Healthy Dark Chocolate Date Sauce {4-Ingredients}

A rich, healthy dark chocolate date sauce that can be used in so many different ways! With only 4 ingredients (one of them being water), it is so simple to make. It doesn’t even taste like a “healthier” chocolate sauce. {Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free}

You may have seen date caramel trending on TikTok, as dates can act as a natural sweetener and they’re also really nutritious. This is a spin on that trend. My husband was afraid to try it, but even he liked it!

A glass bowl of healthy date chocolate sauce on a counter next to a bowl of strawberries.

The dates provide natural sweetness to this creamy, decadent chocolate sauce. Plus, they’re high in fiber and have antioxidant properties. Since they are a dried fruit, they are higher in calories and sugar- but the fiber helps to lower the glycemic index.

The antioxidants in dates have been shown to lower the risk of some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Reasons to Try This Recipe:

  • It tastes SO good! Especially if you’re a chocolate lover. This recipe rivals even the best chocolate sauce, in my opinion. I perfected the recipe after multiple attempts and quite frankly, I couldn’t stop eating it.
  • So versatile. This dark chocolate sauce with dates can be used to add flavor and nutrition in some of your favorite recipes. Dip some strawberries in it for a healthy snack. Add to your overnight oats or chia seed pudding. More ideas below!
  • Healthy and nutritious alternative. One serving is only 115 calories and 3 grams of fiber.

Ingredients

Makes 3 servings. Feel free to double the recipe, and store the extra in the fridge or freezer!

The ingredients for the healthy date chocolate sauce on a counter.
  • Unsweetened Coconut Milk (1/4 cup): I used the thick and creamy Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk. A thicker coconut milk will result in a thicker chocolate sauce.
  • Water (1/4 cup): Just a little water balances out the richness of the chocolate.
  • Medjool Pitted Dates (3 large): Adjust the amount of dates based on your sweetness preference. I used 3 large, pitted dates. If you dates have hardened (this will depend on the age and kind of dates you buy), allow to soak in water for 10 minutes.
  • Hershey’s Special Dark 100% Cacao Powder (1 tablespoon): This cocoa powder helps to add that rich, dark chocolate flavor- it’s so good!
  • Sea salt (optional): If you prefer a salted chocolate taste, add a sprinkle of sea salt.

I made this recipe without coconut milk (water only) and it was very good, but not as good as this coconut milk version. However, if you don’t have coconut milk, I recommend adding a couple of tablespoons of water and a little less of the cacao.

How to Make This Healthy Dark Chocolate Sauce with Dates

It really is so simple. Now that I have perfected the recipe, there is no going back to regular chocolate sauce.

A large spoonful of healthy date chocolate sauce dripping into a bowl of sauce on a counter next to a bowl of strawberries.

All you have to do is place all ingredients in a blender or Nutri-bullet and allow to blend until a smooth consistency.

It will thicken in the fridge, and I personally think it tastes better after refrigeration.

A Nutri-bullet cup with blended dark chocolate sauce with dates in it.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

A close-up of a glass bowl of dark chocolate sauce with dates.

Recipe Ideas for This Healthy Dark Chocolate Sauce

A jar of chocolate covered strawberry overnight oats on a wood cutting board next to strawberries and a spoon.
  • As a fruit dip: dip or pour chocolate sauce over strawberries, bananas, oranges – the sky is the limit here.
  • For Fruit Bark: The viral strawberry peanut butter bark has been everywhere lately, and I recreated it with this date sauce. Try my dark chocolate strawberry bark (raspberries too) for a refreshing, healthy snack.
  • Overnight oats: drizzle over overnight oats and top with sliced strawberries – it tastes just like chocolate covered strawberries. Try my Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats Recipe.
  • Chia seed pudding: If you really want to increase your fiber intake, layer this chocolate sauce through your chia seed pudding or just add some on top. Try it with this chia breakfast bowl.
  • Greek yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with your favorite fruit. Top with some chopped nuts, and drizzle this sauce over it.
  • Pour over ice cream.
  • Smoothies and Protein Shakes: Instead of using honey or an artificial sweetener, add the date chocolate sauce for sweetness and a different flavor profile.
  • Drizzle over protein bars, nuts, coffee drinks, cookies and brownies.

Tips for Success

  1. Dates tend to dry out and get hard as they age. If this is the case for you, simply just soak your dates in a little water prior to making this recipe to soften them.
  2. Start with liquid at the bottom of the blender for best results.
  3. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, double the recipe and use 1/3 cup of water. Adjust the consistency with more water or dates per your preference.

What to do With That Extra Coconut Milk

Since this recipe only calls for 1/4 cup of coconut milk, there will be a lot leftover. One option – make a larger batch of this recipe and freeze it (for up to 3 months).

Coconut milk stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days once opened. Give this Coconut Shrimp Pasta a try if you like the combination of sweet and savory.

You could make a curry, coconut rice, or just use it as a substitute for milk in any recipe.

Related Posts:
5 Day Low Carb, High Fiber Meal Plan
High Fiber Breakfast Ideas
The Benefits of a High Fiber, High Protein Diet {with Meal Plans}

A glass bowl of healthy date chocolate sauce on a counter next to a bowl of strawberries.

Healthy Date Chocolate Sauce {4-Ingredients}

Alex Evink, MS, RD
This healthy date chocolate sauce is rich, decadent, and healthy! Packed with fiber and antioxidants from the dates, it can be used to replace your typical chocolate sauce in so many recipes. {Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free}.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings
Calories 115 kcal

Equipment

  • blender or Nutri-Bullet

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup coconut milk (I used Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 Medjool pitted dates, large
  • 1 tablespoon Hershey's 100% dark cacao powder

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender or Nutri-bullet and allow to blend until a smooth consistency.
    If your dates feel hardened, soak in water for 10 minutes prior to blending to soften them.

Notes

    1. Dates tend to dry out and get hard as they age. If this is the case for you, simply just soak your dates in a little water prior to making this recipe to soften them.
    1. Start with liquid at the bottom of the blender for best results.
    2. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional information is just an estimation. Individual ingredients and preparation may cause slight discrepancies. 
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount per serving  
Calories 115
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 4.2g 21%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 25mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 20.1g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g 10%
Total Sugars 16.6g  
Protein 1.2g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 18mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 220mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Keyword 4 ingredients, healthy chocolate sauce

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