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These sweet stuffed dates are the perfect snack made from simple pantry staples! They require minimal ingredients and zero cooking.

What are Dates?

Dates are seriously one of the best fruits to have on hand! They’re a tropical fruit from palm trees that are sweet, sticky and delicious! A lot of the dates that you’ll find in stores are dried, and many have a small pit that are very easy to remove.

Dates are often seen in savory appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates or goat cheese stuffed dates, which I love. But sometimes you just want a sweet snack with just a hint of savory! That’s why I made these candy-inspired stuffed dates, two ways… almond butter and chocolate, and coconut butter and cinnamon stuffed dates! YUM.

Health benefits of dates

They’re antioxidant-rich

Antioxidants protect our cells! Similar to berries like blueberries, strawberries, and other fruit, dates are also rich in antioxidants (source.)

They’re full of fiber

Fiber is important for our digestion, and dates help provide lots of fiber per serving.

 They’re a healthy alternative to conventional sweets 

Having a healthy alternative to refined sugars is a huge health benefit in and of itself. Dates are very much a natures candy type of fruit and are often used in vegan and sugar-free baking.

How do you store dates?

For this prepared stuffed date recipe, you’ll want to store it in the fridge. However, for dates that haven’t been used, you can keep them in the pantry in an airtight container if you plan to eat them within a few days. They will indeed last longer in the fridge so I like to store them there if I have room!

The Ingredients you’ll need for these stuffed dates

Dates

I love using Medjool dates! I’ve recently been using joolies dates and love them!

Almond butter, mini chocolate chips, and sea salt

This flavor combination is the perfect balance of sweet and savory! I like barney almond butter, and enjoy life chocolate chips. If you want to make this AIP, you can use tigernut butter and homemade carob chips… or you can stick with the other flavor combination I’ve included here.

Coconut butter, toasted coconut flakes, and cinnamon 

This flavor combination reminds me of samoas! I like to use artisana coconut butter for this one. You can buy pre-toasted coconut flakes, or toast your own. Cinnamon adds a bit more flavor depth.

How to Make Sweet Stuffed Dates

• Slice: Make a small slice in the dates, being careful to not slice them completely in half, but enough to fill them.
• Stuff & enjoy: Spoon about 2 tsp or so of coconut butter/almond butter into each date. Top with toasted coconut/chocolate chips, and cinnamon/sea salt. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Other Filling Ideas for Stuffing Dates

Sweet ideas:

• Dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)
• Pomegranate seeds
• Vanilla bean
• Maple syrup or honey drizzle

Savory ideas:

• Goat cheese (or other cheeses like cream cheese as tolerated)
• Tahini
• Chopped bacon
• Tigernut butter
• Pistachios
• Almonds

You’ll also love…

• Samoa truffles
• Homemade twix bars