27 Date Recipes for Smoothies, Energy Bars, Cakes, Salads, and More

- Photo by Christopher Testani1/27
Double Ginger Sticky Toffee Pudding
Mashed dates are added to the batter of this gooey, addictive cake.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Molly Baz2/27
3-Ingredient Seared Dates with Vanilla Ice Cream and Mint
Pan-searing dates turns them into an irresistible, warm treat with a crisp, caramelized exterior and a soft, sweet interior. Paired with cold vanilla ice cream and topped with olive oil, mint, and flaky sea salt, the fruit becomes a sophisticated dessert with a fun mix of sweet and savory.
- Photo by Alice Gao, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Diana Yen3/27
Parsnip-Wrapped Devils on Horseback
This vegetarian version of the classic appetizer uses soy sauce, smoked paprika, and smoked almonds to pack so much savory flavor that no one will miss the traditional bacon. Use Gorgonzola dolce if you prefer a more mild blue cheese flavor.
- Photo by Alex Lau4/27
Celery Slaw with Seeds and Dates
Even the most skeptical celery eaters will be surprised by the cool, sweet, crunchy, and savory flavors that are packed into this side dish recipe.
- Photo by Alex Lau5/27
Cocoa-Nut Energy Bites
Choose dates that are soft and pliable—even if that means pitting them yourself.
- Photo by Chris Court and William Meppem6/27
Almond and Jam Tart
Homemade strawberry-vanilla jam and toasty almonds top off this easy gluten-free tart sweetened with dates.
- Photo by Eva Kolenko7/27
Almond, Kale, and Banana Smoothie
The sweetness of the bananas and dates in this filling smoothie balances out a big handful of virtuous kale.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Jennifer Ophir8/27
3-Ingredient Sweet and Smoky Brussels Sprouts
Bacon lends a smoky depth while dates become a naturally sweet glaze for this simple, crowd-pleasing side.
- Peden & Munk9/27
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars
These bars, which don't even need to be baked, are the perfect on-the-go snack.
- Photo by Sara Remington10/27
Majoon (Date Shake With Toasted Nuts)
This refreshing Persian drink is made with yogurt and lightly spiced with cinnamon.
- Peden & Munk11/27
Cinnamon-Date Buns
Replacing the brown sugar with pureed dates is the secret to these lightened-up breakfast buns.
- Photo by Gentl & Hyers, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski12/27
Coconut-Date Power Breakfast Bars
The whole family will love these nutrient-packed bars as a grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Sara Remington13/27
Purple Rice Pudding with Rose Water Dates
The rose water date topping is also wonderful over oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
- Photo by Myles New14/27
Mixed Berry Crumble With Oats and Almonds
This wheat- and refined sugar-free crumble is a healthier way to bake with the season’s ripe berries.
- Photo by Myles New15/27
Fruity Berry Tarts With Vanilla Cashew Cream
The crusts of these gorgeous dairy-free tarts are made with only ground pecans and dates.
- Photo by Myles New16/27
Blueberry and Cinnamon Breakfast Oaty Muffins
Gluten-free blueberry muffins made with pulsed rolled oats and dates for sweetness.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li17/27
Palm Springs Date Shake
Walnuts add a touch of bitterness to balance the sweet dates blended into this favorite Southern California ice cream treat.
- Photo by Mark Thomas18/27
Chunky Date, Coconut and Almond Granola
Add the dates halfway through baking instead of at the beginning, to ensure that they won't dry out.
- Photo by Kana Okada19/27
Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan and Almonds
The best part about this salad is that it can be assembled and tossed a day ahead of time—it actually gets better as it sits.
- Photo by Joshua Sarlo20/27
Date Nut Cookie Pies
Hidden inside the flaky pastry is a sweet mix of dates, pecans, walnuts, and spices.
- Sheri Giblin21/27
Date & Blue Cheese Ball
Serve this retro-style cheese ball with plenty of pita chips or crackers.
- Hirsheimer & Hamilton22/27
Pork Tenderloin with Date and Cilantro Relish
Any leftover relish is also great spooned over grilled or roasted chicken.
- Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott23/27
Roasted Squash With Date Relish and Pumpkin Seeds
Use a firm date variety, like Deglet Noor, for this recipe—Medjool dates will be too soft and sticky.
- Photo by Peden & Munk24/27
Banana, Coffee, Cashew, and Cocoa Smoothie
This power-breakfast smoothie will be extra smooth if you soak the nuts and oats in water overnight; drain before proceeding.
- Kiyoshi Togashi25/27
Braised Chicken with Dates and Moroccan Spices
Be sure to serve this spiced chicken over couscous, which will soak up all of the flavorful sauce.
- Kiyoshi Togashi26/27
Radicchio and Arugula Salad with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Feta
Salty feta balances the sweetness of the dates in this satisfying salad.
- Photo by Jeffery Schad27/27
Feta Walnut Date Cigars
These hors d'oeuvres may look fancy but they are actually quite easy, since they rely on store-bought phyllo dough.