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
Mary R. says
Thank you for this recipe! I am feeding my toddler through a Gtube and wanted to add dates to his diet. I was imagining that I would have to add at least 4x water to get them smooth in the blender so I'm glad to see this recipe first! This is exactly the recipe I was hoping to find!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Mary! I'm glad to hear it has helped you feed your toddler 🙂
Shonnie says
This may be a silly question, but I am only 3 weeks into vegan/whole plant based eating, and I can seem to stop putting organic sugar in my coffee. What do you suggest? Would this date paste work at all? Thanks in advance!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Shonnie- not silly at all! I have not personally tried it, but I have heard of people using date paste to sweetened their coffee. I hope you try it!
Maya says
I love this paste. I had some dates leftover from a Moroccan recipe. I didn’t know what to do with them. This was super easy. I tried a teaspoon in my afternoon tea. It was heavenly. It’s a different kind of sweetness. Very satisfying.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, Maya! I'm so glad you like it. I love that you sweetened your tea with it- that sounds amazing!
Akaia says
Hi Jessica,
I wanted to know how long this date paste will keep in the refrigerator.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Akaia- it lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge. Hope you enjoy!
Isabella says
Hey! This look delicious and I will be making some to add to oatmeal. I would like to say though DON'T use hot tap water to drink/eat !! Hot tap water helps release heavy metals that are in pipes (i.e. Lead). Always better to boil.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Isabella!
Crystal says
I'm so excited to try this! Besides your ketchup and BBQ sauce recipes, what else do you use this in? Specifally in any whole30ish ways?!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Crystal! Those are the only ways I've used it so far on a Whole30. I'm sorry- that is not much of a help! I'll let you know if I think of more ways.
Lainie says
Just made the date paste in a blender - not quite as smooth as I'd like, but it's ok. I put it in my coffee with unsweetened almond milk! Delicious!
Ashley Alandt says
Where do you buy your dates? I've been shopping around for the best prices but they're so expensive for a small container! I have made this before with some sunmaid dried dates and water, but those dates were chopped and actually had added sweetener in them (didn't read before i bought them, oops!). It was hard to blend in my vitamix, like you said. But definitely worth it. I'd like to try it again with REAL dates, not the ones with the added sugar but can't bring myself to spend the money on em.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ashley, I usually use Natural Delights brand which are in the produce section of most stores. I've also bought them in the bulk bins. They are definitely worth the money and so good! It should be easy to blend because they are so soft. I hope you try it with different dates 🙂
Mochi says
Thanks for this idea. I just wondering how fine or smooth your Ninja smoothie maker to blend the dates paste? Because I just want to buy this machine as well. Is your Ninja 1000 watts and can it bend the nuts fine enough like powder?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Mochi- it gets the date paste super smooth. I also use it to make nut butter- it's very powerful. Here is the link to the one I have, it's the 3 in 1 system with a food processor and individual cup as well- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00939I7EK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=jaysbakingm07-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00939I7EK&linkId=6f7851ab00593a674eafb4d8c98eb6f1
I love it and use it all the time.
Jennifer says
Hi there!
I have been contemplating making a date paste of my own when I found your recipe! I would assume this could be used as an alternative to maple syrup or honey in a recipe also?
The main reason for my post is, is it possible to can this??? I'd like to do a large batch that I can can inot smaller jars (250ml) that I can open as needed...
Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Jennifer- yes, you can use it in recipes in place of other sweeteners. I'm really not sure about making a large batch and canning it. I don't can at all, but that may be something you could google and find out. I'm sorry I can't help more with that.