Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with just four wholesome components—dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate—this treat offers a nutritious alternative to conventional candies.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation time and no baking required, you can whip up these delectable bites in just minutes.
- Naturally Sweet: The caramel-like flavor of Medjool dates provides natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary preferences, making it an inclusive treat for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These stuffed dates can be prepared in advance and stored, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings anytime.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup natural smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dates: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice each Medjool date lengthwise to remove the pit, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff with Peanut Butter: Generously fill the cavity of each date with smooth peanut butter.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the peanut butter filling in each date.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Dates: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the stuffed dates, ensuring they are well-covered. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for added flavor contrast.
- Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set completely, approximately 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, your chocolate-covered stuffed dates are ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 12 stuffed dates.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Chilling Time: About 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Variations
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Fillings: Incorporate ingredients like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the filling for added texture and taste.
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate to suit your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place the chocolate-covered dates in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it may cause the chocolate to melt.
FAQs
What type of dates are best for this recipe?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their large size and natural sweetness, which make them easy to stuff and provide a caramel-like flavor.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies.
Is the coconut oil necessary for melting the chocolate?
Adding coconut oil helps achieve a smoother and glossier melted chocolate, making it easier to drizzle. If you prefer not to use coconut oil, you can melt the chocolate without it, though the texture may be slightly thicker.
How should I store leftover stuffed dates?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! These stuffed dates can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
Are there any topping variations I can try?
You can sprinkle toppings like sea salt, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of cocoa powder over the chocolate before it sets for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make a nut-free version, use a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped peanuts, or replace them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, but you can also use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your sweetness preference. Ensure the chocolate is of good quality for the best results.
How long do they need to chill?
The stuffed dates should be chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully hardened.
Can I add other fillings to the dates?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional fillings such as a small piece of caramel, a whole almond, or a
Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Peanut Butter
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a healthy and decadent treat with Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Peanut Butter. This easy, no-bake recipe combines Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and a smooth chocolate coating for a naturally sweet, vegan, and gluten-free snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup natural smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice Medjool dates lengthwise and remove pits.
- Fill each date with peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the stuffed dates. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chocolate hardens.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their size and sweetness.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for variety.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
