Are you a sucker for sweet treats? Look no further! Dates are a natural source of sweetness and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. From classic desserts to savory dishes, dates bring a rich flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 scrumptious date recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re a fan of classic sticky date pudding or looking for something new like bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, indulge in these luscious date recipes and treat yourself to a taste adventure.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes!
Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Warm up with a classic Australian dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This rich and indulgent sticky date pudding is topped with a velvety caramel sauce, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 20cm (8 inch) square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped dates.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Medjool Date and Walnut Energy Balls
These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a quick pick-me-up on-the-go. With only 5 ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, blend the dates until they form a sticky ball.
2. Add the oats, walnuts, and honey to the processor. Process until well combined.
3. Stir in the chia seeds.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! No baking required.
Date and Banana Smoothie Bowl
Transform your morning routine with this sweet and satisfying smoothie bowl, packed with natural energy from dates and bananas.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings (optional): sliced almonds, shredded coconut, chia seeds
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine banana, dates, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with your choice of toppings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of goat cheese and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted Medjool dates
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut a slit down one side of each date, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Place a half-slice of bacon into each date, leaving a small amount of bacon exposed on either end.
4. Stuff each date with about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese.
5. Place the dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each date.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Date and Almond Butter Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying twist on traditional French toast. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of dates, the crunch of almonds, and the richness of almond butter for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 2 tbsp almond butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chopped dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Lay bread slices flat and spread a quarter of the date-almond mixture onto each slice, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
3. Fold bread in half to enclose filling.
4. Heat melted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook stuffed French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Moroccan Date and Lamb Tagine
This hearty and aromatic Moroccan stew is a perfect blend of tender lamb, sweet dates, and fragrant spices. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, this tagine is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine over medium-high heat.
2. Add the lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the dates, chicken broth, and lamb back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until the lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Chocolate-Dipped Dates with Sea Salt
Sweet and salty, these Chocolate-Dipped Dates with Sea Salt are a perfect treat for any occasion. With just four ingredients, you can create a sophisticated and delicious snack in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as coconut oil or vegetable oil)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Dip each date into the melted chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the date.
4. Place the dipped dates on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of each date.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Date and Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Start your day with a wholesome and delicious treat! These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of dates with the nutty flavor of oatmeal, perfect for a breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, chopped dates, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter and egg; mix until a dough forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Date and Coconut Bliss Balls
Date and Coconut Bliss Balls Recipe
Transforming dates and coconut into bite-sized treats has never been easier! These sweet and chewy bliss balls are a perfect snack or dessert to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, blend the chopped dates and shredded coconut until well combined.
2. Add the rolled oats, honey, salt, and vanilla extract to the processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 bliss balls.
4. Place the bliss balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Store the bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These bliss balls are no-bake, making them perfect for any time of day.
Persian Date and Rosewater Shake
Experience the sweet and exotic flavors of Iran with this refreshing shake, combining the natural sweetness of dates with the subtle essence of rosewater.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup pitted dates, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– 2 tablespoons rosewater
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Drain the soaked dates and blend them with 1/4 cup of milk until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the blended date mixture, vanilla ice cream, rosewater, and honey. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of milk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or rosewater level to your liking.
5. Pour the shake into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe requires no cooking.
Date and Pecan Pie Bars
These gooey bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add melted butter; mix until a dough forms. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the crust. Top with chopped dates and drizzle with honey.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Date-Sweetened Vegan Brownies
Moist, rich, and indulgently chocolatey, these brownies are a game-changer for vegan dessert lovers. The secret ingredient? Medjool dates, which provide natural sweetness and a deep flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar
- 3 dates, pitted and soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup (60ml) canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine oats, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and soaked dates. Blend until well combined.
3. Add oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Date and Tahini Energy Bars
A sweet and satisfying treat that’s packed with natural energy and nutrients. These no-bake bars are made with wholesome ingredients like dates, tahini, and rolled oats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup creamy tahini
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the dates, tahini, and honey. Process until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the rolled oats and process until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: None – these no-bake bars are ready in just a few minutes!
Spiced Date Chutney with Cumin
This sweet and spicy chutney is a perfect accompaniment to naan bread, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. The combination of dates, cumin, and spices creates a flavorful condiment that will add depth to any snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine dates, brown sugar, honey, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes cooling time)
Date and Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These moist and aromatic muffins combine the natural sweetness of dates, crisp apples, and warm cinnamon to create a delightful fall treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, chopped dates, diced apples, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Date and Ginger Glazed Ham
Date and Ginger Glazed Ham Recipe
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory date and ginger glazed ham recipe, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine dates, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and Dijon mustard.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern.
5. Brush the date-ginger glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Date and Pistachio Baklava
Date and Pistachio Baklava Recipe
A classic Middle Eastern dessert, this sweet and nutty baklava is perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into four equal pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together dates, pistachios, sugar, rose water (if using), cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
4. Layer the phyllo dough with the date mixture, starting with a piece of dough, then a spoonful of the mixture, and repeating until all ingredients are used up.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top layer of phyllo dough.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Date-Sweetened Banana Bread
Elevate your banana bread game with this sweet and moist recipe that replaces refined sugars with natural sweetness from dates!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine soaked dates, mashed bananas, and eggs. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter, blended date mixture, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of dates with these 18 delicious recipes! From classic sticky date pudding to innovative bacon-wrapped dates, you’ll find a variety of treats to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy dates in sweet treats like energy balls, smoothie bowls, and bliss balls, or use them as an ingredient in savory dishes like Moroccan tagine and spiced chutney. You can even add them to breakfast cookies, muffins, and French toast for added natural sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a decadent dessert, these date recipes have got you covered!
