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You guys know I LOVE dates (if you’re new here… I love dates!). So, I just had to share this super simple recipe for homemade date syrup. It’s only two ingredients—dates and water—and the process is so easy. Plus, date syrup makes a fantastic natural sweetener that you can use in so many ways!
Table of Contents
I started making date syrup when I wanted a healthier alternative to corn syrup. I soaked the dates, mashed them up, strained them, and then simmered them until thickened. That’s it! The result is a rich, sweet syrup that’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes, mixing into smoothies, or adding a touch of sweetness to your morning coffee.
Why Learn How to Make Date Syrup
- Reduces food waste. Making date syrup is a great way to use up leftover or slightly past-their-prime dates that may otherwise go to waste. Instead, repurpose them into a delicious syrup that can be enjoyed for weeks and months to come.
- Cost-effective. This easy date syrup recipe calls for just 2 ingredients, allowing you to whip up this homemade sweetener at just a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives.
- Customize the flavor. Use this date syrup recipe as a blank canvas to create your own unique flavor profile. Like a little spice in yours? Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Or give it a sweet aroma with a splash of vanilla extract.
- Healthier alternative to refined sweeteners. Date syrup is as a natural sweetener that is loaded with nutrition. Date syrup benefits include its rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It’s my fave sweetener because it’s the perfect blend of sweetness and nutrition in one bottle.
Ingredients to Make Date Syrup
- Dates: Choose plump, moist dates that are soft to the touch. Medjool dates are a popular choice for their sweet and caramel-like flavor. Make sure you remove the pits before soaking.
- Water: Used to soak the dates, softening them up. Water will also thin out the date syrup to that velvety consistency.
How to Make Date Syrup
This date syrup recipe is as simple as soaking, mashing, simmering, and then enjoying! You want to give these dates some time to soak in the water, so be sure to account for that. From then on, it’s a simple process of cooking down, mashing them through a sieve, and gently simmering until nice and thick. It’s a simple process with impressive results!
Tips for Making the Best Date Syrup
- Use medjool dates or a dark variety: The darker dates are ideal if you’re going for the packaged date syrup that you’d find on store shelves.
- Don’t be tempted to use a blender: Even though it seems faster to use a blender to mash the dates with water, it will actually end up including more of the inside white parts around the pit which can be fibrous and lighter in color. This will affect the color and consistency of the date syrup.
- Strain well. Use a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth to strain the blended mixture and catch any solid date pieces. Press down on the mixture with the back of the spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Adjust thickness during simmering. Keep an eye on the syrup as it simmers, and adjust the cooking time as needed. Remove from heat when it has thickened to your liking, but keep in mind that the syrup will thicken further as it cools.
How to Use Date Syrup
How to Store the Date Syrup
Once the date syrup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container like a mason jar and store in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Date Syrup Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly, this date syrup will last up to 6 weeks in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Date Syrup?
Yes, you can freeze the syrup in a freezer-safe container, allowing plenty of headspace for expansion. Place in the freezer for up to 6 months. Consider dividing the entire batch into smaller portions using ice cube trays or small jars. This makes it easier to thaw and use only what you need, reducing waste and ensuring freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use date syrup to sweeten your favorite drinks, like cranberry mocktail and apple cider. Try replacing another sweetener like honey or maple syrup and drizzle over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and more.
Yes, while Medjool are most common, you can use Deglet Noor or Barhi to make this date syrup recipe. Each type of date will bring in slightly different flavors and color to the syrup, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Homemade date syrup is a natural alternative to refined sugars, providing sweetness with added nutritional value. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, one of the key benefits of making date syrup at home is cost-effectiveness and the ability to customize it based on your taste preferences.
If you haven’t tried date syrup – you’re in for a real sweet treat! Not only is it a much better-for-you sweetener (compared to refined sugars), its rich flavor and velvety smooth texture brings depth to any dish. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
More Cooking Tutorials:
- How to Make Simple Syrup
- How to Make Balsamic Glaze
- How to Make Cashew Cream
- How to Make Cashew Milk
- How to Make Oat Milk
- How to Make Almond Milk
- How to Make Almond Butter
- How to Make Vinaigrette
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How to Make Date Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Place the pitted dates in a medium bowl, cover them with water, and soak for 2 hours.
- Use a fork and potato masher to mash the dates until they are soft.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids. Make sure to press down on the mixture to extract as much liquid as possible. You should get about 1 cup.
- Transfer the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the syrup has thickened, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you dip a spoon in it, the syrup should coat the back of it.
- Allow the date syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Can the remaining date pulp be repurposed? Thank you!
Great idea! You could add it to energy bites, granola, oatmeal, or smoothies for extra fiber.