How to Make Date Paste: A Healthier Sweetener for Holiday Baking

This holiday season, why not sweeten your treats with something a little healthier? Date paste is a fantastic natural alternative to sugar, bringing sweetness, fiber, and nutrients to your favorite recipes. With just a blender, some hot water, and a handful of pitted dates, you can create a delicious, all-natural sweetener that’s perfect for holiday desserts and everyday recipes alike.

Why Use Date Paste?

Date paste isn’t just a healthier way to sweeten — it’s also a fantastic choice for those looking to reduce refined sugars without sacrificing flavor. Unlike processed sugars, dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. This makes a great option for health-conscious bakers who want to keep their recipes festive and nourishing.

Plus, dates have a naturally rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances everything from baked goods to smoothies. If you’re exploring ways to bake with less sugar this season, date paste is a versatile, easy-to-make alternative that works beautifully in holiday recipes and beyond.

Ingredients & Equipment

This recipe is as simple as it gets, and you’ll only need two ingredients:

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1 to 1 ½ cups hot water (enough to cover the dates)

Equipment:

• A high-speed blender or food processor

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to make your own date paste:

1. Soak the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a bowl and pour hot water over them, enough to fully cover the dates. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This softens the dates and makes them easier to blend, resulting in a smoother paste.
2. Blend the Mixture: Drain the dates, reserving the soaking water. Transfer the dates to your blender or food processor. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved water and start blending. Gradually add more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. You want a thick, smooth paste that’s easily spreadable but not too watery.
3. Store and Use: Once blended, transfer the date paste to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tip: If you’re wondering how to use date paste in baking, try substituting it for sugar at a 1:1 ratio in recipes where a moist, dense texture is desired, like cookies or muffins. For lighter baked goods, you may want to experiment with a combination of date paste and a little less liquid sweetener, like honey or maple syrup.

How to Use Date Paste as a Natural Sweetener

Date paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in place of sugar in countless recipes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sweeten smoothies and shakes: Add a spoonful for natural sweetness.
• In sauces and dressings: Works wonderfully as a sweet base for savory sauces and dressings.
• In baking: Substitute it for sugar in cookies, bars, and breads.

One of our favorite ways to use date paste is in energy bites, where it acts as a natural binder and sweetener. Try it out in our Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites.

Date Paste FAQs

How long does homemade date paste last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, portion it into small containers or an ice cube tray and freeze.

Can I use other types of dates?

Medjool dates are ideal because of their natural sweetness and soft texture, but Deglet Noor dates can also work. If you use drier dates, you may need to soak them or add more water during blending.

What’s the best way to substitute for sugar?

In recipes where moisture is key, you can use date paste as a 1:1 substitute for sugar. Just remember that date paste will add more moisture than granulated sugar, so you may need to adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.

More Recipes Using Date Paste

Looking for more ideas to incorporate this sugar substitute into your kitchen? Here are a few recipes to try:

• Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites – These no-bake energy bites feature cranberries and pistachios for a festive, nutritious treat.

Print