Craving a decadent Valentine’s Day dessert that’s both romantic and (secretly) good for you? Imagine a rich, creamy chocolate panna cotta, but instead of refined sugar, it’s sweetened with the natural goodness of dates. This date-sweetened chocolate panna cotta recipe delivers all the indulgence without the guilt, making it the perfect treat for your special someone (or yourself!).
Ready to ditch the processed sugar and impress with your culinary skills? This easy chocolate panna cotta recipe, inspired by the smooth textures seen on shows like MasterChef, uses cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re a fan of milk chocolate panna cotta, prefer a classic chocolate panna cotta with cocoa powder, or are searching for an easy chocolate panna cotta recipe (even easier than some seen on BBC Good Food!), this article has you covered. We’ll even explore variations like panna cotta with chocolate sauce and the elegant combination of chocolate and vanilla panna cotta. Read on to discover how to create this unforgettable dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk (from a can, refrigerated overnight)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Vegan chocolate chips for garnish
Estimated Cost (US Market): $15 – $20 (prices may vary depending on location and store)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling time (at least 4 hours)
Serving Size: 4-6 servings
Step 1: Prepare the Date Paste
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened. This helps create a smooth date paste.
Step 2: Blend the Date Paste
Drain the dates, reserving a little of the soaking water if needed to help with blending. Transfer the soaked dates to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, adding a little of the reserved water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and salt. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Cook the Panna Cotta
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly. Add the date paste to the mixture and continue whisking. Cook the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, still whisking, until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Chill
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual ramekins or small glasses. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the surface of the panna cotta to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the panna cotta to set completely.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the panna cotta is firm, you can garnish it with vegan chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers:
Refrigerate: Cover any leftover panna cotta tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to keep the plastic wrap in direct contact with the surface of the panna cotta to prevent a skin from forming.
Shelf Life: Properly stored in the refrigerator, vegan date-sweetened chocolate panna cotta will last for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
Note: Panna cotta is best enjoyed chilled and is generally not recommended for reheating. Reheating can alter the delicate texture and make it runny.
If absolutely necessary: If you must reheat, do so very gently. You can try placing the ramekin in a warm water bath (not boiling) for a few minutes to slightly loosen it. However, this method is not ideal and may not yield the same creamy texture as the original chilled dessert. It’s best to consume the panna cotta cold.
Freezing: Freezing is also not recommended for panna cotta. Freezing and thawing will significantly alter the texture, making it watery and grainy. It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving – based on 6 servings)
It’s important to remember these are estimates. Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and exact portion sizes. This information is for general guidance only.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 250-300 kcal | 13-15% |
| Total Fat | 18-22 g | 28-34% |
| Saturated Fat | 15-18 g | 75-90% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 50-70 mg | 2-3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25-30 g | 8-10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5-7 g | 20-28% |
| Total Sugars | 15-20 g | |
| Includes Added Sugars | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 4-6 g | 8-12% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 20-30 mg | 2-3% |
| Iron | 1-2 mg | 6-11% |
| Potassium | 150-200 mg | 4-6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Important Considerations
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is high in saturated fat. While some studies suggest that the type of saturated fat in coconut milk may have different effects than other saturated fats, it’s still important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Dates: Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. However, they are also relatively high in natural sugars.
- Portion Control: As with any dessert, portion control is key. Enjoying a reasonable serving size will help manage calorie and fat intake.
This nutritional information is a helpful tool, but it’s always best to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
Dietary Information
This date-sweetened chocolate panna cotta recipe is:
- Vegan: It contains no animal products.
- Dairy-Free: It uses coconut milk instead of dairy cream or milk.
- Gluten-Free: It uses cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener, which are gluten-free. Always double-check the label of your cornstarch or arrowroot powder to ensure it is certified gluten-free, as some brands may be processed in facilities that also handle gluten.
- Refined Sugar-Free: It’s sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar.
- Not Keto: While it’s lower in sugar than traditional panna cotta, the natural sugars in dates make it too high in carbohydrates to be considered keto-friendly. Keto diets are very low-carb.
- Not Paleo: While dates are a natural sweetener, some strict Paleo followers avoid them due to their higher sugar content. Whether or not this recipe fits within a Paleo diet depends on the individual’s interpretation of Paleo guidelines.
History of Date-Sweetened Chocolate Panna Cotta
Panna cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a classic Northern Italian dessert, traditionally made with cream, sugar, and gelatin. This vegan version reimagines the classic by swapping dairy cream for coconut milk and refined sugar for the natural sweetness of dates.Â
While the exact origins of using dates in desserts are ancient, this specific adaptation likely arose from the growing popularity of veganism and the desire for healthier dessert options. The use of cocoa powder adds a modern twist, creating a rich chocolate flavor profile. This date-sweetened vegan chocolate panna cotta represents a fusion of traditional Italian technique with contemporary dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This date-sweetened vegan chocolate panna cotta offers a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the creamy texture and natural sweetness of dates, creates a truly satisfying dessert. It’s a testament to how delicious and elegant plant-based desserts can be. Enjoy this healthier twist on a classic Italian treat!
