Dried dates are one of our favorite sweeteners for making wholesome treats! They’re naturally sweet, rich in fiber and minerals, and very versatile.
Some research (a, b, & c) even shows that they may support healthy labor for pregnant women. So, we’ve compiled our favorite date recipes sweetened either mostly or entirely with this delicious fruit. Enjoy, friends! (Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
An easy-to-make, 1-bowl, 5-minute raw version of granola with dates for natural sweetness, nuts for crunch and protein, and plenty of seeds for healthy fats!
8-ingredient, naturally sweetened no-bake fig newtons with nut-date cookie dough and a simple dried fig center. An incredibly tender, delicious take on classic fig newtons.
3-ingredient peanut butter granola bars that are naturally sweetened, wholesome, and perfectly salty-sweet. A healthier snack for lunches, road trips, and more.
7-ingredient granola bars that taste just like a raw brownie! No baking required besides toasting the nuts and oats — an optional step. Simple, naturally sweetened, and so delicious.
Healthy, no-bake granola bars with just 5 ingredients and a sweet, crunchy texture. Peanut butter and maple syrup complement each other perfectly in this ideal portable breakfast or snack.
9-ingredient vegan and gluten-free granola bars loaded with 4 kinds of seeds: hemp, sunflower, flax, and chia! So healthy, naturally sweetened, and perfect as an on-the-go snack.
6-ingredient Dark Chocolate Energy Bites with dates, hemp seeds, walnuts, almond butter, cacao powder, and more! A fudgy, perfectly sweet, protein-packed snack or dessert!
5-Ingredient Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Snowballs
Simple, decadent Almond Butter Dark Chocolate Snowballs made with dates, coconut, and almond butter. This equipment-free, 5-ingredient vegan dessert requires only 15 minutes to prepare!
A decadent yet healthy 30-minute vegan dessert! Fresh dates stuffed with tahini, dipped in DIY 4-ingredient chocolate, and sprinkled with coconut and sesame seeds.
Fudgy, rich, healthier vegan chocolate truffles made with whole food ingredients! Just 10 minutes and 7 ingredients required, naturally sweetened with dates, and full of healthy fats from cashew butter and almond flour!
Delicious Date Pumpkin Caramels that require just 6 ingredients. Naturally sweetened and infused with pumpkin two ways. The perfect healthy dessert for fall.
These caramelly, delicious, 2-ingredient vegan PayDay-inspired bites are a healthier take on the classic candy bar. Gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and only 15 minutes to make!
7-Ingredient Brownie Bliss Balls (Made from Almond Pulp!)
Incredibly fudgy, rich brownie bliss balls made with wholesome ingredients, including almond pulp leftover from making homemade almond milk! Just 20 minutes, 7 ingredients, and 1 food processor required!
Tender no-bake donut holes infused with lemon juice and zest and speckled with poppy seeds! A 30-minute naturally sweetened, easy-to-make snack or dessert!
Tender, naturally sweetened carrot cake bites with dates, carrots, walnuts, cinnamon, and coconut flour! So simple, delicious carrot cake flavor, and the perfect healthier snack or dessert! Just 30 minutes, 9 ingredients, and 1 food processor required.
Energy-packed date and walnut cake bites infused with vanilla and coconut. The result is an easy-to-make, tender snack bite that tastes like vanilla cake! Just 6 ingredients and 1 food processor required!
Insanely delicious, tender, perfectly sweet peanut butter cookies made with just 3 ingredients! No baking required, easy to make, and the perfect snack or dessert!
The ultimate healthier, lazy dessert: NO-BAKE chocolate chip cookies made with just 5 ingredients! Naturally sweetened with dates, vegan, gluten- and grain-free, and customizable depending on what you have on hand!
Easy 7-ingredient chocolate chip cookies with a double kick of peanut butter! Vegan, gluten-free, and healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast, a snack, or a late-night dessert.
Incredibly rich vegan fudge made with 4 ingredients: peanut butter, cacao powder, dates, and coconut oil. Naturally sweet, fudgy, intensely satisfying, and so delicious! The perfect healthier dessert.
5-ingredient no-churn vegan chocolate ice cream that has all the creaminess, flavor, and richness of the real thing! Naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free.
Incredibly rich vegan chocolate frosting made in a blender with 6 whole food ingredients! Sweetened with dates, made creamy with cashew butter, and plenty of rich chocolate flavor from cacao powder. Perfect for cakes, brownies, quick breads, and more!
Dates replace sugar in this healthier version of homemade horchata. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla pop through in each sip — perfectly refreshing on a warm day.
What a gift you are!!! My husband has been a strict Vegetarian for probably 30 years. I am not Vegetarian. Making meals has been tough with the husband and kids and along comes you and suddenly, not only do I have tasty healthy main dishes that everybody likes but good for us deserts too!!! YOU are a gift straight from God.
stephanie says
Super excited to make more of your healthy dessert recipes! Thank you!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Enjoy =)
Ann says
Holy cow the no bake peanut butter cookie recipe- so good and so easy!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Ann! xo
Betsy says
What a gift you are!!! My husband has been a strict Vegetarian for probably 30 years. I am not Vegetarian. Making meals has been tough with the husband and kids and along comes you and suddenly, not only do I have tasty healthy main dishes that everybody likes but good for us deserts too!!! YOU are a gift straight from God.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words, Betsy! We’re so glad to be able to help! xo
Agi says
My partner and I are vegetarians for more than 36 years. I’m making your cookies every week. He tells me, we have mice in the fridge…
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Ha! We’re so glad you enjoy them =)
Karen says
Do you have a recipe for date and nut loaf. My mom used to make it years ago but have lost the recipe.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We don’t, sorry! That sounds delicious!
Bridget says
Saved! Can’t wait to try all the yummy Recipes. My mom and I just drooled over most of these! Thank you!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay =) Let us know how it goes!
Anitra says
thank you for these lovely looking treats. I am doing a raw feast and these will come in handy to add to my rotation.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad it’s helpful! Let us know if you try any! xo
Joanne Foster says
Oh my god your receipes are devine.
Thank you so much for creating delicious healthy goodies for a person who has a sweet tooth but cant eat sugar.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words, Joanne! Enjoy! xo