Date Paste is a natural sweetener and healthy whole food alternative to sugar. Sweet and creamy, date paste is paleo, whole30 compliant and vegan. It’s the perfect sugar substitute that can be used for baking, sweetening sauces, making salad dressings, marinades, sweetening beverages and more!
Originally published on May 20, 2018. Last updated on June 29, 2021.
This post may include affiliate links, by making a purchase through a link I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my policy.
Date Paste Recipe
As a mom I’m constantly thinking of healthier ways I can give my daughter sweet treats that are actually good for her. It’s super important to me that she not only grows up big and strong but doesn’t feel deprived when she inevitably has friends who eat differently than we do. One of the ways I accomplish this is through using natural sweeteners like honey, pure maple syrup and this date paste recipe.
Truth be told she thinks it’s a treat just to have a small spoonful of this right from the fridge!
This simple recipe requires only two ingredients and with 15 minutes of time you can be ready to enjoy it any place you’d normally use jam or use it as a fruit dip or mix it into any recipe you please!
What is Date Paste
Date paste is simply pitted dates that are soaked in hot water and then blended into a paste-like consistency. Date paste has many uses, it is commonly used in baking, coffee, salad dressings, marinades and the list goes on!
How to make Date Paste
Making date paste couldn’t be easier. In a small saucepan, combine the dates and water. Boil for 10 minutes and then blend! It’s truly that simple.
How to substitute Date Paste for Sugar
Once you see how easy and delicious making date paste is you’ll likely want to use it in ALL the recipe! You should note that date paste won’t taste exactly like sugar, it’s super sweet but will have it’s own flavor nuances.
To replace sugar: You can substitute paste paste in equal amounts for the sugar a recipe calls for. This will result in a slightly less sweet and also softer baked goods.
To replace other natural sweeteners: When replacing either honey or maple syrup in a recipe use 2/3 cup of date paste for every 1/2 cup of the honey or maple syrup called for.
How long does Date Paste last
Homemade date paste with last in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. If you’d like to freeze date paste, it will keep frozen for up to a year.
Is Date Paste Whole30 compliant
Dates are allowed on the Whole30 diet. This date paste can be used to add natural sweetness to a variety of dishes including savory recipes, sauces and salad dressings on a Whole 30 diet. While processed date syrup is NOT allowed, homemade date paste is approved but not in beverages. No sweetened beverages are allowed on Whole30 so save some date paste to sweeten your coffee after your round of Whole30 is finished.
Date Paste in Coffee
If you are looking for a sugar substitute for coffee, date paste is a great option to sweeten your next cup of joe. Dates are both naturally sweet and provide a creamy quality that are very welcomed in coffee.
Date Paste nutrition
Dates provide a small amount of over 16 nutrients including numerous B vitamins, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium and fiber. For more information, see the nutrition card below the recipe. Enjoy!
More Delicious Homemade Recipes:
- How To Make Almond Milk
- Homemade Mayo Recipe
- The BEST Ranch Dressing Recipe
- How To Roast Garlic
- Whole30 Gravy
Pin this recipe for later!
Did you enjoy this recipe?
I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below and leave a comment.
Don’t want to miss a thing?
Sign up here to have recipes and cooking tips sent right to your inbox!
Print
Date Paste Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Homemade Basics
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Date Paste is a natural sweetener and healthy whole food alternative to sugar. Sweet and creamy, date paste is paleo, whole30 compliant and vegan. It’s the perfect sugar substitute that can be used for baking, sweetening sauces, making salad dressings, marinades, sweetening beverages and more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup lightly packed pitted medjool dates (approximately 10–14 dates)
- 3/4 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Place pitted dates and water in a small sauce pan and boil over med-high heat for 10 minutes.
- Pour the dates and liquid into a small blender or you can use an immersion blender, like I did and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy!
Keywords: date paste recipe, whole30 sweetener, sugar substitute for coffee,
3
Lori says
Such a great recipe idea to have on hand as a natural sweetener. Thank you!
Nicole says
Thank you! It’s so simple and yet provides some great options.