I’ve tested dozens of date-sweetened recipes over the years, and these date muffins (no sugar added) are definitely one of my favorites. They’re refined sugar-free and sweetened only with dates. Give them a try if you’re looking for nutritious make-ahead breakfast or snack ideas, like these buckwheat muffins, which are another easy and delicious option.
Ingredients and Substitutions
I like using Medjool dates when making these muffins because they’re particularly sweet and flavorful, but any kind will work. There are so many delicious types of dates to choose from.
Smooth almond butter acts as a binder and adds richness to these egg-free, dairy-free muffins. You can substitute any other type of nut butter you prefer. For a nut-free version you can substitute pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter.
These muffins are flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring if possible.
How to Make Date Muffins (No Sugar Added)
Start by adding the pitted dates to a bowl, then add the boiling water, ensuring that the dates are completely submerged in the water. Let the dates soak in the water for 30 minutes.
After the dates have finished soaking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the dates and soaking liquid, smooth almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a food processor or blender, then blend until smooth.
Add the whole wheat flour and baking powder to a large mixing bowl, then mix well. Next you’ll add the blended date mixture to the mixing bowl, then stir to combine.
Divide the batter evenly into a 12 cup muffin pan lined with paper baking cups.
Bake for 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out looking clean. Be sure to let the muffins cool to room temperature before removing from the pan and serving.
Optional Additions
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter, if desired.
Date Muffins (No Sugar Added) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup tightly packed pitted dates
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Add 1 cup tightly packed pitted dates to a bowl, then add 2 cups boiling water, ensuring that the dates are completely submerged.
- Let the dates soak in the water for 30 minutes.
- After the dates have finished soaking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the dates and soaking liquid, 1/2 cup smooth almond butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add 2 1/3 cups whole wheat flour and 2 teaspoons baking powder to a large mixing bowl, then mix well.
- Add the blended date mixture to the mixing bowl, then stir to combine.
- Divide the batter evenly into a 12 cup muffin pan lined with paper baking cups.
- Bake for 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out looking clean.
- Let the muffins cool to room temperature before removing from the pan and serving.
Notes
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Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter, if desired.
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Store these muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.Â
Nutrition Estimates
Another Date Recipe to Try
- These peanut butter date cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious.
I made these today and they turned out awesome, perfect breakfast muffins!!
I’m glad you enjoyed the muffins! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Would tahini work as a replacement for the almond butter?
I haven’t tried that but I suspect tahini would be a good substitute!
Could you replace almond butter with peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter should work well.
These were great!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them!
Could you replace the almond butter with honey?
Unfortunately not. The almond butter acts as a binder in this recipe so honey wouldn’t be a good replacement.