Date Paste is a delicious all natural sweetener that reminds me of the taste of salted caramel. The smooth texture and deep flavor reminiscent of molasses is an excellent healthy alternative to sugar. In baking, the flavor is subtle and won't overwhelm the flavors of other ingredients. My favorite way to use Caramel Date Paste is as a spread for toast or to sweeten my morning bowl of oatmeal.
Although Date Paste is also available in stores, it is very expensive. You can easily make your own at home and it will last in your fridge for two to three months and in your freezer for up to a year. Double or triple the recipe and have it on hand for the the next time you decide to bake something healthy and delicious.
One of the healthy aspects of Date Paste is that it contains the pulp and fiber of the dates -- this is key for blood sugar control. This version also includes miso which is optional but highly recommended. White miso paste really enhances the caramel flavor of the dates adding depth with its bold and salty umami flavor. Miso is also packed with nutrients and probiotics. The combination makes this recipe not only nutritious but irresistible!
For more naturally sweet and wholesome treats, try my recipes for green smoothie chocolate muffins, oat flour brownies, chocolate peppermint date fudge or Greek yogurt apple mousse.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Dates are a good source of fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making this paste a healthier alternative to traditional sweet spreads.
- You can whip up a batch of caramel date paste in no time.
- Save lots of money making your own at home.
- Add a spoonful of caramel date paste to your smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal to bring a touch of natural sweetness and rich caramel flavor to your everyday snacks.
- Easily make multiple batches to stock your freezer.
- Sweetened entirely with fruit!
Ingredients
- Medjool dates- you can swap these for another variety of soft dates like Deglet Noor.
- White miso paste- this is the secret ingredient that really brings out the salty and caramel flavors of the date paste. (If white miso is difficult to find in your area, you can still go ahead and make my date paste recipe. Just replace the miso with a pinch of salt.)
- Water
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
More Date Recipes!
How To Use Date Paste
- As a maple syrup swap on pancakes and waffles or as a filling for crepes
- Sweeten drinks like lattes, tea, coffee, smoothies, milkshakes
- Spread on toast or rolls
- Filling for pastries
- Mix into yogurt or oatmeal or chia pudding
- Mix with nut butter of your choice for a deliciously sweet apple dip
- Add as a sweet element to sauces, marinades and dressings
- Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies or to sandwich oatmeal cookies together
- Swirl into homemade ice cream
- Use to sweeten your homemade nut milk or oat milk
- use as a sugar substitute in your cinnamon roll filling
- use as a sugar substitute in your baking.
How To Make Date Paste
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Soak dates.
Boil water.
Pour boiling water over 2 cups of dates, just enough to cover. Allow the dates to soak for one hour.
Reserve 1 ½ cups of the date water. Drain the dates.
Step 2: Blend all ingredients together until ultra smooth.
Blend the dates in a blender or food processor with the miso paste and ¾ cup of the reserved liquid. Scrape down the sides of the blender and continue to blend until smooth.
Add more liquid if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Transfer date paste into a jar.
Pour into a clean jar and store in the fridge. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Choose high-quality dates, such as Medjool dates, for the best flavor and texture. They tend to be softer and more caramel-like, making them ideal for date paste.
- Double-check all date pits are removed.
- While blending add additional liquid gradually, as needed, to achieve your desired consistency.
- For additional flavor variations, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Recipe FAQs
Date paste is made from the whole fruit and so has the benefit of eating whole fruit as it still contains the pulp and fiber. White sugar adds empty calories while dates are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Dates also have a lower glycemic index than sugar and so will not result in blood sugar spikes the way white sugar does. Because of the fiber in dates, their glycemic index is even lower than honey and maple syrup.
I recommend using Medjool dates because of their soft texture and many health benefits.
Miso enhances the caramel flavor of the dates adding depth with its bold and salty umami flavor. Miso is also packed with nutrients and probiotics.
Storage
Fridge
Date paste can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Freezer
Date paste can be stored in an air tight container in the freezer for up to a year. Make a few batches and store for the future!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
Leave a review or comment below!
Recipe
Date Paste
Ingredients
- 2 cups Medjool dates lightly packed
- 1 cup reserved water from soaking the dates (start by adding ¾ cup of reserved water and add more if desired)
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
Instructions
- Boil water.
- Pour boiling water over 2 cups of dates, just enough to cover. Allow the dates to soak for one hour.
- Reserve 1 ½ cup of the date water. Drain the dates.
- Blend the dates in a blender or food processor with the miso paste and ¾ cup of the reserved liquid. Scrape down the sides of the blender and continue to blend until smooth.
- Add more liquid if necessary to a achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour into a clean jar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose high-quality dates, such as Medjool dates, for the best flavor and texture.
- Double-check all date pits are removed.
- While blending add additional liquid gradually, as needed, to achieve your desired consistency.
- For additional flavor variations, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
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