Six delicious recipes that show why dates deserve a permanent place in your pantry

Thursday 6 March 2025 10:03
Six delicious recipes that show why dates deserve a permanent place in your pantry

There's something about dates that hooks you. Sweet without being cloying, effortlessly tender and with that touch that turns any bite into a healthy snack. They save you from hunger in the middle of the night, improve any recipe and, best of all, give you natural energy in a delicious way. Forget the processed stuff: a few good dates and the day starts to work. It's that simple. It's that good.

Originating from date palms and with centuries of history behind them, they were not only basic in the diet of many desert cultures, but today they have become an essential ingredient in healthy cooking. And no wonder: their intensely sweet and caramelized flavor, their mellow texture and their ability to provide energy in a natural way make them a perfect resource both for snacking between meals and to give a special touch to desserts and breakfasts.

But dates are not only an alternative to refined sugar. They are a real nutrient bomb: fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants and natural sugars that are assimilated progressively. That is why, in addition to being ideal for active people or athletes, they have also found a place in vegan baking, thanks to their sweetening power and their ability to bind doughs without the need for animal ingredients.

Today we want to propose six irresistible recipes with dates as protagonists. From quick snacks to take with you to work or to the gym, to easy and surprising desserts that don't need an oven. Also, if you are looking for ideas to break the fast in Ramadan, a healthy snack before training or simply indulge yourself without remorse, here are options for all tastes.

Get ready to fall in love with these six delicacies that confirm why dates deserve a permanent place in your pantry.


Date energy balls with peanut butter heart

Date energy balls with peanut butter heart

Energy balls are the quintessential snack for busy days. Just crush dates together with nuts and some extra such as pure cocoa, grated coconut or seeds, form balls and that's it. They are ready in minutes, they do not need an oven and you can take them anywhere. The hard part will be to stop after the first one.

Full recipe ❘ Date Energy Balls
Photo: Petitchef.com

Brawnie: the raw brownie with dates

Brawnie: the raw brownie with dates

Yes, it is possible to enjoy an intensely chocolatey brownie without using sugar or butter. Here the dates provide all the necessary sweetness, in addition to giving it a juicy and moist texture that has nothing to envy to the classic recipe. Ideal for desserts, snacks or to accompany a coffee when you have guests and want to surprise with something different... and healthy.

Full recipe ❘ Brawnie
Photo: Petitchef.com

Snickers: Chocolate-covered stuffed dates

Snickers: Chocolate-covered stuffed dates

Who said you can't enjoy a delicious snack without ultra-processed foods? These homemade snickers have dates as a base and combine the best of two worlds: a creamy peanut butter filling and a crunchy dark chocolate coating. All without flour, without refined sugars and with that sweet spot that makes you can't eat just one. Perfect to carry in your backpack and fight sweet cravings in the healthiest way.

Full recipe ❘ Snickers: Chocolate-covered stuffed dates

Photo: Petitchef.com

Coffee and date smoothie

Coffee and date smoothie

When you need a boost of energy in the morning or mid-afternoon, this smoothie will become your favorite. Creamy, fresh and with just the right touch of coffee to wake you up, it has banana, milk and dates to sweeten naturally. A nutritious and satiating smoothie that combines the best of breakfast with the pleasure of an iced coffee.

Full recipe ❘ Coffee and Date Smoothie
Photo: Petitchef.com

Date fudge

Date fudge

This fudge is proof that vegan desserts can be just as irresistible as traditional ones. All you need are dates, a little tahini or nut butter and coconut oil to achieve a soft, almost toffee-like texture that melts in your mouth. Keep it in the fridge and you'll always have a sweet snack on hand for when you need it most.

Full recipe ❘ Date Fudge
Photo: Petitchef.com

Date cream, the natural sweetener for your desserts

Date cream, the natural sweetener for your desserts

Forget the traditional sugar-laden caramel. This healthy date-based version is perfect for spreading on toast, accompanying yogurt or adding a special touch to your desserts. A staple you'll want to repeat again and again.

Full recipe ❘ Date spread
Photo: Petitchef.com

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PatriciaPatricia
Passionate about cooking and good food, my life revolves around carefully chosen words and wooden spoons. Responsible, yet forgetful. I am a journalist and writer with years of experience, and I found my ideal corner in France, where I work as a writer for Petitchef. I love bœuf bourguignon, but I miss my mother's salmorejo. Here, I combine my love for writing and delicious flavors to share recipes and kitchen stories that I hope will inspire you. I like my tortilla with onions and slightly undercooked :)