Date paste is a natural sweetener that works well in cakes, muffins, and other treats. All you need to make this delicious refined sugar-free sweetener is dates, a blender or food processor, and boiling water.
Nutritional Benefits
Dates are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide a source of nutrient-dense energy. Dates release sugar more slowly into the bloodstream when compared to regular white sugar, which can make them a better option for some people. But it’s still important to consume them in moderation, because they do have a pretty high carbohydrate content.
What Does It Taste Like?
Date paste has a slightly caramel-like taste, yet it’s neutral enough that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors in most recipes. Treats sweetened with it are a good option for picky kids because they’re a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
How to Make Date Paste
It’s so easy to make! Start by measuring one cup of tightly packed, pitted dates.
Next you’ll transfer the dates to a bowl along with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Let the dates soak in the water, covered, for at least 20 minutes.
Add the dates and soaking liquid to a blender or food processor, then blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor as necessary. If your dates are particularly dry and don’t blend easily, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve a smooth consistency.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Substituting Date Paste in Recipes
While it’s sometimes possible to substitute it in recipes, it’s generally not a 1:1 swap for granulated sugar because it has a different consistency and moisture content. It’s important to adjust the other ingredients such as liquids or leavening agents accordingly. Or for the best results, just stick to recipes that have been specifically tested and developed using date paste, like the ones I mention at the bottom of this post.
Date Paste Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup tightly packed pitted dates
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Add the pitted dates and boiling water to a bowl.
- Let the dates soak in the water, covered, for at least 20 minutes.
- Add the soaked dates along with the soaking liquid to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor as necessary.
- If your dates are particularly dry and don't blend easily, add an extra tablespoon or two of water in order to achieve a smooth consistency.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
Or try it in marinades or jams, like this refined sugar-free blueberry jam recipe.
Or if you’re craving something rich and chocolaty, try it in this mouthwatering refined sugar-free date cake recipe.
You can also stir it into plain yogurt or smoothies to sweeten them up. Or even use it as a sweetener in hot chocolate.
