Molasses is a thick syrup refined out of sugar cane juice. Dates can also be made into sugar, but the process is different and does not produce molasses as a byproduct, but date molasses exists. Date molasses is another term for date syrup, but since it has the dark consistency of sugar molasses, the name stuck. It is a frequently used sweetener in Middle Eastern recipes, but instead of searching markets for it, make you own at home from dried dates.
Bring the pitted dates and water to a boil in a saucepan.
Cook the dates for five to 10 minutes or until soft and plumped.
Remove the mixture from the heat to cool slightly for one minute.
Transfer the date mixture to a food processor and puree until a thick syrup forms.