Homemade Date BBQ Sauce: Simple, Savory, and Sweetened with Dates!

This Date BBQ Sauce recipe is perfectly sweetened with dates, providing the thick, sweet, sticky qualities you need for the best homemade BBQ sauce. With plenty of ways to customize the flavor, you’ll have endless options for your summer cookouts!

Check out my BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls with Sweet Potato Fries, pictured in the background, for an easy recipe to pair this Date BBQ Sauce with!

I’m a Kansas City girl, born and raised. So perhaps it’s no surprise I’m pretty picky about my BBQ sauce!

Kansas City-style BBQ sauce is thick and sweet. It usually has a nice tang from vinegar and mustard, but also lots of smoky or spicy flavors playing in the background.

And while there’s nothing wrong with using a store-bought BBQ sauce, sometimes you just want something with a homemade touch. Either that, or you just opened the fridge and realized you forgot to restock after you finished your last bottle!

Whatever the case may be, this date-sweetened sauce is easy to make and replicates the thick, sweet, tangy flavor I love. I hope you agree once you have a chance to taste it!

Date BBQ Sauce Ingredients

You just need a few simple ingredients from the pantry to make this recipe:

• Canned tomato sauce
• Canned tomato paste
• Medjool dates, which are larger and sweeter than other date varieties such as deglet noor dates
• Apple cider vinegar
• Yellow mustard
• Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
• Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper

You can find dates in most grocery stores, either in the bulk bins or the produce department. Because even though they appear dried, dates are actually the fresh fruit of the date palm tree. 

There are multiple varieties of dates but here’s my top pick: Natural Delights Medjool Dates! They are always super fresh, soft, and so incredibly sweet and delicious. I had a cool opportunity to see where they’re grown and harvested, and ever since then I have a whole new appreciation for them! 

Optional Ingredients to Customize Flavor

Don’t feel limited to what’s on this list! There are many ways to customize your version of homemade Date BBQ Sauce. 

For example, you can try these optional additions (suggested quantities in the recipe card below):

• Add a scoop of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) for subtle heat and extra savory flavor.
• If you like it really spicy, add some cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
• If you prefer a smoky sauce, add some liquid smoke to play up the flavors from BBQ. Just remember, a little goes a long way so you don’t need much!

How to Make Date BBQ Sauce

It’s super simple to make a homemade BBQ sauce sweetened with dates! Just make sure you have a few key tools to make it easier:

• High-speed blender. I found this to work best for blending to a very smooth consistency. But you can also use a food processor or an immersion blender if that’s all you have. 
• A soft silicone spatula to help you scrape the sides of the blender and scoop the finished Date BBQ Sauce into a container.
• Can opener and measuring spoons

Then just follow these three easy steps to make your homemade Date BBQ Sauce:

1. Remove the pits from the dates (if needed) by carefully slicing lengthwise to split the date open. Pry the pit from the middle and discard it.
2. Add the dates to the blender, along with all remaining ingredients. Pulse a few times to combine, then blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and thick. Pause as needed to scrape the sides of the blender and ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. 
3. Transfer to a storage container if not using right away, otherwise, serve and enjoy!

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: If your dates are hard or dried, soak them in warm or hot water for about five minutes. This helps soften them up so they blend more easily without locking up the blades of your blender.

Serving Suggestions

​This Date BBQ Sauce is so versatile. For starters, try it as a dipping sauce with your favorite crispy fries or roasted potatoes. 

Next, try it as a glaze for grilled chicken or brushed over chicken wings. 

Finally (this one is probably obvious) use it for all things BBQ! From pulled pork sandwiches to saucy brisket or smoked sausage, you really can’t go wrong!

Storage Tips for Date BBQ Sauce

Transfer your finished sauce into a glass jar or airtight container. You can store Date BBQ Sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week. 

If you don’t plan on using it before then, you can freeze it for up to six months.

FAQ About Date BBQ Sauce

Does Date BBQ Sauce have added sugar?

No, this recipe does not have any added sugar. 

The Medjool dates provide all the sweetness. Other homemade BBQ sauce recipes might use brown sugar or maple syrup, but you don’t have to add any extra sugar or sweeteners unless you want to.

Do I have to cook my Date BBQ Sauce?

No, this version is a no-cook recipe. 

Some homemade BBQ sauce recipes instruct you to simmer your sauce on the stovetop. You can try this option if you like a more concentrated, bold flavor. Add the pureed sauce to a medium saucepan. Let it slowly warm over medium heat, then slowly add a small amount of water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup). As the sauce simmers, it will reduce and intensify. Let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing. But remember, this step is optional if you’re in a hurry or trying to avoid extra dishes.

Can I freeze leftover Date BBQ Sauce?

Yes, leftover Date BBQ Sauce can be frozen for up to six months.

I like to use an ice cube tray to store sauces like this. Once the cubes freeze solid, you can pop them out and store them in a Ziploc freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and label the bag. 

When you’re ready to serve again, break off as many cubes as you need and they will thaw more quickly than a big solid block. 

Are dates healthy?

Yes, dates offer a few key health benefits.

Even though they’re sweet, they are a low glycemic index food. They also provide dietary fiber and key nutrients including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and vitamin B6. 

Nutrition will vary based on the type of dates, but they provide energy and natural sweetness. That’s why they’re traditionally used to break a fast in multiple religious practices around the globe. There are many good things to enjoy about dates, including their delicious flavor, so consider them the perfect addition to all types of recipes! 

Find plenty of inspiration in this roundup of 30+ Sweet and Savory Recipes to Make with Dates. 

I hope you enjoy this easy Date BBQ Sauce recipe! Leave a rating or comment to let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your suggestions about what to pair it with!

And as always, thanks for stopping by the Street Smart Nutrition blog. Cheers to more fearlessly nourishing meals!