Author Notes
This sweetener happens to be healthier than most, thanks to magnesium, potassium, and a nice dose of fiber. But don't be fooled: it tastes like caramel, and it will add wonderful sweetness to baking or glazing. Add it to recipes in a 1:1 1/4 ratio of regular sweetener to date paste. —Gena Hamshaw
Ingredients
-
1 cup
medjool dates, pitted and packed
-
1 1/2 cups
warm water
-
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
-
1/4 teaspoon
(heaping) salt
Directions
-
Place the dates into a large bowl. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then pour it over the dates. Allow them to soak for 20 minutes (or up to an hour).
-
Drain the dates, reserving 1/2 cup of the soak water. Add them to a blender with the reserved water, the vanilla, and the salt. Blend till the mixture is totally smooth.
-
Date paste can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Gena is a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and food blogger. She's the author of three cookbooks, including Power Plates (2017) and Food52 Vegan (2015). She enjoys cooking vegetables, making bread, and challenging herself with vegan baking projects.
See what other Food52ers are saying.