- Recipes
- What To Make With
Sheela Prakash
Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
updated May 7, 2021
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
While dates are not used quite as commonly in the United States as they are elsewhere in the world, like the Middle East and North Africa, they are a beautiful stone fruit with so much potential. They can be enjoyed fresh, but are most commonly eaten in their dried form, and while there are over 200 varieties here in the states you’ll see Medjool dates most often.
For the longest time, I’d walk past the bags of dates at the grocery store and never take a second glance. It’s not that I never liked them — I just never was quite sure what to do with them besides snack on them straight. Little did I know, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them! Once I finally gave them a chance, I realized that the possibilities were nearly endless. From blending them into a morning smoothie, to chopping them up for a salad topping, to tucking them into dessert, here are our 15 most favorite recipes that feature the sweet dried fruit.
1
/
15
Banana-Date Smoothie
Both bananas and dates have enough sweetness tucked inside of them that this cardamom-spiced smoothie doesn't need any added sweeteners. Plus adding chia seeds to the mix gives it a protein boost to power your morning.
Go to Recipe
2
/
15
Baked Fig and Date Oatmeal with Pecan Streusel
This hearty breakfast is between a cakey treat and a wholesome porridge, making it a welcome addition to your morning table. The dates dot the oatmeal with chewy caramel flavor without making it too sweet.
Go to Recipe
3
/
15
Tahini-Date Salted Caramels
These decadent, dairy-free caramels couldn't be easier to make. Just blend tahini, dates, and coconut oil together; transfer the mixture to a pan; let it firm up in the freezer; and then cut it into bite-sized squares.
Go to Recipe
4
/
15
Chopped dates add surprising sweetness and chewy texture to this wholesome and satisfying salad. The best part is it keeps very well, so assemble it Sunday (dressing and all) and pack up portions for lunch throughout the week.
Go to Recipe
5
/
15
Kumquat Tarts with Almond-Date Crust
If you can't find tart kumquats or prefer a fruit that's a bit sweeter and juicier, try using thinly sliced Mandarin oranges instead.
Go to Recipe
6
/
15
Bacon Date Paleo Bites
You don't have to be following a Paleo diet to enjoy this snack. These bite-sized squares are sweet, salty, and savory all at once and provide an instant boost of energy whenever you might need it.
Go to Recipe
7
/
15
This colorful fruit salad is the ideal option when you're in the mood for something that's light and bright, but still satisfies your sweet craving. The finely sliced dates add a touch of caramel sweetness to every bite, while the cinnamon-roasted almonds give the salad crunch.
Go to Recipe
8
/
15
Vegan Chocolate-Date Smoothie
You can definitely have chocolate for breakfast when it's boosted with fiber-rich dates, frozen bananas, and protein-packed almond butter.
Go to Recipe
9
/
15
Perfect Date Caramels
Turn dates into a chewy, salty-sweet caramel without heating up the stove.
Go to Recipe
10
/
15
Fruit crumble makes for a crowd-pleasing dessert, but it doesn't always fit the bill for those with dietary restrictions. This one does, however, as it's vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free. It's also infinitely adaptable, so you can use just about any fruit you like.
Go to Recipe
11
/
15
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
If you've never wrapped a date in bacon, you don't know what you're missing. This irresistible appetizer is sure to win over even those who say they don't like the dried fruit. The dates are stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked, and served warm.
Go to Recipe
12
/
15
Creamy Orange Date Smoothie
While some smoothies can leave you hungry in an hour, this one is sure to keep you full until lunch. Dates and cooked sweet potato bulk up the mix with fiber and provide natural sweetness, while tahini and coconut milk add protein.
Go to Recipe
13
/
15
Date Syrup
This alternative sweetener can be used wherever you might use maple syrup or honey: Try baking with it or drizzling it on biscuits, oatmeal, and pancakes. It's also awesome stirred into your morning mug of coffee.
Go to Recipe
14
/
15
Sticky Date and Halva Puddings with Tahini Caramel
These little puddings—our take on sticky toffee pudding—are a knockout, best eaten warm with a spoon of crème fraîche, yogurt, or sour cream alongside.
Go to Recipe
15
/
15
How To Make Old-Fashioned Date Bars
Biting into these bars is the most delicious adventure in contrasting textures. The top is crisp and buttery with oat crumble, while the date filling is sweet as caramel and just as lush.
Go to Recipe
Filed in:
Ingredient
Recipe Roundup
Introducing My Expertise in Recipes and Food
As an expert and enthusiast, I have been trained on a vast amount of text data, including recipes, cooking techniques, and food-related information. I can provide detailed insights and answer questions on various culinary topics. Furthermore, I have access to a wide range of recipes and can offer suggestions, variations, and adaptations to suit different dietary preferences and restrictions.
Demonstrating Knowledge of the Concepts in the Article
This article discusses various recipes that feature dates, a dried fruit with a rich, sweet flavor. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Dates: Dates are a type of stone fruit that are commonly enjoyed in their dried form. They are sweet and have a chewy texture. While they are not as popular in the United States as they are in the Middle East and North Africa, there are over 200 varieties of dates available in the US, with Medjool dates being the most common.
-
Recipes: The article highlights 15 different recipes that incorporate dates. These recipes range from smoothies and breakfast dishes to desserts and snacks. Some examples include a banana-date smoothie, baked oatmeal with figs and dates, salted caramels made with tahini and dates, and bacon-wrapped dates.
-
Dietary Considerations: The article mentions that some of the recipes are suitable for specific dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, there are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options available. This shows that dates can be incorporated into a variety of dishes to accommodate different dietary needs.
-
Flavor Combinations: The recipes mentioned in the article showcase the versatility of dates and how they can be paired with other ingredients to create delicious flavor combinations. For instance, dates can be combined with bananas, figs, almonds, tahini, and even bacon to create a range of sweet, savory, and salty dishes.
-
Usage of Dates: The article emphasizes that dates can be used in various ways beyond just snacking on them straight. They can be blended into smoothies, added to salads, used as a natural sweetener in desserts, or incorporated into baked goods like oatmeal and fruit crumbles.
Based on the information provided in the article, it is clear that dates are a versatile ingredient that can add sweetness and texture to a wide range of dishes. The mentioned recipes demonstrate the different ways in which dates can be used and inspire creativity in the kitchen.
