Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful and surprisingly healthy treats:
- 12 large Medjool Dates: These are the star of the show. Medjool dates are preferred for their large size, soft, chewy texture, and rich, caramel-like flavor, making them perfect for stuffing.
- 1/2 cup Creamy Almond Butter: Provides a smooth, rich, and nutty filling. Choose a good quality almond butter, preferably one with minimal added sugars or oils for the healthiest option. Natural almond butter (where the oil separates) works wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional, for sprinkling): A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness of the dates and the richness of the almond butter, creating a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
- 2 ounces Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher, chopped or chips, optional): For an extra layer of indulgence, melted dark chocolate can be drizzled over the stuffed dates. The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Shredded Coconut (unsweetened, optional, for topping): Adds a lovely texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts, optional, for topping): Provides an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your Almond Butter Stuffed Dates:
- Prepare the Dates: Using a small, sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each Medjool date. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Gently open the date along the slit.
- Remove the Pits: Carefully pull out and discard the pit from the center of each date. You should now have a cavity perfect for stuffing. If your dates are pre-pitted, you can skip this step, but always double-check for any missed pits or fragments.
- Stuff with Almond Butter: Take a small spoon (a teaspoon or even a demitasse spoon works well) or a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Fill the cavity of each pitted date with almond butter. The amount will vary depending on the size of your dates and your preference, but typically 1-2 teaspoons per date is a good starting point. Don’t overfill, or it will ooze out too much. You can gently press the sides of the date around the filling if desired, but leaving it open and mounded looks appealing.
- Optional Toppings – Prepare (if using):
- Melt Chocolate: If using dark chocolate, place the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat it. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
- Add Toppings (if using):
- Sea Salt: While the almond butter is still soft, lightly sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the exposed almond butter in each date.
- Melted Chocolate: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the stuffed dates using a spoon or fork. You can create zig-zag patterns or just a simple drizzle.
- Shredded Coconut/Chopped Nuts: While the almond butter (or melted chocolate, if using) is still tacky, sprinkle the shredded coconut or chopped nuts over the top.
- Chill (Recommended): Place the prepared stuffed dates on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. If you’ve used melted chocolate, you’ll definitely want to chill them. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the almond butter to firm up slightly and, if used, allows the chocolate to set. Chilling also melds the flavors beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, your Almond Butter Stuffed Dates are ready to be enjoyed!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150