Finding alternatives to refined sugar is an important part of a healthy diet. This Date Paste Natural Sweetener is easy to make and tastes like creamy brown sugar. This sweetener can be used in baked goods, sauces, beverages or as a spread. This sweetener is Paleo compliant, Whole30, dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
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I know, I know. This seems like one of those hippy-dippy food fads. But trust me, Date Paste is actually suuuuper delicious and extremely versatile. I actually posted a clean eating date sweetener recipe back in 2013! Oh, to be 33 again ????
There have been a lot of changes here since 2013. This blog has transitioned from a hobby to a business. My photography has certainly improved. And, I’ve finally fully embraced my preferred healthy recipes.
This Date Paste Natural Sweetener is a simple 3 ingredient recipe. Just chop, blend, done.
Recipes that use date paste →
Zucchini Brownies by Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
Peanut Butter Date Cookies by Detoxinista
What is date paste?
Basically date paste is just pureed dates. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon for a punch of flavor then hot water to desired consistency. The mixture is blended until it is a smooth. creamy paste. It has a caramel, brown sugar flavor.
Where do you find dates?
Dates can be found at most grocery stores in the dried fruit section. I have also located them in the produce section too. Trader Joe’s and Costco sell 16 ounce containers of fresh-dried, almost candy-like dates. You can also find Dates Online
Can you make date paste in a blender?
It really depends on your blender. If you have an awesome powerful blender it is possible. I use a Vitamix 5200 Blender
How should you use date paste?
There are so many ways to use date paste: oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, energy balls, sauces, as a spread. I am even working on a Paleo Coffee Creamer that uses dates to sweeten it. So far I’ve found it very tasty. . . and I’m a bit of a coffee snob! I also have a Homemade Nutella recipe in the works that is sweetened with dates.
Really, date paste is so darn good it could be eaten by the spoonful. Though I wouldn’t recommend getting into that habit.
How long does date paste last?
Do a quick internet search with this question and you will get a range between 1 week and 3 months! I personally use my date paste within 2 weeks. I typically err on the side of caution when it comes to food freshness. But, use your best judgement.
Tips → Tricks → Suggestions →
- When removing the pits, be sure to remove the hard tops too. There is a round hard top on some dates that doesn’t always come off with the pit.
- For extra dry dates, soak in hot water for additional time to rehydrate.
- Color of paste will vary depending on the dates you use. It also darkens with time.
- Add in a little vanilla and nutmeg for extra flavor.
Date Paste Natural Sweetener
Finding alternatives to refined sugar is an important part of a healthy diet. This Date Paste Natural Sweetener is easy to make and tastes like creamy brown sugar. This sweetener can be used in baked goods, sauces, beverages or as a spread. This sweetener is Paleo compliant, Whole30, dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Medjool Dates - pitted & chopped, (approx 30 dates, 2 cups chopped)
- Generous Pinch Sea Salt
- 1/2-3/4 Cup Hot Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, (optional)
Instructions
- Add chopped dates, salt, 1/2 cup hot water and cinnamon to blender or food processor. Let sit in hot water for 1-2 minutes.
- Blend mixture to puree. Add additional hot water as needed until desired consistency.
- Puree until smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
Makes 1½ cups date paste.
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