Description
Homemade date syrup is a natural, vegan, and gluten-free sweetener made by simmering soft Medjool dates with water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, then blending and straining the mixture into a rich, syrupy consistency. Perfect for baking, smoothies, oatmeal, or drizzling over pancakes, this healthy sugar alternative offers a flavorful Middle Eastern touch to your recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted dates, water, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer Dates: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and breaking apart. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Blend Mixture: Pour the mixture into a blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Strain Syrup: Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the blended mixture through it, pressing with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard or save the solids for baking.
- Reduce Syrup: Transfer the strained syrup back to the saucepan and simmer for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a syrupy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely before storing it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Use soft Medjool dates for the best flavor and texture.
- You can adjust the thickness of the syrup by simmering longer.
- Great as a natural sweetener for baking, smoothies, oatmeal, or drizzling on pancakes.
