Imagine indulging in a treat so decadent you’d swear it took hours to make, yet it’s as wholesome as your favorite midday snack. That’s exactly what you get with these Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates: lusciously chewy Medjool dates brimming with creamy nut butter, crunchy chopped nuts, and all wrapped in silky dark chocolate. They’re an absolute game-changer for dessert platters, after-dinner sweets, or sharing with friends over coffee. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark and make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates transform pantry staples into something magical. Each one plays a key role, lending either sweetness, salt, crunch, or that all-important chocolatey finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
- Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet, gooey gems are the perfect shell and the heart of the treat. Their caramel-like flavor is irresistible!
- Almond Butter (or Peanut Butter): Adds a creamy, rich filling that pairs perfectly with both the dates and the chocolate. Swap it out if you love variety!
- Chopped Nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts): Bring satisfying crunch and subtle roasted flavor to every bite.
- Sea Salt (optional): A little sprinkle inside the filling balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Provides the decadent, glossy coating that pulls the whole treat together.
- Coconut Oil (optional): Helps thin and smooth out melted chocolate for easier dipping and a shinier finish.
- Flaky Sea Salt for Garnish (optional): For a gourmet touch and intriguing texture contrast on top.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by gently slicing each Medjool date lengthwise on one side with a small, sharp knife. Open them slightly and remove the pit, being careful not to slice all the way through. This creates the perfect pocket for your delicious filling!
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spoon about one teaspoon of almond butter (or your nut butter of choice) into the center of each pitted date. Next, sprinkle in a few chopped nuts for crunch. If you want to highlight flavors even more, add a tiny pinch of sea salt right before closing them up.
Step 3: Close and Shape
Gently squeeze the sides of each date to enclose the filling as much as possible. Don’t worry if they don’t close completely—once coated in chocolate, no one will ever know!
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate becomes silky and completely smooth. This step is quick, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Dip and Coat
Using a fork or dipping tool, dunk each filled date into the melted chocolate, turning gently to coat all sides. Lift and let any excess chocolate drip away before placing each date onto a parchment-lined tray. This process is messy in the best way, and the results are worth every smudge!
Step 6: Add a Finishing Touch
If you love that sparkle and a touch of salty crunch, immediately sprinkle each dipped date with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. This little extra sends the Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates over the top.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Transfer the tray to the fridge and chill your dates for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has firmed up with a beautiful, snappy shell. That’s it—you’re ready to wow anyone lucky enough to try them!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just for looks—it’s about adding little layers of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of white chocolate, or an extra dusting of chopped nuts turns your Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates into eye-catching treats ready for any party platter or a luxurious evening snack at home.
Side Dishes
These dates pair exceptionally well with a good cup of strong coffee, espresso, or black tea. For a dessert spread, serve them alongside fresh berries, cheeses, or a platter of dried fruits and nuts. They help round out a meal with sweetness and satisfying richness without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Try arranging Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates on a marble board with jewel-toned fruits, stack them in decorative jars for edible gifts, or skewer them with fancy toothpicks for party bites. You can even tuck a few into lunchboxes for a surprise treat. Their glossy chocolate shell makes any spread look instantly more elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delightfully fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them an easy grab-and-go sweet whenever hunger (or cravings) strike.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? You can freeze these treats! Arrange the dates in a single layer on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying for best texture.
Reheating
These are best eaten chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you’ve frozen them, let the Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates thaw gently in the fridge, or at room temperature for about 20 minutes, so the chocolate shell stays intact and the centers get perfectly creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nut butter or fillings?
Absolutely! You can swap in peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even experiment with tahini or Nutella for a fun twist on classic Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates. Cream cheese with a touch of honey is also heavenly!
How do I prevent my chocolate from seizing or getting too thick?
Be sure to melt your chocolate in short intervals and stir frequently. Adding just a bit of coconut oil keeps the chocolate smooth and easy to use, making the dipping process for Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates much simpler. Avoid letting any water into the chocolate, as it will cause it to seize up.
Are Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates healthy?
While they certainly taste indulgent, these treats offer fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from the dates and nut butter. They’re a more wholesome alternative to conventional candies and make a great option for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.
Can I make these nut-free?
Definitely! Swap the nut butter and nuts for seed-based options, like sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seeds, to make allergen-friendly Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates that everyone can enjoy.
What do I do if I don’t have Medjool dates?
If you can’t find Medjool dates, any large, soft date will work. Just make sure the dates are plump and tender, as dry varieties won’t give you that same melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Final Thoughts
I can hardly wait for you to try these Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates for yourself! With minimal prep and endless options for customization, they’re just the kind of treat you want to share—and keep a secret stash just for you. Grab your ingredients, get dipping, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for a second (or third) before the chocolate is even set!
Print
Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates for a sweet and nutty treat that’s perfect for snacking or a fancy dessert spread.
Ingredients
Dates:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
Almond Butter Filling:
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Gently slice each date lengthwise, remove the pit, and fill each with almond butter and chopped nuts.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine dark chocolate and coconut oil, melt in intervals, and coat stuffed dates.
- Chill: Sprinkle with sea salt, chill in the fridge until set, and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can customize fillings with cream cheese, tahini, or Nutella for variety.
- These dates are versatile snacks or elegant dessert additions.
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