How to make date paste – learn how to make this healthy fruit based alternative sweetener using only 2 ingredients pitted dates and some tepid water.
If you are looking for a sweetener that is healthy, wholesome and taste equally as awesome then look no further than following my step by step guide of how to make date paste.
What is date paste?
In short, date paste is simply whole dates (either medjool or deglet noor) which have been soaked in water for several hours and then pureed using a high speed blender, food processor or even a immersion stick.
Reasons why you should make your own date paste
There are so many reasons why you should make your own date paste;
It’s homemade so you know exactly what’s in – no additives or preservatives
- The taste is phenomenal – think caramel candy, but not overwhelming
- You only need TWO ingredients to make it from scratch
- It’s highly addictive and incredibly versatile
- Healthy substitute for brown sugar
- It’s suitable for paleo lifestyle, whole 30, gluten free and safe for vegans!!
- You can make a BIG batch of this recipe, use and freeze any leftovers!!
Interesting, because dates are sweet of this means they contain some type of sugar. Although dates do contain a combination of sucrose, glucose and fructose, it is still superior to table sugar.
There is no nutritional value or nutrients in sugar that is processed. Dates are unrefined and natural so in respect it would be a viable choice in sweetener.
Are dates diabetic friendly?
People who are afflicted with type 2 diabetes do need to mindful of their intake in glucose. With that said, the does mean a diabetic cannot use homemade date paste. It’s simply a case of portion control – using a few tablespoons in a recipe should be fine.
Kind in mind that dates do also help to regulate sugar levels, reduce fatigue and insulin production.
In the other hand, low blood sugar levels can easily be optimised with a small serving of date paste. As mentioned above. Use with caution and there should be no adverse effects.
The health benefits of date paste
- High in fiber
- Helps ease constipation and bowel movements
- Packed in energy
- Provides 10% of daily vitamins and minerals
How to make date paste
Soaked dates – In order to puree the dates, first of all you want to soak the dates for a period of time. To speed up this step I found using warm water worked best. Some people soak them overnight to make the dates super soft but leaving them for up to an hour in my humble experience has worked just fine.
Pureeing the dates – Onto the fun part, pureeing the dates is of course a very important aspect of the recipe and also the final result. I do highly recommend using a blender or food processor. One that is of a high speed to yield a consistent texture. This is also why I recommend soaking them first to ensure the texture is soft and even.
Date paste substitute
- Raisin date – follow the same method as you would normally use to make date paste
How long will date paste last?
The good news is that date paste has a moderate shelf life. Store on the fridge for up to 3 months or alternatively freeze on the day it’s made for up to a year.
How to use date paste – serving suggestions
Paste date is so versatile you can use it tea, coffee or even you baked goods like date paste cookies. Also here is a recipe where date paste/dates have successfully worked;
How to make date paste – the steps
Grab your dates and place them in a bowl to soak in water.
Drain off the soaked dates and puree in a high speed blender
How to make date paste – video mode
How to make date paste
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pitted medjool dates
- 1-2 cups of tepid water enough to saturate the dates
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the pitted dates and pour the water onto the dates until they are completely saturated - leave to soak for up to an hour.
- Strain off the excess water and place the pre soaked dates in the blender.
- Start to blend until the dates appear to yield a creamy consistency
Nutrition
How much does this recipe yield?
Hi Sam, it would be the equivalent to a small jar (a cups worth in total).