Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

$- 12 Medjool dates, pitted - 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter - Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) - Sea salt, for sprinkling When I make peanut butter stuffed dates, I start with Medjool dates. These dates are sweet and soft. Their rich flavor pairs perfectly with peanut butter. You can choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your taste. Next, I think about adding a little extra. Dark chocolate chips are a great option. They give a nice, sweet contrast to the peanut butter. If you want even more crunch, add some chopped nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt brings it all together. It enhances the sweetness of the dates and the peanut butter. This balance makes each bite even more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms the oven for melting chocolate later. 2. Take each Medjool date and slice it lengthwise. Make a pocket, but don’t cut all the way through. 3. Grab a small spoon or a piping bag. Fill each date with about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. You can add more if you like. 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the dark chocolate chips. Melt them in 20-second bursts. Stir in between until smooth. 2. Dip the stuffed dates into the melted chocolate. Make sure they are well-coated. Set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 1. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the chocolate-coated dates. This adds a nice crunch. 2. Lightly sprinkle sea salt over each date. This enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter. 3. Bake the dates for 5-7 minutes. You want the chocolate to be soft but slightly set. 4. Let the dates cool at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for about 30 minutes for a firmer texture. - Best peanut butter choices: I love creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture. It spreads easily and fills the dates well. Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun crunch. Choose what you love most for a tasty treat. - Tips for even chocolate coating: Melt the dark chocolate slowly in a bowl. Stir it often to keep it smooth. Dip each date fully in the chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out. This helps avoid messy drips. - Adjusting sweetness with sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt makes the flavors pop. It balances the sweetness of the dates and chocolate. Just a pinch on top enhances each bite. It's a simple trick that makes a big difference. - Presentation tips for serving: Arrange the stuffed dates on a nice platter. Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a fancy touch. Add a small bowl of chopped nuts for extra crunch. This makes the dish look great and inviting. - Pairing options with beverages or other snacks: These dates pair well with tea or coffee. They also go great with milk. For snacks, serve them with cheese or fruit. Each pairing can bring out new flavors, making your treat even better. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: This makes it easier to fill the dates without tearing them. If your peanut butter is too cold, try microwaving it for a few seconds to soften it. Experiment with Fillings: While peanut butter is delicious, you can also try almond butter, cashew butter, or even a mix of your favorite nut butters for variety. Chill Before Baking: If you refrigerate the stuffed dates for about 15 minutes before baking, it helps the chocolate set better and keeps the filling from getting too warm during baking. Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of extra melted chocolate on top just before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your peanut butter stuffed dates easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Using different nut butters: Instead of peanut butter, try almond or cashew butter. Both add unique flavors and textures. - Adding spices or flavor extracts: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract. These will elevate your dates and add warmth. If you have dietary needs, don't worry! Here are some ways to adapt the recipe: - Vegan or nut-free alternatives: Use sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. It works well and is creamy. For a vegan choice, make sure your chocolate is dairy-free. - Low-sugar options: To cut down sugar, skip the chocolate and use only the dates and nut butter. You can also find unsweetened nut butters for less sugar. These variations let you enjoy peanut butter stuffed dates in many ways. They help fit different tastes and diets while still being a delicious treat! To keep peanut butter stuffed dates fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the dates in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. They stay good in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Simply place the stuffed dates in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can freeze them for up to three months. For the best taste and texture, enjoy your stuffed dates within one week if stored in the fridge. If you freeze them, they will be at their best for about three months. After this time, they may still be safe to eat, but the flavor and texture may change. So, it’s best to eat them sooner rather than later! Peanut butter stuffed dates are a sweet treat made from Medjool dates filled with peanut butter. The dates are soft and chewy, while the peanut butter adds a creamy texture. You can also dip them in chocolate for an extra touch. This combination is both healthy and tasty! Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed dates and store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. This makes it easy to have a quick snack ready when you need it. You can easily customize this recipe. Here are some ideas: - Try using different nut butters, like almond or cashew. - Add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor. - Top them with toppings like shredded coconut or dried fruit. - Use different types of nuts for crunch. These options can make your stuffed dates unique and fun! In this post, we explored how to make delicious peanut butter stuffed dates. We discussed key ingredients like Medjool dates and peanut butter. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the recipe, and flavor variations. Remember, you can easily customize these treats to fit your taste. Storage tips ensure your dates stay fresh for longer. Enjoy making these snacks and share them with friends! Your creativity in the kitchen can make a big difference.$

Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Delicious Medjool dates filled with creamy peanut butter, optionally coated in chocolate and topped with nuts.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

12 pieces Medjool dates, pitted
0.5 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
0.25 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
to taste pinch sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you want to melt the chocolate, this will be useful later.
Carefully slice each date lengthwise along one side to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each date with about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
If using chocolate, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Dip the stuffed dates into the melted chocolate, making sure they are well-coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate-coated dates for added texture and crunch.
Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each date to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the chocolate is slightly set but still soft.
Allow the dates to cool at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to set completely.

Notes

Arrange the stuffed dates on a beautiful serving platter, drizzling extra melted chocolate over the top for a decorative touch. Serve with a small bowl of chopped nuts on the side for an extra crunch!

Keyword dates, dessert, peanut butter, snack