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!
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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
heather says
Thanks for posting this with your tips!
Would you mind please clarifying exactly which Ninja you have and use for this, please?
Thanks much!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Heather! I have the Ninja that is a blender/food processor/individual cups all in one. I find making this in those individual cups works great. The cups that are made for smoothies. I hope that helps answer your question.
Melanie says
Have you ever try to do this with other dry fruits?? Like figs or prunes... I was wondering if it might also works...
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Melanie- I haven't tried that but I think it would work great. Great idea!
Linda says
Sounds great. However, I wanted to caution those who use hot water out of the tap. Hot water dissolves some minerals in the pipes that isn't wanted. It's healthier to heat the water instead of using tap hot water.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for the tip Linda!
Kine says
I was thinking this to when I read this. You can get sick from using hot tap water in the food that you eat.
Jessica DeMay says
Feel free to heat water if you prefer. Thanks, Kine.
Mari says
Just change the name to date butter 🙂 Thanks for this incredible idea.
Jessica DeMay says
You're right Mari! You could use it like butter. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Li says
How long does the date paste keep when refrigerated?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Li! It lasts about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. I hope you try it and enjoy it!
Tin says
Hi,
How long will the date paste keep if frozen?
thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tin- I'm not totally sure, but I think it should last 3-4 months frozen. Enjoy!
Agos says
Love this idea! Though it's still a sweetener so I wouldn't consider it Whole30.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Agos! It actually is Whole30 as long as you don't bake with it. I use it in my ketchup and barbecue sauce. Just like Larabars are Whole30- they're sweetened with dates. Dates are packed with nutrition which is why they are one of the only approved sweeteners. Hope that helps!
Darcy says
So when using in replace of sugar would you use same amount called for in recipe???
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Darcy! Yes, you would use the same amount, but you may have to adjust the dry ingredients if you use a lot. The moisture from the date paste can change the final product. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy it!
Leslie says
In using this in your ketchup recipe with "chopped" dates, is it equivalent measurements or less paste than chopped?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Leslie- it's a one-to-one ratio. So use 1/2 cup for the ketchup. I hope that helps and I'm so glad you're trying my ketchup- you'll love it!
Eden Passante says
What a great idea! It's always nice to see new ideas for fun ingredients!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Eden!
Kenzie says
I just bought a giant container of pitted dates and have yet to find a good use for them other than snacking on them whole...what kinds of recipes would you suggest using date paste for? 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kenzie! Yes, I have a few recipes. Here are the links:
http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/05/01/paleo-whole30-barbecue-sauce/
http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/04/07/paleo-whole30-ketchup/
http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/07/24/paleo-blueberry-lemon-bars/
http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/07/13/paleo-zucchini-brownies/