Remember those things we proposed we were going to keep at the beginning of the year? What’s that word…? Re..solutions? Remember those? When you wrote down a list of ways to be healthier, when you tweeted that THIS was the year you’d lose 10 pounds, and when you scheduled gym sessions during your free time?
It’s February and hopefully most of you have kept those health oriented resolutions! Realistically, some of us haven’t. One of my resolutions was to drink a cup of tea every night. Simple enough, right? You’d think so, but that was thrown out the window when I decided I preferred hot chocolate. Sigh. Maybe next year?
How does all this rambling tie into a Cashew Date Spread? Well, just because I didn’t keep that one resolution, doesn’t mean I didn’t start eating healthier! And one of the times I have the most trouble eating healthy is snack time, so I decided to change that and create a simple spread that I can keep in the fridge for a few days in a row and at the same time is delicious. A combination of nutty creaminess, sweet dates, and a sprinkle of salty goodness, make this spread a perfect snack resolution! 
Cashew Date Spread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, nutty spread made with raw cashew butter and sweet dates, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped dried dates
- 1 cup (240 ml) raw cashew butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
Instructions
- Soak the chopped dates in 1 cup of hot water for 30 minutes to soften them.
- Strain the dates, reserving a few tbsp of the soaking water.
- In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the cashew butter and soaked dates.
- Blend until smooth, adding the reserved soaking water a tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, blending until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the spread to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Spread on gluten-free bagels or toast and sprinkle with roasted cashews for added crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter spread, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Snack on this by spreading on your favorite gluten-free bagel and sprinkle with roasted cashews!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the dates need to soak in hot water first?
Step 1 calls for soaking chopped dried dates in 1 cup of hot water for 30 minutes. Soaking softens the dates so they blend smoothly with the cashew butter instead of leaving fibrous chunks. The reserved soaking water is then added a tablespoon at a time to adjust the spread’s final consistency.
How long does this spread keep, and how should it be stored?
The notes say to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The recipe also calls for refrigerating for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Can I make this sweeter if I prefer?
Yes — the notes suggest adding “a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup” if you prefer a sweeter spread. The article also describes the spread as “a combination of nutty creaminess, sweet dates, and a sprinkle of salty goodness” from the ¼ tsp of salt.
