This Date Paste is so simple to make and is so smooth and sweet. This all natural sweetener is so delicious and can be used in place of sugar in any recipe.
I kind of feel bad for Date Paste because it has the worst name possible. PASTE. That doesn't even sound close to appetizing! I promise it is so much better than the name implies! It is as smooth as butter and super sweet. Basically natures candy.
This isn't a recipe as much as a how-to. This is made in just minutes with 2 simple ingredients- if you consider water an ingredient. Since I plan on baking with mine, I left it alone with just these ingredients, but feel free to add a little cinnamon or vanilla to it. That would be so tasty and would make it even more delicious.
I have made this in my Vitamix and in my single serving Ninja and the Ninja is totally the way to go! It blends so much faster and makes it so much smoother. I love how easy it is. I've made it 4 times in the last week- that's how much I'm loving it!
Step-by-step instructions
Here are the two ingredients you'll need: 1 cup packed dates that have been pitted and ½ cup super hot water. It's best to use filtered water that has been heated.
Pour the hot water over the dates and let them sit for 1 minute. The dates will start to soften and break down a little. Massage them with your fingers to help them soften even more. Place the dates and all the liquid in a blender and process for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides down and continue if needed. I find that 30 seconds is all it takes for it to fully blend. So easy!!
And there you have it- delicious date paste ready to be used however you like. You could even use it in place of the whole dates in my Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce- I've done it and it works great! I will also be using it in a tasty chocolate treat coming Monday, so stay tuned!
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Date Paste (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates packed
- ½ cup very hot water
Instructions
- Combine dates and hot water in a bowl and let sit for 1 minute. Massage with fingers to help soften.
- Place dates and all the liquid in a blender and process for 30 seconds or until completely smooth.
- Store in a closed container in the fridge. Makes 1 cup.
Nutrition Information
Stacy stanton says
Do you measure it like sugar in a recipe? 2 cups of sugar = 2 cups of date paste?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Stacy! Yes, it measures like sugar, but I've never used that much as a replacement. If you're going to use 2 cups you'll probably need to adjust the dry ingredients since the date paste adds moisture. I hope you try it and love it 🙂
valerie says
i LOVE dates... what a great idea!
question: how does the glucose content compare to...coconut sugar? that's been our new alternative since we switched over when we do anything sweet.
btw, i love that the zucchini brownie recipe uses both the coconut and the almond flours! yay! 😉
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Valerie! Thanks! Okay, I don't know the exact answer, but I feel like it's a healthier alternative. Coconut sugar is definitely better than refined sugar, but dates have so many health benefits because you're eating the whole fruit- they're high in fiber, have more potassium than bananas, are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, and they don't raise blood sugar like sugar does. I hope that answers your question.
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Ooh I love this! I'm always looking for ways to reduce sugar in my baking and this date paste looks fabulous! The word "paste" didn't throw me because I have an obsession with almond paste. I also have an obsession with my Ninja - I'll totally be making this!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Alyssa! This is such a great way to sweeten desserts naturally- I think you'll really like it. Haha- I'm glad "paste" didn't scare you 🙂 Let me know if you try it and how you like it.
Jenna says
Dates are so good and sweet and I think they are really underused. I have to make an effort to use them more. What a great way to add natural sweetness!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Jenna! They are so good and not as popular as they should be! They taste way better than they look and are so healthy!
Kennedy Cole| KCole's Creative Corner says
Yum! I love all of that pure, sweet, natural goodness from the dates. This is so simple, but it would be SOOOO delicious on just about ANYTHING! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Kennedy!! I agree- the natural sweetness is so good!
Sofia says
This looks super easy - and tasty! will definitely try it this weekend. Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Sofia! Let me know how you like it.
The Steaming Pot says
Love this idea! I'm wary of store-bought refined sugar alternatives, now this is something I can trust wholly. Dates for the win!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks! I agree- making something homemade is so much more trustworthy! And it's so simple!! I hope you enjoy it.
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love the natural sweetness of dates. These date paste is so clever. Will have to try it!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Christin! Dates are so good- I think you'll love this!
Mary Ann | the beach house kitchen says
Ok Jessica, so the name might throw you off but your photos are making me say, "get me some of this stuff asap!" Looks delicious!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Mary Ann!! I'm glad the photos help 🙂 I don't think anyone would make it by the name alone!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
Thank you for posting this! We are cutting back on refined sugar and sometimes use dates as a sweetener, but I've never made it into a paste before. I can't wait to try this! Pinning.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Andrea! I think you'll love it. It is such a great alternative to sugar. Let me know if you try it 🙂
Kamil says
Hi Jessica,
Thank you very much for the post of dates paste, I really love it. But how do I preserve it for more months, I mean what preservative should be added to make it stay for longer months.
Nancy says
Keep refrigerated ina jar with a lid
Lc says
Freeze it in small containers and defrost as needed