Homemade Date Paste

How to Make Homemade Date Paste (Naturally Sweet & Simple)

If you're looking for a wholesome, unrefined sweetener to use in your favorite recipes, homemade date paste is a game-changer. With just three ingredients and a blender, you can create a rich, caramel-like spread that’s naturally sweet, nutrient-dense, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're baking, blending, or just spooning it into your oatmeal, this date paste is a healthy substitute for refined sugar that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed dates (pitted)

• 1 cup boiling water

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Soften the Dates
   Place the pitted dates into a heat-safe bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and add a pinch of salt (this enhances the natural sweetness and balances the flavor).

2. Cover and Soak
   Cover the bowl with a plate, plastic wrap, or anything that helps trap the steam and moisture. Let the dates soak for at least 20 minutes, or until they’re soft and squishy to the touch. The heat will help break down the dates, making them easier to blend into a smooth paste.

3. Blend Until Smooth
   Transfer the softened dates, along with the soaking water, into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The result should be thick but spreadable, similar to the consistency of natural peanut butter or thick applesauce.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store your date paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze it in portions (ice cube trays work great!) for 3 to 6 months. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container for easy use later on.

Helpful Tips

• Type of Dates: Medjool dates work best for their soft texture and rich flavor, but any variety can work, just be sure they’re pitted and fresh.

• Consistency Control: If your paste is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach your desired texture.

• Make it in Batches: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you like keeping natural sweeteners on hand.

• Sweetening Ratio: Date paste can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sugar in many baking recipes, though you may need to slightly reduce the liquid in your recipe depending on the dish.

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Leave a comment below if you make this date paste and what you’ve used it in!

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Date Paste

Yield: 4

Author: Jaegar Desjardin

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Homemade date paste is a naturally sweet, wholesome alternative to refined sugar, made by blending soaked dates into a smooth, caramel-like spread. It's perfect for sweetening baked goods, smoothies, or sauces.

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed dates (pitted)
• 1 cup boiling water
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In heat heat-safe bowl, add 2 cups of packed dates and 1 cup of boiling water with a pinch of salt.
2. Cover the bowl with a plate, plastic wrap, or anything that can lock in the moisture and heat. Let this rest for at least 20 minutes or until the dates are squishy to the touch.
3. Next, add the squishy dates in addition to the water in the bowl into a blender or food processor and blend until you reach a nice smooth consistency.
4. Notes: To store, add the paste to an airtight container until you're ready to bake. The paste is good in the refrigerator for up to a week and 3-6 months when frozen. Date paste can be used for a 1:1 sugar replacement when baking.