Date Paste is a very simple blend of just dates and water that is a wonderful sugar substitute. Use it in muffins, oatmeal or any other baked goods!
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I usually use either honey or pure maple syrup to sweeten my baked goods. This Christmas I received a box of dates as a gift and decided I needed to experiment with making paste with the dates. Because dates are naturally sweet on their own I knew they’d be the perfect replacement for white sugar.
What is date paste?
Date paste is simply dates that have been soaked in water and blended in a food processor until very smooth. This two ingredient recipe is easy to make and is extremely versatile in cooking and baking. Because dates are naturally sweet date paste is a terrific substitute for sugar in many recipes.
Are Dates healthy?
Dates are high in fiber and have many antioxidants making it a more nutritious option than processed white sugar. However, dates are naturally high in sugar so it’s important to use in moderation.
How to make date paste
Making this date paste recipe will only take a few minutes of hands on time. First you will want to make sure that your dates are pitted. If not pit your dates using a paring knife by cutting a slit along the date lengthwise. You can then easily pop the pit out. Once your dates are pitted add them to the bottom of your food processor.
Add a cup of hot water to the bottom of the food processor and allow to soak for at least 1 hour. After the dates have softened turn your processor on and pulse for a few short burst to break up the dates and then run for a few seconds to blend. Your date paste should be about the consistency of apple sauce when it is finished.
If you feel that the paste has too much water and is too thin and runny, you can thicken it at this point by adding to a small sauce pan and continuously stirring for about 10 minutes. I was happy with my results after cooking on the stove because it darkened the color and made it a nice thick texture.
Also if the paste has small chunks of skin you can strain through a small sieve to remove any pieces and make date paste a very smooth texture.
how long will date paste keep?
Date paste will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. I like to store mine in mason jars or old jelly jars. Any air tight container will work.
If you try this recipe for Date Paste, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.
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Date Paste
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates, pitted
- 1 - 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Remove pits from dates and add to the bottom of a food processor. Cover with water and allow to soak for at least an hour.
- After dates have soaked for an hour pulse several times and then blend. The consistency should be smooth like apple sauce.
- If date paste is too watery you can add to a small sauce pan and gently boil while stirring. This will reduce the paste making it thicker and more concentrated flavor. This is completely optional but only takes about 10 minutes.
Catherine
This is such a great idea!! Love it!!