Name: Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 Medjool dates, pitted; ¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter); ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts); ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional); 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate; 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate); flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

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Sweet, simple, and absolutely irresistible, Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates are the kind of treat that makes every bite feel special. Imagine gloriously tender Medjool dates, their rich caramel-like flesh hugging nutty almond butter and crunchy chopped nuts, all enveloped in a lush dark chocolate shell and finished with a whisper of flaky sea salt. Whether you serve these for a holiday gathering, a quick snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, you’ll fall hard for the magic this Middle Eastern-inspired favorite delivers—every single time.

Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates is how only a handful of simple, quality ingredients transform into something truly decadent. Each ingredient is essential and adds layers of flavor, texture, or visual appeal, making every bite a celebration.

Medjool dates: Their natural sweetness and chewy, luscious texture form the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling.
Almond butter (or peanut butter): Creamy nut butter provides rich flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the dates.
Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts): A handful of your favorite nuts brings irresistible crunch and beautiful color.
Sea salt (optional): A little bit of salt amps up all the other flavors and adds an addictive savory-sweet contrast.
Dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: This is where the magic happens—dark chocolate turns the stuffed dates into pure indulgence.
Coconut oil (optional): Stirred into the chocolate, coconut oil creates a glossy, silky coating that’s a dream to bite through.
Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional): A dash of crunchy salt catches the eye and delivers a tiny flavor explosion with every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Begin by gently slicing each Medjool date down the long side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pit from each one and open up the dates to create the perfect pocket for your delicious filling. This is the foundation of every stuffed date, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Step 2: Fill with Nut Butter and Nuts

Using a small spoon, add about one teaspoon of almond butter (or peanut butter) into the center of each date. Then, press in a few pieces of your chosen chopped nuts. Don’t be shy here—a good amount of crunch makes a world of difference! Gently close the date to encase the filling.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) with the optional coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is silky and fully melted. The coconut oil is optional but makes the chocolate extra smooth and glossy for dipping.

Step 4: Dip & Coat

Now for the fun part! Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing each date on a parchment-lined tray. This step gets a little messy, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle each stuffed date with a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like a bit of savory accent. Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set perfectly. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle your Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates with a little more flaky sea salt or extra crushed nuts just before serving. Edible gold leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder can take the presentation to the next level for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these gems with a platter of fresh fruit, sharp cheeses, or even some crisp, buttery biscotti. The sweet-salty-nutty combination plays beautifully with a range of flavors, making them a brilliant addition to an elegant dessert board or afternoon tea spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and arrange your Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates in cupcake liners for a simple, stylish look, or pop them on skewers for an easy, adorable finger-food display. Stack them in a decorative jar with a ribbon for a charming and heartfelt homemade gift, or arrange them in a crescent moon shape on a platter to nod to their Middle Eastern roots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The chocolate coating keeps them fresh, and the flavors meld together deliciously as they rest. Perfect for grabbing a quick treat or packing into lunchboxes!

Freezing

Need to make them well in advance? Just freeze the cooled, set dates in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for an extra chilly treat.

Reheating

While Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates are best served cold or at room temperature, you can let them sit out for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer, chewier texture. There’s no need to reheat in the oven or microwave—just enjoy as is!

FAQs

Can I use other fillings besides nut butter and nuts?

Absolutely! Tahini, cream cheese, or even a spoonful of Nutella make fantastic alternatives. Each brings a unique twist, so don’t hesitate to get playful with the fillings and make your Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates truly your own.

What type Dessert

Medjool dates are the classic choice for their natural sweetness and soft, plump texture. However, any large, tender date variety can work—just make sure they’re fresh and easy to pit and stuff.

Can I make Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates vegan?

Yes! Simply use a plant-based nut butter and ensure your chocolate is certified vegan. You’ll be amazed at how rich and decadent they still taste without any animal products.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Be sure to let the stuffed dates come to room temperature before dipping, and add a touch of coconut oil to the chocolate for flexibility. After chilling, avoid drastic temperature changes—that’s usually when cracks happen.

Are Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates healthy?

They’re definitely a more wholesome sweet treat! Dates are packed with fiber and natural sugars, nuts and nut butters offer healthy fats and protein, and using dark chocolate provides antioxidants. Still, moderation is key, as with any dessert.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates, you’ll find yourself reaching for this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe again and again. They’re wholesome, decadent, and endlessly adaptable, making them a joy to share with friends and family. Go ahead—give them a try, and watch them disappear!

Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates for a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Perfect for a healthy dessert or a satisfying snack, these gluten-free and vegetarian delights are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

12 Medjool dates, pitted
¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
¼ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Gently slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. Fill the cavity of each date with about 1 teaspoon of almond butter, then press in a few chopped nuts. Close the dates as much as possible.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
Place the coated dates on a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.