Follow us
Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors
Get our weekly email
Sign up
Melissa Hemsley's three-ingredient chocolate pots couldn't be easier to make. Simply blend chocolate, dates and plant-based milk and you've got the perfect decadent dessert in minutes..
From the book
Feel Good: Quick and Easy Recipes for Comfort and Joy
Nourishing and flavourful recipes to make you feel good
Fast and simple ideas for every occasion
From midweek meals to celebrations, breakfasts to desserts
Available to download for just 99p for a limited time only, for UK customers.
These are so simple and delicious, plus they’re plant-based! If you want to make them in advance, they’ll keep for three days in the fridge. I love them made with just the three ingredients – hazelnut milk works particularly well – but if you want to go to town, try adding extra toppings – whatever you have in your cupboard! These are quite rich, so they happily feed six. You’ll need six ramekins or glasses/jars – teacups would look lovely; just avoid delicate glasses that might crack under the hot mix.
| 180g | Medjool dates (about 10 large dates) |
| 250ml | nut milk |
| 160g | dark (50%–70%) chocolate |
| A little pinch of | sea salt, plus extra to serve (optional) |
| Optional extras: | |
| Dollop of | (plant-based) cream |
| chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans | |
| pitted cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds | |
| raspberries or strawberries | |
| crushed biscuits (such as ginger nut or digestive) |
Roughly tear the dates, discarding the pits, and soak in just-boiled water for 10 minutes. Even though Medjool dates are soft anyway, this helps soften them further, which is good for any blenders that might need a helping hand.
Heat up the nut milk in a saucepan, being careful not to boil, and remove from the heat once it’s heated through.
Meanwhile, finely slice about 2 tablespoons of the chocolate to create some chocolate ‘shavings’ and set aside for garnishing.
Chop the rest of the chocolate and add to a blender or food processor, then pour over the hot nut milk. Drain the soaked dates and add them with the salt, then carefully blend until smooth.
Divide the mixture between 6 ramekins or glasses (see introduction) and chill in the fridge for 4 hours until set. Cover them if you’re keeping them there any longer, so they don’t pick up ‘fridge’ smells. Scatter over the chocolate shavings, plus a tiny extra sprinkle of sea salt, if you like, or add any of the other toppings to serve.
Latest ebook deal
Melissa Hemsley's Feel Good celebrates recipes to make you feel supported, comforted, and energised; from quick and easy midweek meals to soothe the soul after a long day, make-ahead lunches to set you up for the week, simple but satisfying snacks, and laid-back feasts to share with friends.
Available to download for just 99p for a limited time only, for UK customers.
Feel Good: Quick and Easy Recipes for Comfort and Joy
Nourishing and flavourful recipes to make you feel good
Fast and simple ideas for every occasion
From midweek meals to celebrations, breakfasts to desserts
Please note: Moderation is enabled and may delay your comment being posted. There is no need to resubmit your comment. By posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use.