Quick answer: Dates replace refined sugar in desserts because they are sweet, sticky and caramel-like. Blend them into sauces and ice cream, bake them with cinnamon, or roll them with cocoa into truffles. Soft Medjool dates give the best texture.
Last updated: 14 November 2026
1. Date caramel sauce
Soak 8 pitted Medjool dates in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, then blend with 120 ml (½ cup) milk or coconut milk, 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth. Warm gently and pour over ice cream, pancakes or apple slices. Keeps 5 days in the fridge.
2. Banana date ice cream
Blend 3 frozen bananas with 4 soaked dates and a splash of milk until creamy. Serve straight away, or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer scoop.
3. Baked cinnamon dates
Stuff 12 Medjool dates with a walnut half, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve warm with Greek yoghurt.
4. Chocolate date truffles
Blend 200 g (1½ cups) pitted dates with 3 tbsp cocoa and 2 tbsp almond butter. Roll into balls and coat in cocoa or crushed pistachios. Chill for 30 minutes. See our date balls recipe.
5. Chocolate-dipped stuffed dates
Fill dates with almond or tahini and dip in melted dark chocolate. Full method in our stuffed dates recipe.
6. Sticky date cake
The classic: soft sponge with toffee sauce. Try our sticky date cake.
7. No-bake date bars
A chewy oat and almond bar, set in the fridge. See no-bake date bars.
8. Oatmeal date cookies
Soft, chewy cookies with chopped dates. See oatmeal date cookies.
A note on "healthy"
Dates are a whole fruit with fibre, but they are also naturally high in sugar, so keep portions sensible. Use Medjool dates or Sukkari dates for the softest results. More ideas in our date recipes guide.
Frequently asked questions
What desserts can you make with dates?
Caramel sauce, ice cream, truffles, bars, cookies, cakes and baked stuffed dates.
Can dates replace sugar in desserts?
In many recipes, dates, date paste or date syrup can replace some or all of the sugar, though flavour and texture change.
Which dates are best for desserts?
Soft, moist dates such as Medjool and Sukkari.
