recipes that use almond meal. We also use sunflower seed butter so I think this would be a good replacement in your recipes that call for almond butter. Please advise! I’m so excited about your recipes! I just really wish my son didn’t have a nut allergy or that there was some kind of substitute for almond meal….
Thanks,
Sarah
Kelly says
Hi Sarah! A lot of my cookbook recipes use nuts/nut flour, and I don’t know how to make substitutions – you most likely could, but you would have to experiment. Love, Kelly
Anonymous says
I made this recipe and put my leftovers in the freezer for a few hours (stirring a couple of times). It was amazing as an ice-cream!
I’ll be making this for dessert for my next dinner guests.