How to Make Date Paste (Without a Food Processor)

Love dates? Me too! Then you will definitely want to learn how to make some date paste in a blender. A healthy fruit based alternative sweetener using only 2 ingredients pitted dates and some water, no food processor is needed.

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 for making your own homemade date paste.

 Okay, now that I have your undivided attention, let's talk about date paste.

In case you are wondering what is it, it's simply whole pitted dates which have been have pureed into a paste (the clue is in the same).

I haven't seen date paste in the supermarkets while on my travels nor have I seen date sugar which is why you might benefit from my Air Fryer Date Sugar recipe post.

I took the liberty of making my own just like I did when I learnt How to Make a Flax Egg.

I always have dates lying around in my pantry and also like to nibble on them so why not experiment with them and make some paste with them.

It's a great natural alternative sweetener and free from refined sugar, contains copper, selenium, magnesium, antioxidants and fibre which explains why so many people are now using it more than ever.

You can use any type of date; be it - medjool, deglet noor, barhi etc..

How to use date paste

• In baked goods i.e in place of applesauce
• In a smoothie
• Stews
• Marinades
• Tea and hot drinks

Reasons to make date paste

• 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 and freeze it down.

The difference between date paste and date syrup

The major difference between the two is the texture and processing. Date paste is made my pulsing pure dates with the aid of water.

On the other hand, date syrup is a lot thicker, more of a strong caramel colour and is typically made from simmering the extract of the dates.

The steps

• Grab your dates and place them in a bowl to soak in water.
• Drain off the water from soaked dates (reserve it) and puree in a high speed blender adding any additional water, if needed to puree the dates to your desired consistency.

Quick vs overnight method

You can make this recipe using a blender, I personally prefer to use a blender because it purees a lot quicker than when using a food processor or immersion stick .

Since making this paste over and over again I have figured out that you can short cut the softening the dates. I think sometimes playing the waiting game can be off putting so I have a solution

Quick method: Add the dates to a bowl with of hot water and soak for 30 minutes then transfer to your blender and puree.

You shouldn't have any issues with the dates breaking down as they should be super soft but it is best to have some water (just use the date water, if needed).

Over night method: Add the dates to a bowl of lukewarm water and leave to soften overnight.

Some people might want to do this method if they are concerned about destroying the nutritional value of the dates.

Baking with date paste

Date paste isn't as sweet as regular brown sugar, however with that being said, it makes a great substitute when making recipes i.e vegan ones that call for applesauce.

You will have to experiment with the amount that you will need. The amount you will need is going to vary depending on the recipe that you are making and the density that is needed.

So do keep that in mind, when you are working with it.

Can you use any other fruit instead of dates?

Yes, you may use any of the following;

• Prunes
• Figs
• Raisin, current or sultanas

Storage

Once you have made your date paste, be sure to store in a glass jar i.e mason jar in your fridge.

The paste has a long shelf life of a few months but as a general rule of thumb I use it within 4 weeks of making it.

Alternatively you can whip up a batch and place in a freezer friendly container for up to a year.

The good news is that date paste has a moderate shelf life. Store on the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks or alternatively freeze on the day for up to 3 months.

Notes and tips

• Make sure to refrigerate (up to a month) or freeze for up to 3 months..
• Use a immersion stick, food processor or blender to puree your date.
• Any type of dates will work or use prune/figs/raisins instead.
• You can use the quick (soak in boiling water) or overnight option to make the paste.
• The amount you will need for baked goods will depend on the recipe and texture of the cake so you will have to experiment as I don't have an precise amount.
• If adding to a hot beverage you will need to use more than what you would do if using brown sugar.
• Pitted dates are more convenient if you can't get hold of pitted simply split the dates in halve to remove the stone.
• This recipe makes about a small jar's worth of paste.

Recipes that use dates/date paste

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