Sustainability made simple

How to Make Date Syrup in 7 Steps

how to make date syrup
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Dixielon

Date syrup is a rich and flavorful natural sweetener that can be used on top of baked goods, ice cream, cheese and more. Read here to find out how to make date syrup.

Date syrup is a unique and earthy sweetener that can be used on pancakes, salads, granola, cheese plates, and even as a sweetener for coffee. Use this date syrup recipe as a substitute for honey or cane sugar to get a vegan sweetener with more depth and flavor.

To create this date syrup at home, all you need are dates and water. Keep reading to find out how to make date syrup.

Date Syrup Ingredients

This simple date syrup recipe only requires two ingredients.
This simple date syrup recipe only requires two ingredients. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / valkovav)

To make your date syrup, you’ll need:

  • 1 lb dried pitted dates (Medjool or Deglet)
  • 1 4 cups water

Step 1

Prepare the dates by roughly chopping them.
Prepare the dates by roughly chopping them. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / thebzeeds)

First, rinse the dates under running water. Then, roughly chop them into about half-inch pieces.

Step 2

This process extracts the sweetness and flavor from the dates.
This process extracts the sweetness and flavor from the dates. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / sharonang)

Place the dates in a large pot with a lid and 4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and leave covered for 2 hours.

Step 3

Homemade date syrup is a perfect sugar alternative if you are trying to avoid processed food.
Homemade date syrup is a perfect sugar alternative if you are trying to avoid processed food. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / nemo88)

Mash dates mixture with a fork or masher. To get a nice, thick syrup, mash them well to make sure you get all the flavor and sugar into the syrup.

Step 4

Instead of using a single-use cheesecloth or nut bag, check out our options for cheesecloth alternatives in the link below.
Instead of using a single-use cheesecloth or nut bag, check out our options for cheesecloth alternatives in the link below. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / PublicDomainPictures)

Once the date mixture is completely cool, place a sieve over a large bowl and line the sieve with a large piece of cheesecloth or nut bag.

If you don’t already have a cheesecloth, check here for a cheesecloth alternative.

Step 5

Squeeze the liquid contents from the dates in small batches.
Squeeze the liquid contents from the dates in small batches. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / moho01)

In small batches, squeeze all of the water from the date mixture well. You should get about 2 cups of date juice.

Pro Tip: Don’t throw away the date pulp. Instead, add it to smoothies for additional fiber.

Step 6

This step reduces the date juice to create a thick, rich date syrup.
This step reduces the date juice to create a thick, rich date syrup. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / moritz320)

Pour the date juice into a pot and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, making sure to stir the mixture consistently. Simmer, uncovered, for about 11 minutes until the excess water evaporates and the syrup reduces by approximately half. Remember, the syrup will become even thicker after cooling. If the syrup is too thin for your liking, return it to the heat and reduce some more, but be careful not to over-reduce.

Step 7

This dark date syrup is a rich and complex syrup that's delicious on an assortment of foods.
This dark date syrup is a rich and complex syrup that’s delicious on an assortment of foods. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / DMead)

Cool date syrup completely, then transfer to a jar or other air-tight container. The date syrup should be stored in the fridge and is best to use within 3 weeks of making.

Try adding your homemade date syrup to vegan nice cream, healthy no-bake cheesecake,

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