Date Paste is an easy, all-natural sweetener made with only two ingredients. It’s a wholesome alternative to white and refined sugars, versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
Use date paste to naturally sweeten breakfasts and desserts, or to add gentle sweetness to drinks and savory recipes. It works well stirred into yogurt and granola, whisked into dressings, blended into smoothies, or used in oats like Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal. You can even add a spoonful to soups and stews for a subtle depth of flavor.
Dates are nutrient-dense fruits containing potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and vitamin B6, among other micronutrients. They also provide fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthier sweetening option compared with refined sugars.
Surprisingly, date paste pairs nicely with savory foods, enhancing dishes like black bean soup or tomato-based stews with a balanced sweetness that rounds flavors without overpowering them.
How to make Date Paste:
- Bring about 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer. Place 12 oz. of pitted Medjool dates into a 4-cup glass measuring cup and cover with the hot water. Let the dates sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Reserve 1.5 cups of the soaking water, then drain the dates. You will use around 1 cup of the reserved water to blend, adding more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Place the dates and 1 cup of the reserved water in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure an even, creamy texture.
- Transfer the date paste to a clean storage container and cover. Mason jars work well. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in portions for longer storage.
How long can you keep date paste?
When kept in an airtight container, date paste will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 months. For longer storage, portion the paste into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze; thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Can I use date paste instead of sugar?
Yes. In many recipes you can substitute date paste for sugar at a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that date paste adds moisture as well as sweetness, so for baked goods you may need to adjust the liquid content or baking time to account for the extra moisture.
How do you remove the pits from dates?
Dates are sold whole (with pits) or already pitted. Buying pitted dates saves time. If your dates still have pits, slice one side lengthwise, peel back the flesh, and remove the pit. Expect sticky fingers; rinsing your hands under warm water helps.
How do you soften hard dates?
Soak the dates in boiling water for 10–30 minutes or until soft. Softer dates blend more easily and create a smoother paste.
Can date paste be eaten on a Whole30 diet?
Whole30 allows whole dates, so homemade date paste made from just dates and water can be used to add natural sweetness to dressings, marinades, beverages and certain dishes during a Whole30. Note that processed date syrups or commercial sweeteners may be disallowed. Date paste is also suitable for vegan and paleo diets when the ingredients comply with those guidelines.
Is date paste healthy?
Compared with refined sugar, date paste provides fiber and micronutrients found in whole fruit. Dates have a moderate glycemic index that varies by variety, generally falling in the mid-range. While date paste is a more nutrient-rich sweetener option, it is still a concentrated source of natural sugars and should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What’s the difference between date paste and date syrup?
Date paste contains the whole fruit pulp and is thicker and more textured. Date syrup is thinner, more concentrated in sugars, and typically strained to remove the pulp, resulting in a smoother, pourable liquid.
Give date paste a try in your favorite recipes and see how it transforms both sweet and savory dishes.
Date Paste
Amy Duska
Pin Recipe
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10
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Ingredients
- 12 oz. pitted Medjool dates about 18–20 dates
- water see instructions
Instructions
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Bring 4 cups of water to a simmer and remove the pot from the heat.
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Place dates into a 4-cup glass measuring cup and cover with the hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Reserve 1.5 cups of the soaking liquid and drain the remaining water from the dates.
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Place the dates and 1 cup of the reserved water into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Transfer to a glass container and cover.
Notes
- To Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.