Dates Substitutes

Out of dates? These are the swaps that actually work, with conversion ratios for any recipe size and notes on how each one changes the result.

Need to convert dates between cups, grams, or ounces first? Open the dates converter.

What to use instead of dates

  • Raisins

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup dates = 1 cup raisins

    Raisins swap 1:1 by volume for chopped dates and bring the same chewy sweetness with less stickiness. They weigh less per cup (165 g vs 178 g), so weigh when the fruit ratio drives a fruit cake or oat slice.

    See raisins substitutes →

  • Sultanas

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup dates = 1 cup sultanas

    Sultanas swap 1:1 by volume for chopped dates with a lighter, honeyed sweetness. They are drier and less sticky (165 g vs 178 g per cup), so the crumb stays looser in scones and granola.

    See sultanas substitutes →

  • Craisins

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup dates = 1 cup craisins

    Craisins swap 1:1 by volume for chopped dates and add a tart edge in place of caramel sweetness. They are much lighter (120 g vs 178 g per cup), so weigh to keep cookies and trail mix balanced.

    See craisins substitutes →

  • Chopped Dried Apricots

    Ingredient swap

    1 cup dates = 1 cup chopped dried apricots

    Chopped dried apricots swap 1:1 by volume for chopped dates with a tangier, less sweet flavour. They weigh a touch less (160 g vs 178 g per cup), so weigh when the fruit ratio matters in bars and slices.

    See chopped dried apricots substitutes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for dates?
There are 4 workable substitutes for dates, depending on what you have on hand and which property of dates matters most for your recipe. The closest swap is usually 1 cup dates = 1 cup raisins. Each option below lists the conversion ratio for any recipe size, plus notes on how the swap changes the texture, flavour, rise, or browning.
Will substituting dates change how my recipe turns out?
Yes, every swap trades one property for another: fat content, moisture, acidity, or protein. The notes on each substitute describe what changes in texture, flavour, rise, or browning, so you can choose the swap that matters least for your recipe. Open the dates converter
How do I measure dates accurately?
Weighing in grams is more reliable than scooping cups, especially when a substitute has a different density from what the recipe expects. The dates converter on this site converts between cups, grams, ounces, tablespoons, and teaspoons, so you can scale a recipe up or down without losing the ratio. Open the dates converter

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