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Do you prefer a natural and easy way to sweeten your recipes? This 2 Ingredient Date Paste is a delicious option! You can use it in baking, blending smoothies, or as a healthy alternative to refined sugar. Learn how to make a date paste with only two ingredients!
Baking with the date paste always brings back sweet memories from my childhood. Recipes like Maamoul and Date Filled Kaák remind me of my family. Growing up, I enjoyed Eid-El-Fitr and Eid-El-Adha, where family visits were filled with freshly baked Maamoul and Date Kaak.
Every time I bake them, each bite takes me back to moments surrounded by family—my aunts, uncles, and cousins, all gathered together.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Cooking Method: Blending
Skill Required: Easy, beginner-friendly
Signature Taste: Naturally sweet and rich
Diet Info: Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined sugar-free
What Makes 2 Ingredient Date Paste Special
A Natural Sweetener: It has a naturally sweet flavor, so it does not need artificial sweeteners or refined sugar. It has dates and water only, making it a perfect option for those who want to decrease their sugar intake.
A Healthy Paste: This paste includes nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. So, it not only enhances the taste of your dishes, but it also adds nutritional value.
Easy to Make Paste: With only two ingredients, the date paste needs minimal preparation. So, it is super easy to make. It is a beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can try.
The 2 Ingredients Needed to Make Date Paste
Dates: Dates, especially Medjool dates, provide a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Water: It acts as a blending medium. Without water, the paste would be too thick and sticky. So, it is used to adjust the date paste and give it the right consistency.
Variations of Date Paste
Cinnamon Addition: For a warm flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the paste. This is a good option for baked goods or as a spread.
Vanilla Addition: Blend in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor. It’s a perfect option for sweetening smoothies or desserts.
Cocoa Addition: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to create a chocolate-flavored date paste. This will give recipes a rich, chocolatey taste.
Buttery Addition: A tablespoon of almond or peanut butter adds a nutty twist and extra creaminess to your date paste. Great for dips and energy bars!
Nutty Addition: Add chopped, ground, or crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews to add a crunchy texture to the date paste. For a smoother texture, you can add the nuts with the dates and water and then blend them all. You will get a nutty, creamy paste used in various recipes.
How to Use Date Paste
Here are some recipes where you can add this paste to enhance the flavor and make them healthier.
Banana Oatmeal Date Shake: A spoonful in your shake is a natural sweetener that blends in smoothly and enhances the flavor with a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Tasty Date and Biscuit Balls: It is the binder for the date and biscuit mixture. It holds the ingredients together and adds a natural sweetness.
Healthy Oatmeal Date Bars and Homemade Date Biscuit Nut Bars: In these two recipes, the date paste binds with the oats or combines with the crunchy nuts and biscuits to create a satisfying and energy-boosting treat.
Lebanese Date-Filled Kaak, Lebanese Maamoul, and Date Cookies: These three recipes use date paste as a main ingredient. It provides a rich, naturally sweet filling that completes the buttery, crumbly texture of the dough, creating delicious, authentic desserts.
Delicious Maamoul with Sweet Date Paste
Pro Tip
If you can’t find pitted dates, you can do it yourself! Cut along one side of the date using a small, sharp knife. Then, expose the pit inside, and pop it out using your fingers or the tip of the knife.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store the paste in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to 1 month if properly sealed.
Freezing: You can freeze the paste in a freezer-safe container. You can also portion in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the paste cubes to a ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Thaw Properly: Leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw before using it. Don’t forget to label the containers with the date of preparation.
Tips for the Best Date Paste
Choose fresh, soft dates like Medjool. If the dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before making the paste.
It is better to blend the dates in batches, especially if you are making large quantities. This will ensure a smooth and even consistency.
Add water gradually while blending the dates until you reach the desired consistency. You do not want to end up with a runny paste.
Do not use cold water. Use warm water that helps date blend more smoothly and gives you a creamier texture.
Double-check for pits even if you are using pitted dates to avoid damaging your blender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you end up with a runny paste, add more dates. It is better to add them one by one until you fix it.
Date paste is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Date paste has a thick texture and it is made by blending dates with water. However, date syrup has a liquid consistency. It is made by cooking down dates and extracting the liquid. Date syrup is thin and can be poured. Both are used as sweeteners.
If you want to use this paste as a substitute for refined sugar, use a 1:1 ratio where for every 1 cup of sugar use 1 cup of the paste instead.
More Recipes You Should Try
2 Ingredient Date Paste
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dates, pittied
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Remove the seeds of the dates, and then place the dates in a high power blender with the hot water and baking soda. Turn the blender on high power until everything is well incorporated and date paste has formed.
- Turn the blender on high power until everything is well incorporated and the date paste has formed.
- To make it without a blender, put the pitted dates in a bowl, then pour the hot water. Add the baking soda. Set aside for 10 minutes and then mash it using a fork until you form a date paste.
Notes
- Choose fresh, soft dates like Medjool. If the dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before making the date paste.
- It is better to blend the dates in batches, especially if you are making large quantities. This will ensure a smooth and even consistency.
- Add water gradually while blending the dates until you reach the desired consistency. You do not want to end up with a runny date paste.
- Do not use cold water. Use warm water that helps date blend more smoothly and gives you a creamier texture.
- Double-check for pits even if you are using pitted dates to avoid damaging your blender.
