Date Paste
on Jun 04, 2024, Updated Jul 02, 2024
Sweet, versatile, and naturally delicious, Date Paste is a must-have in any plant-based kitchen. It’s perfect for adding a touch of natural sweetness to your favorite recipes.
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, fabulous foodies! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy, back with another essential recipe: Date Paste. This simple yet incredibly versatile ingredient is a staple in my plant-based kitchen. When I’m not whipping up oil-free, refined sugar-free, and salt-free dishes, I’m busy interviewing amazing plant-based experts for my YouTube show. With my packed schedule, I need ingredients that are both nutritious and convenient. Date Paste is naturally sweet, easy to make, and can be used in countless ways.
This Date Paste is a game-changer, and it’s the secret weapon behind many of the delicious desserts in my cookbook Sweet Indulgence. Made from just dates and a liquid of your choice, it adds a rich sweetness without any refined sugars. Whether you’re using it to sweeten your smoothies, baked goods, or sauces, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Dates: Packed with natural sweetness, dates are rich in fiber, potassium, and essential minerals. They provide a healthy alternative to refined sugars and add a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Liquid (Water, Unsweetened Plant Milk, or Unsweetened Juice): The liquid helps soften the dates and blend them into a smooth paste. Each option brings its own subtle flavor, allowing you to customize the paste to your liking.
The Process
First, check the dates for pits if you bought them pre-pitted. If not, remove all of the pits. Soak the dates in your liquid of choice overnight or for several hours until much of the liquid has been absorbed. Once the dates are soaked, place them in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade or use an immersion blender along with the soaking liquid. Process until completely smooth. Store in the refrigerator.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to soak your dates, my friend Jeni suggested using the Instant Pot for a quicker method. Simply place 1 pound of dates and 2 cups of water in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Release the pressure, and when cool enough to handle, transfer the mixture to a food processor or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.
Chef’s Tips
- Date paste thickens as it cools, making it perfect for spreading or mixing into recipes.
- Store date paste in the refrigerator for several months, or freeze it for longer-term storage.
- Use date paste to sweeten all your desserts—it’s an excellent natural sweetener!
How to Store Date Paste
Store your Date Paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several months. For longer storage, freeze the paste in small portions, and thaw as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container, this paste will stay fresh for up to several months.
Yes, Date Paste freezes very well. Store it in small portions in the freezer for up to six months.
You can use water, unsweetened plant milk, or unsweetened juice. Each liquid will give the paste a slightly different flavor.
Absolutely! Date Paste is a great natural sweetener for baked goods, smoothies, and sauces.
Serving Suggestion
Date Paste is incredibly versatile. Use it to sweeten smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods, or as a base for sauces and dressings.
Summary
Date Paste is a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to add natural sweetness to your favorite recipes. With just two ingredients and no refined sugars, it’s a quick and easy recipe that you’ll love making and using.
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
Date Paste
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 pound dates, about 2½ cups
- 1 cup liquid, water, unsweetened plant milk or unsweetened juice
Instructions
- Check the dates for pits if you bought them pre-pitted. Otherwise, remove all of the pits.
- Soak the dates in liquid of choice overnight or for several hours, until much of the liquid has been absorbed.
- In a food processor fitted with the “S” blade, process dates and soaking liquid until completely smooth. Store the date paste in the refrigerator.
How long will it last in the refrigerator.
Hi Brenda! Date paste can last for months in the refrigerator. The only way it typically goes bad is through cross-contamination. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy!