Homemade 2 Ingredient Date Syrup

Reasons to love this date syrup

So easy to make! While there are recipes for date syrup that involve boiling and straining the dates out, utilizing only the retained liquid, I like to use the whole fruit. Not only does it cut down on prep time significantly but the fiber and nutrients are also retained. Dates are a good source of so many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It’s the perfect natural sweetener! As a registered dietitian specializing in infant and toddler nutrition, I recommend holding off on added sugar until 2 years of age. While dates do contain sugar, it is a natural type found in the fruit. It’s a great alternative to maple syrup, honey, or sugar. Incredibly delicious! A caramel-icious syrup that you can add to just about anything!

Try this Banana Date Bread!

Ingredients

Dates- Be sure to use Medjool dates as they are much stickier than the other kinds. If they aren’t pitted, do that first. Cinnamon – I like to add for its flavor and additional nutritional boost. It is loaded with antioxidants and is most known for its blood sugar lowering benefit. Look for ceylon cinnamon. You can leave it out if you wish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Equipment

It help to use a high-powered food processor/blender. I’ve had my Vitamix for 7+ years and it’s worth every penny! I use it to make all my blender muffins, dips/sauces, smoothies, veggie nuggets, pancakes…it’s hands down my number one workhorse. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you will most likely end up with pieces of skin, which are fine to eat, but then your sauce won’t be smooth. What you can do is strain using a colander, pressing out as much liquid as possible. This is also what I do to make my low sodium teriyaki sauce.

Tips for Success

Use high-quality dates! They can be a bit price-y, but it’s well worth it since dates are the only ingredient (if you’re not using cinnamon). I like to purchase in bulk from Costco and store in the freezer. Soak in extra hot water so that the dates will be nice and soft, resulting in a smoother syrup. You have full control over the desired consistency. The thicker you want the date syrup, the less water you should add, and vice versa. I like my consistency to be like smooth applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

While you can just lick it by the spoonful, the world is your oyster when it comes to the endless ways you can enjoy this natural date syrup. Add to:

Overnight oats Smoothies Smoothie bowls Chia seed puddings Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes Peanut butter waffles Muffins Vegetables – like cauliflower, beets, carrots, butternut squash

OR mix it with peanut or nut butter of your choice for a creamy and caramel-y dip to enjoy alongside fresh veggies and fruits! To give you an idea: Almond Caramel Dip for one – Combine 2 tablespoons of date syrup + 1 tablespoon almond butter Note: Here’s how to cut raw vegetables for toddlers so they are safe.

Storage Suggestions

Transfer to a jar, like this one (I also highly recommend getting these reusable lids too), and keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.