7 Creative Ways To Use Dates

If you’re hooked on the viral TikTok “Snickers” stuffed dates (same!), then you already know how delicious and caramel-y these popular dried fruits can be. Though healthier Snickers would be enough reason to add to cart, dates have health benefits, too: They’re a good source of fiber, and rich in minerals like copper, potassium, and magnesium. Given all that, we rounded up seven more recipes to show you a whole new level of date-inspired creativity. From heavenly brownies to dreamy shakes, here are some ingenious ways to weave nature’s candy into your favorite treats. 

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1. Vegan Date Caramel Sauce

Courtesy of Plant Based on a Budget

Caramel sauce that’s actually good for you? Oh yes. With just four ingredients, this dairy-free sauce is  perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading on your favorite treats. (You could try adding some sea salt to it, too.)

Try this recipe from Plant Based on a Budget.

2. Tahini Date and Nut Rolls

Courtesy of Something Nutritious

Is it a snack? Is it dessert? The answer is: Yes. Blend dates, tahini, chopped nuts, and cinnamon and enjoy that savory-sweet flavor. These would also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board.

Try this recipe from Something Nutritious.

3. Date Cookie Dough

Courtesy of Detoxinista

Did someone say “edible cookie dough”? That’s right: Dates are the magic ingredient that gives this egg-, dairy-, and refined sugar-free cookie dough its close-to-the-real-thing flavor and texture. 

Try this recipe from Detoxinista.

4. No-Bake Brownies

Courtesy of Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen

Tahini shows up again in these five-ingredient, no-bake, indulgently rich chocolate-covered brownies. What doesn’t show up? Added sugar. Keep these in the fridge for chocolate emergencies.

Try this recipe from Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen.

5. Chocolate Date Protein Balls

Courtesy of My Sugar Free Kitchen

A sweet chocolate treat with 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, sweetened only with dates – these are bite-sized treats that love you back. They make a perfect on-the-go pick-me-up for after a workout (or anytime).

Try this recipe from My Sugar Free Kitchen.

6. Date Shake

Courtesy of Feel Good Foodie

If you love a smoothie for breakfast, add this creamy date shake to your rotation, stat. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and perfectly sweet without added sugar, thanks to dates and bananas. 

Try this recipe from Feel Good Foodie.

7. Date-Sweetened Barbecue Sauce

Courtesy of Sweet Simple Vegan

We love barbecue sauce (who doesn’t?), but it is notoriously high in sugar. This version does away with that by sweetening dates and just a little blackstrap molasses. Another bonus: You get bragging rights at the cookout for making homemade barbecue sauce.

Try this recipe from Sweet Simple Vegan.

Read next: 8 Easy, Healthy Desserts for When You’re Lazy