Use this easy recipe to learn how to make your own homemade Date Paste. A great natural sweetener alternative to regular sugar! Gluten-free and vegan.

Dates are one of the best natural sweeteners. As far as types of sweeteners go, there are a lot to choose from.
But the natural sugars in dates give a deliciously sweet taste without any added sugar.
The health benefits of the humble fruit also boast high dietary fiber plus vitamins and minerals such as copper, selenium, magnesium, and potassium.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthy alternative to white sugar
- Simple ingredients
- So many different ways to use it!
- No refined sugars
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.
Fresh dates - The types of dates you use can make a difference. The Medjool variety is recommended for this recipe as they are larger, soft, have a chewy texture, and tend to have a sweeter flavor.
Other varieties such as Deglet Noor are a bit smaller and a little dryer, but would make a fine substitute.
Water - Using hot water helps soften and provides the smoothest results.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Get out your blender.
Step 1: Place whole dates (pitted) and warm water in the bowl of a high-speed blender. Allow them to soak for 5 minutes
Step 2: Blend the soaked dates until smooth.
Helpful tips
- Buying pitted dates makes this process extremely quick.
- Stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides so everything gets pureed.
- Freeze fresh dates so that you always have them on hand!
Equipment
Use a high-speed blender or food processor to make your paste and an airtight container or glass jar for storage in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Use in salad dressings, oatmeal, cookies, smoothies, cinnamon rolls, and even ice cream! Swirl in plain yogurt or add to homemade almond milk to sweeten.
Yes. It should be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
As a natural sweetener, date paste is made from only natural ingredients: dates and water.
Recipes using dates
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Date Paste
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup warm water
Instructions
- Place dates (pitted) and warm water in the bowl of a high-speed blender. Allow them to soak for 5 minutes.
- Blend the soaked dates until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Medjool dates are recommended, but any variety will work.
- If the dates are very dry, allow additional time for them to soak and soften before blending.
- If you would like a thicker paste, add additional dates until desired consistency is reached.
- You can use a food processor in place of a blender.
Maria
I enjoy this in my overnight oats, mmm good! Thanks Tessa!
Tessa
That's awesome, thank you! So good in oats! :)