When it comes to sweet treats, dates are a natural choice. With their rich, caramel-like flavor and soft, chewy texture, they’re the perfect ingredient for adding depth and complexity to a wide range of desserts. And when you pair them with vegan ingredients, you can create truly mouthwatering recipes that just happen to be free from animal products.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious vegan date recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic treats like tarts and puddings, to innovative creations like energy bars and cheesecakes, we’ve got you covered with a range of mouthwatering options that showcase the versatility of dates in vegan baking.
Vegan Date Caramel Tart
Vegan Date Caramel Tart Recipe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and decadent vegan date caramel tart, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dates, pitted
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine dates, coconut sugar, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. In a small saucepan, combine almond milk and melted vegan butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Gradually add the date mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until caramel thickens slightly.
6. Roll out the pie crust and place in a tart pan. Fill with the caramel mixture.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates
Elevate your snack game with this indulgent treat that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of chocolate and savory cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 pitted dates
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, honey, and salt until smooth.
3. Stuff each date with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
4. Place stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
6. Dip each date into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Date-Sweetened Vegan Banana Bread
This vegan banana bread recipe uses dates as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread. With the addition of mashed bananas and warm spices, this loaf is perfect for a snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup dates, pitted
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine mashed bananas, dates, and non-dairy milk. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the blended banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in melted coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegan Date and Walnut Energy Balls
Boost your energy levels with these no-bake, bite-sized treats made with wholesome ingredients. These chewy bites are perfect for a quick snack or post-workout refuel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, soaked in water for 30 minutes and chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped dates, and walnuts.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over low heat until warm.
3. Remove from heat and stir in coconut oil and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Use your hands to shape into 12-15 energy balls.
6. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None, as these are no-bake energy balls!
Date-Sweetened Oatmeal Cookies
A delicious twist on traditional oatmeal cookies, these sweet treats are perfect for a snack or dessert. The natural sweetness of dates replaces refined sugars, making them a healthier indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, dates, coconut sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add baking soda and salt; mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Vegan Date and Almond Butter Smoothie
Get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients with this deliciously creamy smoothie! Made with wholesome ingredients, this treat is perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen dates
– 2 tablespoons almond butter
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the frozen dates, almond butter, and sliced banana to a blender.
2. Pour in the almond milk and add honey if desired (for a sweeter taste).
3. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just 2 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Vegan Date and Almond Butter Smoothie!
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Dates
Warm up to a rich and indulgent dessert with this decadent sticky toffee pudding recipe, infused with the sweetness of dates.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (200g) dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (220ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (80g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the chopped dates to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vegan Date and Coconut Bliss Balls
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of sweet and nutty, made with natural ingredients and no refined sugars. They’re also incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine oats, dates, and coconut. Process until well combined and slightly chopped.
2. Add in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until a dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 bliss balls.
4. Place the bliss balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These treats are ready straight from the fridge.
Date-Sweetened Chia Pudding
This simple and nutritious recipe uses dates as a natural sweetener to create a creamy and delicious chia pudding. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2-3 medjool dates, pitted
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chia seeds and soak them in the almond milk for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the pitted dates with 1/4 cup water until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the blended date mixture to the soaked chia seeds and stir well.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to allow it to thicken.
5. Just before serving, add honey (if using) and a pinch of salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, with minimal preparation time.
Vegan Date and Pecan Pie
A sweet and satisfying dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. This vegan pie is perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought, vegan)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine dates, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour the date mixture into the pie crust.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the filling.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Date and Apple Crumble
Warm up with a deliciously spiced and sweet Spiced Date and Apple Crumble that combines the natural sweetness of dates and apples with a hint of warm spices. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for a cozy evening or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed apples (Granny Smith, Gala, etc.), peeled and sliced
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine sliced apples and chopped dates.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the dry mixture to the apple-date mixture and stir until combined.
4. Pour in melted butter and stir until everything is coated evenly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and top with your favorite crumble topping (optional).
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Vegan Date and Cashew Cheesecake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this creamy, dreamy vegan cheesecake packed with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of cashews.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
– 1/2 cup soaked and pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (softened)
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine cashews, dates, cream cheese, coconut cream, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Bread
This recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin with the natural sweetness of dates, creating a deliciously moist bread perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, egg, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped dates.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegan Date and Tahini Energy Bars
These chewy bars are packed with natural energy from dates and tahini, perfect for a quick snack or post-workout treat. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine dates and process until smooth.
2. Add oats, tahini, almonds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until well combined.
3. Press mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: None! These bars are no-bake.
Yield: 12-16 energy bars
Stuffed Dates with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of dark chocolate and the crunch of sea salt, creating a unique and addictive snack. Perfect for a quick indulgence or as an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 pitted dates
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the dates in half and remove the pits.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Stuff each date half with a small amount of melted chocolate.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate-filled dates.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if desired.
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Vegan Date and Cinnamon Rolls
Warm up with these sweet and indulgent vegan cinnamon rolls, infused with the natural sweetness of dates and a hint of spice from cinnamon. Perfect for a special treat or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped dates
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add maple syrup, flour, and melted vegan butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Spread with chopped dates and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt.
5. Roll up tightly, cut into 8-10 pieces, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Date-Sweetened Vegan Brownies
These brownies are a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions, as they’re not only vegan but also sweetened with natural dates instead of refined sugar. The result is a dense, fudgy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak dates in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re soft and blendable.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with coconut oil.
3. Blend soaked dates, cocoa powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the date mixture and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegan Date and Orange Loaf Cake
Vegan Date and Orange Loaf Cake: A moist and flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
– 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
– 1 large orange, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add melted vegan butter, chopped dates, orange zest, juice, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and savory world of vegan date recipes! From decadent treats like Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates to wholesome breakfast options like Date-Sweetened Oatmeal Cookies, these 18 irresistible recipes showcase the versatility of dates. Discover creative twists on classic desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding with Dates or try your hand at making Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Bread. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent or healthy and energizing, this collection has got you covered. Treat yourself to a world of flavors and textures that are all vegan-friendly!
