Instructions

• Place 4 cups pitted dates in a medium heatproof bowl.
• Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil (in a kettle or on the stove).
• Pour the boiling water over the dates so they are fully submerged, then tightly cover the bowl with a lid or foil. Let sit covered at room temperature for 4 hours to soften.
• Transfer the softened dates and all of the soaking liquid to a food processor. Pulse and then process, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth and spreadable with a butter-like consistency (this may take a few minutes of processing).
• Spoon the date butter into a glass container (a mason jar works well), seal, and refrigerate.