Hearty Stuffed Dates Recipe

These Stuffed Dates are my answer when that specific sugar craving hits but I still want something wholesome.

Whether you prefer savory goat cheese or rich chocolate peanut butter, this simple snack comes together in minutes. It is amazing how such a basic pantry staple transforms into an elegant appetizer or dessert with just a few toppings.

What Makes These Stuffed Dates So Special

You can customize the fillings completely based on what you have in your pantry right now. I love making a mix of sweet and savory versions so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There is zero cooking involved unless you decide to warm them up briefly for a gooey texture. You get a fancy-looking treat without spending more than fifteen minutes in the kitchen.

The natural caramel flavor of the fruit pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and crunchy nuts. It hits that perfect sweet and salty note that satisfies satisfying cravings instantly.

If you enjoyed this quick snack, you might want to try my Hearty Homemade Cowboy Chili Recipe for a warm dinner option. For another crowd-pleasing main, the Ultimate Creamy Pumpkin and Parmesan Chicken Skillet is always a winner at my table.

Everything You Need for Perfect Stuffed Dates

Here is the simple list of items you need to gather to get started:

• Medjool Dates: Large, soft dates are essential here because they provide plenty of room for the filling and have a wonderful caramel-like sweetness.
• Goat Cheese: Used for the savory variation to provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Honey: A small drizzle balances the goat cheese perfectly.
• Pistachios: Chopped nuts add a necessary crunch and vibrant color.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creates a light, creamy base for the almond variation.
• Whole Almonds: Adds a hearty crunch to the soft cheese filling.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides texture and a subtle tropical flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: A classic pairing that makes the dates taste like a candy bar.
• Dark Chocolate: Chopped chunks add richness and antioxidants.
• Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth to the peanut butter mixture.
• Cashew Butter: A milder, creamier alternative to peanut butter.
• Cardamom: This spice adds a unique, aromatic floral note.
• Cacao Nibs: These offer a raw chocolate crunch without extra sugar.

My Method for Stuffed Dates

Let’s assemble these treats:

1. Begin by preparing your dates, ensuring they are clean and ready for filling. Take a small, sharp paring knife and carefully slice each date lengthwise, but be very careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. You want to create a pocket or boat shape rather than two separate halves. Gently pry the date open with your thumbs and remove the pit, discarding it. If there is a tough stem cap at the top, pinch that off as well.
2. Prepare your fillings in separate small bowls so you have an organized assembly line. For the goat cheese version, mix the cheese with honey and chopped pistachios until combined. For the peanut butter version, stir the cinnamon into the nut butter until smooth. The cashew butter gets mixed with cardamom, and the ricotta is ready to go as-is. Having everything pre-mixed ensures the stuffing process goes smoothly and quickly.
3. Using a small teaspoon, scoop a generous amount of your chosen filling into the cavity of each date. Be sure to fill it enough so it looks plump, but not so much that it spills over the sides messily. Once filled, garnish each date immediately with its specific topping—press the whole almond into the ricotta, sprinkle cacao nibs on the cashew butter, or top the peanut butter with dark chocolate chunks. Arrange them on a platter as you go.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Dates

Always look for soft and plump Medjool dates because they are much easier to open and stuff without tearing. If your fruit feels dry or hard, soak it in warm water for ten minutes to soften the skin.

Make sure you do not slice all the way through the bottom when removing the pit. Keeping the bottom intact creates a natural boat shape that holds your creamy Stuffed Dates filling securely.

While these are fantastic straight from the fridge, warming them briefly changes the texture completely. I sometimes pop them in a warm oven for five minutes to make the chocolate or cheese slightly melty and soft.

Best Ways to Enjoy Stuffed Dates

These make a stunning addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter when entertaining guests. I like to arrange different Stuffed Dates flavors in rows so people can choose between savory goat cheese or sweet chocolate options.

They also work wonderfully as a light dessert alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It provides just enough sweetness to finish a meal without feeling heavy or overly rich.

Follow me on Pinterest for more easy snack ideas and wholesome recipes!

Stuffed Dates

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 12 min
• Yield: 10 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet and savory stuffed dates with four distinct filling variations including goat cheese, ricotta, and peanut butter.

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Ingredients

• 22 large Medjool dates
• 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 1 tbsp dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp goat cheese
• 1 tbsp pistachios, crushed
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp ricotta cheese
• 5 whole raw almonds
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut
• 3 tbsp cashew butter
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs
• 1/2 tsp cardamom

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Instructions

1. Slice the dates lengthwise carefully using a small paring knife, ensuring you do not cut all the way through the bottom skin. Remove and discard the pits.
2. Prepare the fillings in separate small bowls. Mix the goat cheese with honey and pistachios; combine the cashew butter with cardamom; mix the peanut butter with cinnamon; keep the ricotta plain.
3. Spoon the respective filling mixtures into the cavity of each date using a teaspoon.
4. Top each date with its specific garnish: almonds and coconut for the ricotta dates, dark chocolate for the peanut butter dates, pistachios for the goat cheese dates, and cacao nibs for the cashew butter dates.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator to set firmly.

Notes

Store leftover dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Chill Time:
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 dates
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 4mg

Keywords: stuffed dates, easy snack, goat cheese dates, peanut butter dates, healthy appetizer