Date jam, sometimes known as date paste, is surprisingly easy to make!
You only need a handful of ingredients to make a rich, deep, flavorful date spread that is naturally sweet and has no additives.
Dates make a great substitute for refined sugar. Their natural sweetness, combined with their caramel-like flavor makes them the perfect candidate to naturally sweeten so many recipes. I've used them in my chocolate chickpea ice cream and in my in my chia banana boost tropical smoothie.
But, did you know that you can easily make your own homemade date jam? It only takes 15 minutes, a package of Medjool dates and a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Top Tip: You might like my recipe for pineapple jam.
What Are Medjool Dates?
Medjool dates, native to Morocco, are frequently referred to as the "King of Dates" due to their large size and sweet taste.
These days, Medjool dates are cultivated in sunny climates worldwide. They grow on date palms, and are harvested by collecting the dates from the top of the tree. Once harvested, dates are separated by hand. Some are packaged straight away, and some are set aside to ripen and sweeten.
Contrary to popular belief, dates are not a dried fruit. They're actually a fresh fruit. They undergo no dehydration or drying after they're picked from the tree.
Dates are prized for their sweet taste and their sticky texture. But, they also have many nutritional benefits. They're rich in calcium, magnesium, selenium and copper. They're also rich in fiber.
How To Make Date Jam
Making date paste is surprisingly simple!
- If your dates still have the stones (or pits) in them, cut them in half and remove them. Put them in a saucepan and cover with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a hard boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Drain your dates, but don't dispose of the liquid. Set ½ cup of the cooking liquid aside. We're going to use it to make your date jam.
- Transfer your boiled dates and the cooking liquid to a blender. Add the maple syrup, lemon juice and cinnamon. Pulse until you a thick, smooth jam.
- You've made date jam! Transfer it to a clean jar and store it in the fridge.
How To Use Date Jam
One of the beauties of date spread is that you can add it to so many dishes. It's caramel-like flavor subtly sweetens everything it's added to. Here's a few ideas:
- Swirl it into your favorite vegan yogurt.
- Spread it on toast.
- Add it to cookies as a sugar substitute.
- Mix it with a bit of orange juice, lemon juice and salt for a delicious salad dressing.
- Stir it into your favorite marinara sauce for a hint of caramel.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Store date jam in an airtight container (like a jam jar) for up to one month.
Absolutely! There's no gluten in date jam.
Yes, you can. Make sure it's fully cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year. If you are freezing the jam in a jam jar, make sure the jar is scrupulously clean; leave a ½ inch of space in the jar to allow for expansion. Defrost in the fridge.
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📖 Recipe
Date Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates stones removed
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup *see note 2
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut the dates in half, and remove the stone. Put them in a saucepan and cover with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to hard boil; reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Drain the dates, reserving ½ cup of the cooking liquid.
- Transfer the dates to a blender and add the cooking liquid, lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Transfer to a jam jar and store in the fridge.
Notes
- Store the date jam in a jar in the fridge for up to one month.
- It's fine to omit the maple syrup if you want to reduce the sweetness. Dates are amply sweet on their own.
Megan
Hi there. Does this date jam freeze well?
Keri Bevan
Absolutely, you can freeze this jam. Date jam can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Once thawed, use within 2-3 weeks!
Michelle
Do you think it would work with dates that are already pitted? Also they're not Medjool, they're a different kind (smaller) ...looking for a way to use up my huge bag of them.
Keri Bevan
Of course it will! I hope it works well for you.
Linda
I absolutely love this date jam on toast. I do not add maple syrup as it is already sweet enough. Love the warm flavour of cinnamon that comes through. I am on my 3rd double batch. I think I will include it as a rub for pork tenderloin as well as a condiment. So easy to make.
Debbie Rutledge
When 3X this recipe, can you process in a water bath canner instead of freezing?
Keri Bevan
Hi Debbie, I've never tried to can this jam, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work!
Debbie Rutledge
Thank you excited to try it tomorrow.
Keri Bevan
Let me know how it goes !
Christina
Was looking for a way to get dates into my diet for my third trimester, looking forward to trying this recipe.
Keri Bevan
Hope you enjoy it, and congratulations!
Evelyn
Do you think it would be good to use as a french macaron filling?
Keri Bevan
Hi Evelyn, That sounds delicious! Let us know how it goes!
Genevieve
You can never go wrong with date jam and I love that this jam only takes 15-minutes to make!
Nancy
I love the sweetness of dates and the added cinnamon was perfect
Nora
This date jam turned out perfectly! Ideal for the joint family breakfast!
Natalie
I never even heard of a date jam before. This is such a perfect, tasteful treat, thanks!
Andrea
this date jam looks so good! perfect for a sweet treat!
Mary
Nice to know it freezes well. I loved it on a toasted English muffin with thinly sliced breakfast radishes and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt flakes. Yum!
Keri Bevan
What a great idea!
Kate
This looks incredible! I've tried all sorts of jam varieties but never date - what a great idea. Bookmarking this to try soon!
Keri Bevan
Hi Kate, I hope you like it!
Tavo
Delicious! I loved the addition of cinnamon, hadn't tried that combo before!
Keri Bevan
Hi Tavo, Thank you! Glad you liked the recipe.x
Ieva
Loved it! I have a bit of a sweet tooth and I think it's a great option when you don't want refined sugar added. A brilliant spread and addition to morning porridge! Thanks for the recipe!
Keri Bevan
Hi Ieva, we like to eat it on porridge too:)
Andrea
Date jam sounds Marvelous. Really like the idea of using it in baking. Yum!
Keri Bevan
It definitely adds a unique flavor! I'm pleased you liked the recipe. Thanks so much for letting me know:)
Beth
This is wonderful! I have all the ingredients and I love that it's ready to enjoy in 20 minutes!