Get ready to fall in love with our Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates, a sweet treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. Imagine the best parts of a Snickers bar: creamy peanut butter, and rich dark chocolate, all wrapped around sweet, plump Medjool dates. It’s a healthy snack that satisfies any chocolate bar craving without the added sugar.
I’ve always had a thing for dates, especially Medjool ones, with their deep caramel flavor. They're the star of the show in our house, often used as a natural sweetener in everything from smoothies to brownies.
I have experimented with different ways to dress up the dates. I added different nut butters, dipped them in melted chocolate, and voilà! We ended up with a fun recipe for a dessert that's a delicious treat for the whole family - a healthier twist on the traditional candy bar.
But why stop there? Inspired by these chocolate-covered dates, we’ve created a range of chocolate-infused recipes. Our Dairy-free fudgy brownies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie, and Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies are just a few examples of how we love incorporating this rich dark chocolate into our healthy treats.
Before you start, I recommend setting some healthy intentions. It can change how you experience food. If you’re curious about how to do this, check out our free guide on setting intentions and using affirmations.
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Ingredients
Medjool Dates: Choose plump dates for their natural sugars and rich, caramel-like taste. Medjool dates are ideal for their soft texture, making them perfect for stuffing. It has plenty of natural sugars that should not spike blood sugar levels as quickly as other sweeteners.
Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for organic, natural peanut butter. It should have a creamy texture and be free from added sugars or preservatives, enhancing the peanut butter chocolate dates' flavor. Peanut butter is loaded with protein and healthy fats that make this treat also nutritious.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Select organic dark chocolate chips that are minimally processed. We love using the Hu brand for its quality and rich taste.
Chopped Peanuts: Use organic peanuts, finely chopped.
Celtic Sea Salt: A pinch of Celtic sea salt brings out the flavors. It's less processed than regular salt and adds a subtle, sophisticated touch to the simple ingredients.
Instructions
Prep and Fill Dates: Gently slice into the center of each date to remove the pit, being careful not to slice completely through. (We use a paring knife). Fill the opened area with a teaspoon of peanut butter, ensuring it's nestled perfectly in the center.
Chocolate Melting Technique: Use a double boiler for this step. Fill a small pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place your chocolate chips in a bowl that fits snugly over the pot, making sure the bowl does not touch the simmering water. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth, silky chocolate consistency.
Coating and Topping the Dates: Secure each peanut butter-filled date with a toothpick. Gently dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coat. Let the excess chocolate drip off by gently tapping on the edge of the bowl. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each date with crushed peanuts or walnuts and a touch of sea salt for an extra flavor kick.
Setting the Chocolate: Arrange your chocolate-dipped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they don’t stick and remain on a flat surface for an even set. Refrigerate them for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate hardens to the perfect consistency.
Quick Set Hint: If you're like me and your kids can't wait to enjoy these treats, here’s a tip: Place them in the freezer and set a timer for 20 minutes. This speeds up the chocolate setting process, perfect for those moments when patience is in short supply!
Substitutions and Variations
Nut Butter Alternatives: For those with a peanut allergy, almond butter and cashew butter are great substitutes. For a nut-free option, try tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Sweet Touch Additions: If your sweet tooth desires more, add a dab of maple syrup on top of the peanut butter in the center of the date.
Toppings Variety: Swap out crushed peanuts for coconut flakes, crushed walnuts, or almond slivers for a different texture and taste.
Texture Twist: For a crunchier center, opt for crunchy peanut butter.
Chocolate Alternative: If you prefer not to use chocolate chips, a homemade chocolate mixture of coconut oil and cacao powder works wonderfully. You can mix this using the double boiler. If you'd like a different type of chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips as well.
Storage
Making a big batch of these treats? No problem! To store them, simply place them on a flat surface within an airtight container. If you plan on enjoying them within a couple of days, the refrigerator is perfect.
For longer storage, you can freeze them, ensuring they're well-separated on a flat surface in the container. Thaw and enjoy.
Top tip
When enjoying your chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates, try serving them at room temperature. Allowing them to sit out for a few minutes from the fridge enhances their flavors and texture, making each bite a perfect blend of chewy and creamy goodness.
FAQ
Yes, but it largely depends on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choosing the best quality chocolate and peanut butter, preferably organic and with minimal processing, makes a significant difference in the nutritional value of the snack.
Absolutely! Dates are a great source of natural sugars and nutrients, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Together, they make a balanced and nutritious snack when consumed in moderation.
Dates do contain natural sugars, but they're also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This combination helps in balancing blood sugar levels. As with any sweet food, moderation is key to enjoying its benefits without overdoing the sugar intake.
More Dessert Recipes
More healthy dessert recipes:
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates - Snickers Style
Equipment
- Double boiler or small pot and heatproof bowl
- Tray lined with parchment paper
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts or walnuts
- A pinch of sea salt optional
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare and Stuff Dates: Carefully slice each date lengthwise to remove the pit, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff each date with about a teaspoon of natural peanut butter.
- Melt Chocolate Using Double Boiler: Fill a small pot with water and bring to a simmer. Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and set it over the pot, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth.
- Dip Dates and Add Toppings: Secure each peanut butter-stuffed date with a toothpick. Dip into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle immediately with crushed peanuts or walnuts and a pinch of sea salt, if desired.
- Chill to Set: Place the chocolate-coated dates on a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
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Take care and keep enjoying the good stuff!
Cheers,
Natalie
Nora says
These stuffed dates are mouth-watering! Can't wait to try them out! Thanks!
Natalie Perry says
let us know how you like it!
Sabine says
These are such nice treats. Sweet, sticky and chocolaty. I made these for my family and they all loved it.
Natalie Perry says
Happy to hear you loved them as much as we do!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Oh man these are good!! I love dates but I've never had them with peanut butter or chocolate - but be to be sure, i'll be having them again!! Easy to make and easy to eat!
Natalie Perry says
Aren't they just the best?
Andréa says
Yummie! A great snack for more energy!
Natalie Perry says
yay!
Alexandra says
These chocolate peanut butter dates were the perfect snack. I enjoyed mine with a cup of coffee and loved the contrast of sweet and slightly salty, which is one of my favourite things. Delicious!
Natalie Perry says
Oooh great idea, I will try mine with coffee tomorrow!