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
Cynthia says
Used my Ninja single size container on extract setting. Final round on high setting. I followed your directions and it seems to have turned out nicely. I plan on adding to ground hazelnuts for my own Nutella, with some cacao powder of course
Jessica DeMay says
That sounds delicious! Thanks, Cynthia!
Donna says
How do you use date paste subbed for sugar in baking?
marie says
How long will this stay good in the fridge?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Marie- it should last about 2 weeks in the fridge. Hope you enjoy!
Vanessa says
I would like to bring date paste with me backpacking. So I won't have access to a refrierator. Do you think it will be safe left out of the fridge for 5 days? Thanks.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Vanessa- I think it would depend on the weather. If it's going to be super hot I would say no, probably not. But if it's going to be mild then I think it would be okay.
Julie P says
I made this the other day. We make a salmon recipe that calls for covering the salmon in brown sugar. I replaced it with the date paste. It came out do good. I’ll definitely do it again.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Julie!
Joella Olson says
Love date paste! But please don’t ever use “hot tap water” in something you’re going to eat. Bacteria thrives in that warm hot water tank, and if you’ve ever seen the inside of one, you’d never want to drink the water out of it. Boil cold tap water or use an instahot for this.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Joella- I've updated it.