Wondering what to make with dates? I’ve got you covered! Here are more than 35 delicious recipes from fellow registered dietitians and culinary creators. Ranging from sweet to savory with everything in between, there’s something here to delight and satisfy!
Ever since I had a chance to visit the date palm trees growing in Arizona, I can’t get enough of them. I’ve been trying to add sweet dates to almost anything, and have compiled quite the list of recipes to try!
My current favorite: bacon-wrapped dates! In my opinion, that’s the best way to get the sweet, savory, and salty flavors all in one. So simple, but always a top request during the holiday season!
What’s Included In This List
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Dates are the fruit of the date palm, originating in North Africa and the Middle East. And despite the ways they might be similar to dried fruit, they’re actually considered a fresh fruit. Sweet medjool dates incredibly versatile. They’re a great “out-of-hand” date, meaning they can be eaten as is.
Medjool dates are easy to find in most grocery stores or online. Fresh dates have a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. But with all these amazing recipes to try they might not need to sit on your shelf for long!
Energy Bites with Dates
Use a food processor to pulse dates with nuts, oats, and a variety of mix-ins to make a chunky paste. Roll the mixture into small, round balls for a convenient, quick snack to enjoy on-the-go. I consider it a bit of a personal challenge to see how many unique flavor combinations I can use for energy balls!
Breakfast Recipes
If you’re more in the mood for a meal, check out these delightful options for breakfast. These date recipes are especially nice when you want to start the date with a sweet note!
Quick Breads and Baking with Dates
I’m not much of a baker, but I really appreciate how simple and easy these recipes are. With just a few steps and a handful of ingredients, you can easily bake loaves, crumb bars, muffins, or cookies that are naturally sweetened with dates.
If you want to experiment with date sugar, you can also try using that in some of your favorite recipes. You can also try swapping fresh dates one-for-one next time you’re baking if you want sweet flavor with less added sugar.
Date Shakes, Smoothies, and Sweet Sips
The chewy texture of dates lends well to sweet drinks of all kinds! Use dates as a thickener or natural sweetener. I haven’t had a chance to try a classic date shake from Arizona (although it’s on my bucket list) so in the meantime, these recipes will do just fine!
Chocolate Dates and Sweet Snacks
Dates pairs so well with cocoa powder, maple syrup, nuts, coconut, peanut butter, and so much more. You’ll even find some fresh fruit and sea salt in the mix with these dessert-inspired date recipes.
Savory Recipes or Side Dishes
Let’s not forget about some savory dishes! If you’re like me and don’t have much of a sweet tooth, this section is for you. Dates make a great addition to side dishes, salads, and bite-sized appetizers.
Finally, here are a few final ideas for what to make with dates:
- Date Paste (Date Molasses): Simply add hot water to pitted medjool dates and blend until smooth with a sticky texture. It’s similar to my Prune Puree, and can be used for baking or other simple recipes.
- Dates for Salads or Salad Dressing: Sweeten up your salads by chopping or slicing dates to add on top, or blend a pitted date into a homemade vinaigrette for sweet and tangy salad dressings.
- Cheese Boards or Snack Plates: The natural sugars in medjool dates makes them sweet enough to perfectly pair with savory, salty cheese and charcuterie. I added them to my Caramel Apple Dessert Board and it was a hit!
I hope this leaves you with plenty of inspiration for family dinners, date night, or anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. Hold on to some of these date recipes for the holiday season, too!
Disclosure: This post was originally published in October 2023. It has since been updated with new recipes, improved photos, and even more ideas for what to make with dates.
