Make sure you always have some date paste in the fridge to create a healthy dessert in no time. All you need are fresh dates and water. Here's how to make it.
*Editor's Note: Don't have enough time to soak dates overnight? Soak them for 15 minutes in a heat-safe container in boiling-hot water.
By Chef AJ ,
Ingredients
- One pound of pitted dates
- One cup of liquid (water, unsweetened non-dairy milk, unsweetened juice)
Instructions
- Soak dates in liquid overnight or for several hours until much of the liquid is absorbed.*
- In food processor fitted with the “S” blade, process dates and liquid until completely smooth.
- Store date paste in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (2 Tbsp.), 80 calories, 21 g carbohydrates, 0.7 g protein, 0.1 g total fat, 1 mg sodium, 2.3 g fiber, 18 g sugar
Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.
I found pitting the dates very tedious since the dates I had were quite tough so next time I soaked them overnight and then pitted them when they were soft. Much easier.
This paste is a good way to add a little sweetness to overnight oats or nice cream.
Can you comment on using date syrup instead of making paste? How much would substitute for the paste?
Love this simple recipe. I freeze the paste in a tray that has several 2Tbsp sections. Comes in so handy when making various recipes and I need just a little. Yay for healthful options!
After I make the date paste I pour it into ice cube trays and freeze then put I freezer bag. So nice to have individual servings. For smoothies yogurt (plain) I also like to make yogurt fruit nuts Popsicles sweetens so good enjoy thank you f/n
How about dehydrating the paste? Would last longer and use less storage etc….
I put my container in the freezer. It lasts longer and it can be scooped by the teaspoon or tablespoon when needed, since it never freezes “rock solid”.
For the date paste
You soak in hot water over night
What is the water to date ratio
How much water??
How much dates??
Then blend all together
Hi Traci, the recipe calls for one pound of pitted dates to 1 cup of liquid (water, unsweetened non-dairy milk, or unsweetened juice).
Thank you for this invaluable tip.
Can’t wait to find new ways to use this paste!
How long can you keep this in the fridge?
Hi, Great question. Date paste can be stored for up to 1 month in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer. For more date paste intel, check out this guide: https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/ingredient-iq-date-paste/
Chef AJ, how long would you keep it in the fridge ? Could I freeze it and for how long ? I hate to have to throw any food out because I forgot about it being in the fridge.
Looks yummy, can I substitute almond flour with oat flour?
how much is one pound of dates….2 cups?
1 lb of dates = 2.5 cups of dates
according to almanac.com
Does it HAVE to be refrigerated? I normally refrigerate but the last time I made a PB & Date Paste sandwich (with sliced banana), I accidentally stored it back in the pantry instead of the fridge. You think it’s still ok? I mean, it’s basically still just dates, which are fine in the pantry. Thanks.
Not a knowledgeable person here but that sounds a little risky. I once mixed water into a jar of almond butter to loosen up the solid at the bottom, left in the pantry, next day gray fuzzy mold inside yuck
Adding water will cause the dates to ferment because the yeast and microbes present will eat the sugar and convert it to alcohol. Freeze or refrigerate… unless you plan on making booze.
I think it would be fine. Some people don’t even keep their dates in the frig.
How much date paste does this recipe make? I am going to make your pumpkin pie.
Thank you,
Jennifer
About 3 and a half cups or 690 grams.
Do you use 1c of water and 1 cup juice and 1 cup vegan milk OR is it just 1 c of any one of those? to the dates??
Just 1 cup of liquid total.
How long is this okay to keep in the fridge once the dates are blended with the water?
I freeze my date paste (separately by the tablespoon) for easy and convenient use.
I am your new biggest fan! Your personality and humor is infectious. Your recipes are delicious, and this way of eating has changed my life. Ty
Probably a thinner watered-down version. Best to check the label for ingredients but probably the same. I would guess the syrup has less fiber (possibly filtered).
I purchased date syrup from Marshalls… Is this the same as the paste?
Date syrup is just the liquid strained from the pulp, often with added sweeteners, and minus the essential fiber that makes date paste a healthier option.