Medjool dates are nature’s candy! Such a versatile ingredient to use in any recipe ranging from breakfast to dinner to dessert. In this post, medjool dates 3 ways, I’ll show why this sweet fruit should be a staple in your kitchen with tons of healthy recipe inspiration!

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Daaaaaaates! Oh man how I love thee! Dates have been a staple ingredient in my kitchen for years now, and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to NOT using this power fruit in recipes ranging from dinner to desserts.

Often readers reach out to me asking what else they can do with the package of pricey mejdool dates they just purchased. This post is just for you! Medjool dates can be used in a wide variety of recipes, but maybe more importantly, they keep well FOR MONTHS.

Yes, you read that right. Months.

Simply throw your medjool dates in the refrigerator for optimal shelf life. When you need to soften dates for a particular recipe or to make a sauce, set them at room temp for an hour or two.  However, if a recipe calls to stuff dates or chop them, do it while they are chilled (helps to firm them up and keep their form).

Now let’s get into it!

Medjool Dates 3 Ways

#1: Energy Balls

One of the most common ways to use medjool dates is to blend them with raw nuts to make natural energy balls. And there are about a bajillion energy ball recipes out there. Here are some of my tried-and-true favorites for a quick snack on the go!

Almond Cocoa Mocha Balls

These Almond Cocoa Mocha Balls are for the coffee lovers of the world!

Strawberry Pistachio Energy Balls

Just three simple ingredients are these Strawberry Pistachio Energy Balls a favorite for an easy sweet treat.

Key Lime Pie Energy Balls

A bit more time consuming to make, but SO worth it. These Key Lime Pie Energy Balls are the perfect chilled dessert to enjoy on a hot day.

#2: Natural Sweetener for Dinners

Did you know many classic, family-friendly dinners use processed sugar to give them more flavor? Yes, I’m talking about you brown and white sugar! Sweetening these traditional meals with an all-natural ingredient like medjool dates is a better and healthier alternative, plus even BETTER flavor. Here are few delicious meals you can easily make that use dates to give each bite big flavor, and have even the pickiest kiddos wanting more.

Sloppy Joe Bowls

THE most popular Physical Kitchness recipe to date (no pun intended). Both kids and adults love this version of the classic sloppy joe. Click here to get my Sloppy Joe Bowl recipe.

Easy Orange Chicken

Another fan favorite and one of the easiest recipes on my site. This Easy Orange Chicken is a paleo + Whole30 compliant meal made in just 20 minutes and sweetened naturally with orange and medjool dates.

Sheet Pan Salmon with Dijon Cream Sauce

Give your salmon some major flavor with this Dijon Cream Sauce. It’s perfect for all fish and leftover sauce can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator!

Sweet Bacon & Broccoli Salad

What could be better than crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, and a sweet medjool date sauce? This Sweet Bacon & Broccoli Salad is a surefire way to get ANYONE to eat their veggies.

#3: Baked Goods

So simple but so drool worthy – try chopping a few medjool dates in your next dessert batter and WOAH. It’s such a great way to add a little extra to any bread, bar, or even cookie! Medjool date also make a bomb glaze when combined with other natural ingredients, making your desserts totally unforgettable (and naturally sweetened)

Paleo Carrot Cake Bars

Carrot cake is just, heavenly. Period. Everything about these Paleo Carrot Cake Bars are amazing (especially that cashew ‘cream’ frosting), but adding chopped dates to these bars bring carrot cake to a whole other level.

Paleo Morning Glory Banana Zucchini Bread 

The recipe in this Paleo Morning Glory Banana Zucchini Bread calls for raisins, but this is a great example to use chopped medjool dates as a sub for raisins in ANY recipe!

Paleo Apple Bread with Caramel Maple Glaze 

This glaze. Just look at it. Try NOT to drink it before topping on this Paleo Apple Bread. It’s so simple to whip up using coconut milk and medjool dates, and can be used in anything – like as a glaze, a dip, even in coffee!

Paleo Mini Pumpkin Pies

Medjool dates are also an easy way to make raw pie crusts using nuts as a base. Like these Paleo Mini Pumpkin Pies.

Other Ways to Use Medjool Dates:

If you don’t have enough inspiration in this medjool dates 3 ways post, allow me to kindly remind you that dates are also a breakfast staple. Blend them with your next homemade creamer for the coffee so amazing, you’ll never go to Starbucks again. Especially with this Snickers Coffee Creamer – paleo, vegan, dairy free.

Or throw them into one of my favorite breakfast sausage recipes on planet earth, these 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Breakfast Sausages. You won’t be sorry!

If this post hasn’t convince you that medjool dates are the bomb dot com, I’m not sure what will. Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a pack – and get creating!

And be sure to check out the other ingredient post in this series: Canned Coconut Milk Ways, Cilantro 3 Ways, Microwave Egg Bake 3 Ways, and Beets 3 Ways.