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  • Prep-time: / Ready In:
  • Makes about 3½ cups
  • Serving size: 2 Tbsp.
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Make sure you always have some date paste in the fridge to create a healthy dessert in no time. All you need are fresh dates and water. Here's how to make it.

*Editor's Note: Don't have enough time to soak dates overnight? Soak them for 15 minutes in a heat-safe container in boiling-hot water.

By Chef AJ,

Last Updated:

Ingredients

  • One pound of pitted dates
  • One cup of liquid (water, unsweetened non-dairy milk, unsweetened juice)

Instructions

  • Soak dates in liquid overnight or for several hours until much of the liquid is absorbed.*
  • In food processor fitted with the “S” blade, process dates and liquid until completely smooth.
  • Store date paste in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information:

Per serving (2 Tbsp.): 80 calories, 21 g carbohydrates, 0.7 g protein, 0.1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 2.3 g fiber, 18 g sugar

Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.

Comments (24)

(5 from 4 votes)

Recipe Rating

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Joanne

I put my container in the freezer. It lasts longer and it can be scooped by the teaspoon or tablespoon when needed, since it never freezes "rock solid".

Traci Lipkowitzs

For the date paste You soak in hot water over night What is the water to date ratio How much water?? How much dates?? Then blend all together

Lisa, Forks Over Knives Support

Hi Traci, the recipe calls for one pound of pitted dates to 1 cup of liquid (water, unsweetened non-dairy milk, or unsweetened juice).

Lois Sharbel

Thank you for this invaluable tip. Can't wait to find new ways to use this paste!

GM Caddy

How long can you keep this in the fridge?

Lisa, Forks Over Knives Support

Hi, Great question. Date paste can be stored for up to 1 month in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer. For more date paste intel, check out this guide: https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/ingredient-iq-date-paste/

Anne

Chef AJ, how long would you keep it in the fridge ? Could I freeze it and for how long ? I hate to have to throw any food out because I forgot about it being in the fridge.

Arlene

Looks yummy, can I substitute almond flour with oat flour?

Leslie

how much is one pound of dates....2 cups?

Jesse

1 lb of dates = 2.5 cups of dates according to almanac.com

Cara

Does it HAVE to be refrigerated? I normally refrigerate but the last time I made a PB & Date Paste sandwich (with sliced banana), I accidentally stored it back in the pantry instead of the fridge. You think it's still ok? I mean, it's basically still just dates, which are fine in the pantry. Thanks.

B B

Not a knowledgeable person here but that sounds a little risky. I once mixed water into a jar of almond butter to loosen up the solid at the bottom, left in the pantry, next day gray fuzzy mold inside yuck

VeggieT8r

Adding water will cause the dates to ferment because the yeast and microbes present will eat the sugar and convert it to alcohol. Freeze or refrigerate... unless you plan on making booze.

Diane

I think it would be fine. Some people don't even keep their dates in the frig.

Jennifer

How much date paste does this recipe make? I am going to make your pumpkin pie. Thank you, Jennifer

Thomas

About 3 and a half cups or 690 grams.

Robert

Do you use 1c of water and 1 cup juice and 1 cup vegan milk OR is it just 1 c of any one of those? to the dates??

Maureen

Just 1 cup of liquid total.

Beth

How long is this okay to keep in the fridge once the dates are blended with the water?

Patricia

I freeze my date paste (separately by the tablespoon) for easy and convenient use.

Pamela young

I am your new biggest fan! Your personality and humor is infectious. Your recipes are delicious, and this way of eating has changed my life. Ty

Scott

Probably a thinner watered-down version. Best to check the label for ingredients but probably the same. I would guess the syrup has less fiber (possibly filtered).

Lisa

I purchased date syrup from Marshalls... Is this the same as the paste?

VeggieT8r

Date syrup is just the liquid strained from the pulp, often with added sweeteners, and minus the essential fiber that makes date paste a healthier option.

About the Author

Headshot of Chef AJ

About the Author

Chef AJ

Chef AJ has been devoted to a plant-exclusive diet for over 44 years. She is the host of the television series Healthy Living with CHEF AJ airing on Foody TV. A chef, culinary instructor, and professional speaker, she is author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight and the best-selling books The Secrets to Ultimate Weight Loss and Own Your Health. Chef AJ was the executive pastry chef at Santé Restaurant in Los Angeles where she was famous for her sugar-, oil-, salt- and gluten-free desserts. She is the host of YouTube show Chef AJ Live. She is proud to say that her IQ is higher than her cholesterol. In 2018 she was inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame. Find her on Instagram and Twitter.
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