Melissa Hemsley’s Three-Ingredient Chocolate Pots
You can make these for Valentine’s Day, or whenever you want an easy, indulgent treat with very little effort. Vegan, delicious and made with just three ingredients, Melissa Hemsley’s chocolate pots prove dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special.
Rich, silky and naturally sweetened with dates, they’re ideal made ahead and will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Hazelnut milk works particularly well, but they’re just as good with whatever you have to hand. Quite rich, they comfortably feed six and work beautifully as a family-friendly pudding, especially if you let little hands take charge of the toppings. Serve in ramekins, jars or even teacups for a relaxed, low-effort finish.
Serves 6 | Prep time 20 minutes | Chill time 4 hours
Ingredients
180g Medjool dates (around 10 large dates), pitted
250ml nut milk (hazelnut works particularly well)
160g dark chocolate (50–70% cocoa)
A small pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional toppings :
Plant-based cream / Chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans / Pitted cherries or fresh pomegranate seeds / Raspberries or strawberries / Crushed biscuits (ginger nuts or digestives)
Method
Roughly tear the dates and place them in a bowl. Cover with just-boiled water and leave to soak for 10 minutes. This helps soften them further and makes blending easier.
Gently heat the nut milk in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling, then remove from the heat.
Finely slice about 2 tablespoons of the chocolate and set aside for garnishing. Chop the remaining chocolate and add it to a blender or food processor.
Pour the hot nut milk over the chocolate and leave it for a moment to melt. Drain the dates, then add them to the blender along with the pinch of sea salt, if using. Blend carefully until completely smooth.
Divide the mixture between six ramekins, small glasses or jars. Chill in the fridge for around 4 hours, or until set. (Cover if storing for longer to avoid fridge flavours.)
To serve, scatter over the reserved chocolate shavings and add any toppings you like.
M+ Tips to Adapt for Children
Choose milder chocolate: A 50% cocoa chocolate keeps things softer and less bitter.
Let them take the lead: Put toppings in small bowls and let children decorate their own pots.
Smaller portions work well: These are rich, so little cups are more than enough.
Easy Valentine’s twist: Berries, crushed biscuits or a dollop of plant-based cream keep it fun and low-key.
Feel Good: Quick and Easy Recipes for Comfort and Joy by melissa Hemsley
A fresh, vibrant collection of recipes from Melissa Hemsley, focused on simple, satisfying dishes made with everyday ingredients. Featuring 100 fuss-free dishes designed for real life, the book covers everything from quick midweek dinners and cook-ahead lunches to comforting traybakes and easy desserts.