By Lisa Esile, MS,
We love baking with dates! Sweet, sticky, and packed with fiber and minerals, they deliver that irresistible caramel flavor without sending your blood sugar on a roller coaster. For this collection, we’ve rounded up our favorite desserts that skip processed sugar and syrups in favor of whole-fruit sweetness. From chewy cookies and luscious tarts to munchable muffins, party-worthy cakes, and creamy puddings, these date-sweetened desserts prove that healthy can taste downright indulgent!
Tips
Date Paste: Date paste, which is made by soaking dates in water then blending, retains all the fiber and nutrients of whole dates. Make your own with this simple Date Paste recipe.
For more on dates, check out our guide: A Deep Dive Into Dates.
Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake
Perfect for celebrations or as an afternoon treat during the week, this moist vegan carrot cake from Cathy Fisher is one of our most popular recipes. Naturally sweetened with dates, raisins, banana, and carrot, it’s also gluten-free when made with gluten-free oat flour. Serve plain or top with a creamy Vanilla Bean Frosting (which is also sweetened with dates)!
“This is by far my favourite carrot cake recipe, and it’s healthy too!” —Lorna
“This is by far my favourite carrot cake recipe, and it’s healthy too!” —Lorna
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Beloved by both Dreena Burton’s daughters and our readers, this nearly instant chocolate pudding combines simplicity with indulgence. Chia seeds thicken a smooth blend of dates, plant-based milk, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Serve as is, or dress it up with coconut or chocolate chips.
“I agree with the other reviews: easy yet delicious.” —Beverly
“I agree with the other reviews: easy yet delicious.” —Beverly
Gluten-Free Fig Bars
This gorgeous layered slice has surprisingly few ingredients and is a fan favorite for all the right reasons. Juicy figs are simmered with a splash of lemon juice and vanilla, while the oat-and-almond crust gets its natural sweetness from dates and creamy cashews.
“Most delicious fig bars I've ever had in my life!” —Livia
“Most delicious fig bars I've ever had in my life!” —Livia
Key Lime Oat Bites
These zesty little bites pack all the flavor of Key lime pie in a fun, healthy package. Toasted oats, dates, and sunflower seed butter create an earthy base, while lime zest and juice bring that irresistible citrus pop. These are sweet, tangy, and gone in a flash!
“These little bites turned out delicious!” —Summer
“These little bites turned out delicious!” —Summer
Almond Poppy Seed Cake
Need a cake that always comes through? This swoon-worthy gem is moist, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. Almond extract adds richness, millet and oats (ground into flour) give it a tender crumb, and poppy seeds add just the right crunch. Top it with creamy date-cashew frosting or enjoy it simply as is.
“Unbelievably delicious! Made this a bunch of times and it always comes out great. Nice and moist.” —Dianne
“Unbelievably delicious! Made this a bunch of times and it always comes out great. Nice and moist.” —Dianne
Chocolate Mousse Pie
This silky chocolate mousse could grace any festive table, and it comes with a few delightful surprises, including acorn squash in the filling! Dates do their thing in both the crust and the mousse, while tangy fresh berries are the perfect topper, cutting the sweetness and adding a pop of color.
“I have made this twice now, and everyone in the family really enjoys it! I was worried it might not be sweet enough for them; however, with a few berries on top and also a few chopped pecans, it was perfect for everyone- especially those eating gluten-free!”
“I have made this twice now, and everyone in the family really enjoys it! I was worried it might not be sweet enough for them; however, with a few berries on top and also a few chopped pecans, it was perfect for everyone- especially those eating gluten-free!”
Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Muffins
Naturally sweetened with banana, date paste, and pumpkin purée, these hearty muffins from Chef AJ are wonderfully dense and satisfying. Rolled oats stand in for flour, orange zest adds a sunny citrus note, and dried cranberries (or raisins) bring little chewy pops of sweetness.
“These muffins are amazing! I made them for the first time during the Thanksgiving holiday, and I've made them every two weeks ever since.” —Danielle
“These muffins are amazing! I made them for the first time during the Thanksgiving holiday, and I've made them every two weeks ever since.” —Danielle
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These cozy fall muffins from Katie Simmons are wonderfully easy to make! Just blend softened dates with pumpkin purée, plant milk, and flaxseed before mixing them with the dry ingredients. A sprinkle of pecans on top adds the perfect autumnal touch.
“Absolutely delicious! Soft and moist. Added some chopped dried figs and raisins, and used walnuts instead of pecans.” —Juanita
“Absolutely delicious! Soft and moist. Added some chopped dried figs and raisins, and used walnuts instead of pecans.” —Juanita
Sweet Moroccan Pancakes with Chocolate Banana Sauce
These light and spongy pancakes—called baghrir in Morocco—get their signature airy texture from active dry yeast. The pancakes themselves are unsweetened, but the silky chocolate sauce, sweetened with dates and banana, adds just the right amount of decadence.
“Awesome!! Chocolate banana sauce is so tasty. When the batter is thin, the pancakes' lightness is amazing.” —Gail
“Awesome!! Chocolate banana sauce is so tasty. When the batter is thin, the pancakes' lightness is amazing.” —Gail
Oatmeal-Lemon Pancakes with Raspberry-Date Syrup
These primo pancakes are a double date delight, with dates sweetening both the fluffy pancakes and the vibrant raw raspberry syrup. Lemon zest and juice add a sunny citrus twist, making these pancakes a total win for breakfast and beyond. Note: These are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
“These are amazing! I didn’t make the raspberry syrup, and they were still great. A keeper!” —Amie
“These are amazing! I didn’t make the raspberry syrup, and they were still great. A keeper!” —Amie
Chewy Lemon-Oatmeal Cookies
For a cookie you can feel good about, these lemon-scented oat cookies are just the thing. Walnuts and a touch of cocoa powder add rich depth without overpowering the bright citrus flavor. Slow-baked at 275°F for 45 minutes, they turn out soft and chewy every time.
“These are a perfect little treat! I use my small scoop and just press them down/shape them a bit. Store them in the freezer and take out a couple at a time for dessert - they are moist, chewy, and delicious!” —Andrea
“These are a perfect little treat! I use my small scoop and just press them down/shape them a bit. Store them in the freezer and take out a couple at a time for dessert - they are moist, chewy, and delicious!” —Andrea
Mango Date Nice Cream
Up your nice cream game with this tropical scoop! Caramel-like dates add nuance to the banana and mango base, while a swirl of tahini provides extra depth, and turmeric lends a sunny golden hue. Yum!
Granola Parfaits with Berries and Brown Rice Pudding
Once you try this recipe, you might just start cooking extra brown rice on purpose! That way, you’ll always have some ready for these colorful, crunchy parfaits—a scrumptious mix that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
“loved that I could keep the pudding in the fridge, ready to throw together a quick parfait…” —Katie
“loved that I could keep the pudding in the fridge, ready to throw together a quick parfait…” —Katie
Mixed Fruit Tartlets with Raw Date and Nut Crust
These small but mighty raw fruit tartlets are a fun way to showcase fresh fruit. The earthy oat-and-nut crust pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy berry-banana filling. Feel free to experiment with other fruit combinations!
Peanut Butter–Quinoa Flake Cookies
Made with quinoa flakes and almond flour, these kid-friendly cookies achieve the perfect balance of richness from peanut butter and natural sweetness from dates and ripe bananas. Ideal for after-school snacking or a cozy evening treat, they only take 30 minutes from start to finish!
“Delicious! These are yummy and very easy to make. Followed the recipes as-is and they turned out perfectly.” —Rebekah
“Delicious! These are yummy and very easy to make. Followed the recipes as-is and they turned out perfectly.” —Rebekah
Chocolate-Strawberry Vegan Whoopie Pies
The official state treat of Maine, the whoopie pie is a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert loved by all ages. This wholesome twist features a luscious strawberry cream—made with cashews and dates—tucked between soft, chocolaty cookies. Freeze-dried strawberries add a burst of flavor and a pretty pink touch.
“Made a half batch and it worked great! These taste delicious!” —Lynn
“Made a half batch and it worked great! These taste delicious!” —Lynn
Vegan Black Forest Brownies with Cherries
These gooey chocolate brownies from Katie Summons have a clever secret ingredient: black beans! They add fiber (something regular brownies are seriously lacking) and a wonderfully fudgy texture. Sweetened naturally with dates, applesauce, and banana, they’re rich, chocolaty, and wholesome enough to enjoy liberally.
“Tried the brownies today, they turned out great, and my whole family enjoyed them!” —Valeria
“Tried the brownies today, they turned out great, and my whole family enjoyed them!” —Valeria
Raw Chocolate Caramel Dip
Ready in just 10 minutes, this silky chocolate dip features a base of cashews and dates, with cacao and carob providing divine chocolate flavor. This family-friendly dip is great for dipping fresh fruit slices and is perfect for movie night, family gatherings, or those moments when you just need a little something sweet.
“I love this recipe.” —AJ
“I love this recipe.” —AJ
Raw Apple Crumble
Brightened with lemon and nutmeg, this no-bake crumble layers a cinnamon-spiced apple filling beneath a crunchy date-and-walnut topping. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a spontaneous sweet craving, yet tasty enough to impress guests.
“One of our favorite fall desserts (but anytime, really)!” —Cyd
“One of our favorite fall desserts (but anytime, really)!” —Cyd
Vegan Blueberry Muffins
These easy, cardamom-kissed blueberry muffins are pure joy. Lemon zest adds sparkle, walnuts bring crunch, and dates soaked in plant milk keep them naturally sweet and tender. Note: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries.
“What a fantastic recipe, will be making these again, yum!” —Christine
“What a fantastic recipe, will be making these again, yum!” —Christine
The Best Vegan Strawberries and Cream
This luscious date-sweetened dessert blends silken tofu, strawberries, and dates into a dreamy, fruity cream that’s light and luscious, and a great alternative to ice cream. Bright with cardamom, lemon zest, and vanilla, it’s perfect paired with fresh strawberries.
“Delicious and easy to make. Lemon zest and cardamom great combo!” —Shelley
“Delicious and easy to make. Lemon zest and cardamom great combo!” —Shelley
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
These lightly sweet, nutty cookies have a firm yet chewy bite and are perfect for everyday snacking. If you’re new to whole-food, plant-based baking, they might taste subtle at first, but once your palate adjusts, you’ll love their naturally satisfying flavor. Try experimenting with cinnamon, orange zest, or almond extract for a refreshing flavor twist!
“These are great little gems! I increased the cinnamon and used light millet flour instead.”— Tamita
“These are great little gems! I increased the cinnamon and used light millet flour instead.”— Tamita
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Fudge Cake
Yes, you can make cake in your slow cooker! In fact, it’s a great hassle-free way to achieve a moist crumb that doesn’t dry out. Dates and unsweetened chocolate combine to create a wonderfully fudgy texture and deep, rich flavor. Top with fresh berries or banana slices for an easy dessert that feels extra special.
Farro Cranberry Squares
These fruity farro bars are sweet, hearty, and totally satisfying. A tangy mix of cranberries, cherries, and apples creates a deliciously jammy topping, while date paste (in both the crust and the sauce) adds natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
“I was looking for something to do with cranberries. This fit the ticket just right!” —Linda
“I was looking for something to do with cranberries. This fit the ticket just right!” —Linda
Mini Apple-Raisin Muffins
These fruity bite-size muffins are perfect for snacking or an after-dinner sweet treat. Mashed banana and aquafaba make the texture irresistibly moist, while dates, apples, raisins, and a splash of orange juice add bold fruity flavor.
“Taste testers were three picky kids who gave it two thumbs up!!!” —Jenny
“Taste testers were three picky kids who gave it two thumbs up!!!” —Jenny
Kiki Nelson’s Candy Bar Bites
Kiki Nelson transforms whole dates into the easiest “candy bar” bites. A swirl of peanut butter powder mixed with water and a sprinkle of vegan chocolate chips create a fun, naturally sweet treat that’s perfect for parties or movie nights.
Raw Choco Bites With Oats and Carrots
Sweetened naturally with carrot, figs, dates, and banana, these mighty raw oat balls are delightfully simple to make and perfect for anyone who loves healthy treats with a creative twist.
“These are dreamy!! Loved them.” —M. Reis
“These are dreamy!! Loved them.” —M. Reis
5-Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies
With just five ingredients, these chewy cookies are a great basic recipe. Start with the basic recipe for your first batch, then, if desired, have fun adding your own spin—try dried apricots, raisins, peanuts, cacao nibs, or cranberries for a little extra flair!
“This cookie is filling and best of all, added sugar-free!! —Suzanne
“This cookie is filling and best of all, added sugar-free!! —Suzanne
Vanilla Bean Frosting
Looking for a processed sugar-free frosting? You’ve got to try this delicious date-sweetened recipe from Cathy Fisher. A reader favorite, it’s creamy, naturally sweet, and especially divine on Fisher’s Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake. Also check out our Macadamia-Vanilla Frosting.
Jeweled Avocado-Chocolate Pudding
Avocados lend luscious creaminess to this silky chocolate pudding, while orange zest adds a bright, zesty kick. Topped with sparkling pomegranate seeds, it’s elegant enough for a dinner party—and easy enough for a weeknight treat.
“Soo yummy. I was looking for a healthy chocolate pudding for me and my kids. We love it!!” —Beth
“Soo yummy. I was looking for a healthy chocolate pudding for me and my kids. We love it!!” —Beth
Spelt Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts
Banana, dates, and applesauce keep these cute mini spelt loaves moist and naturally sweet, with toasted walnuts adding a cozy crunch, adding both moisture and sweetness. While this recipe is not gluten-free, some readers have had good success subbing gluten-free flours; check the comments for substitutions that worked!
“It has just the right amount of sweetness without making your teeth itch or feeling like cake. It slices beautifully. It feels hearty without being gummy or heavy.” —Chip
“It has just the right amount of sweetness without making your teeth itch or feeling like cake. It slices beautifully. It feels hearty without being gummy or heavy.” —Chip
Blueberry-Raspberry Aquafaba Muffins
Chia seeds, aquafaba, dates, and millet and oats are just some of the wholesome ingredients in these fabulous muffins. With red and blue bursts of berry color dotted through the batter, these are, as one reviewer notes, a “nice treat that feels indulgent even though it isn’t.”
“These were veeeery gooood!! I underestimated how delicious berries can be in a muffin. 10/10 would make them again!”
“These were veeeery gooood!! I underestimated how delicious berries can be in a muffin. 10/10 would make them again!”
Sesame Date Cookies with Golden Turmeric Milk
These beautiful cookies get double the date goodness—puréed in the dough for gentle sweetness and folded in as chopped bits for chewy pops throughout. Rolled out and cut with cookie cutters, they make a fun baking project for kids (or anyone who loves playing with dough!). Enjoy them on their own or with a cozy mug of golden turmeric milk for dipping.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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