Ingredients

10 Medjool dates

3 tablespoons almond butter

5-6 pistachio nuts (toasted and crushed)

2 teaspoons desiccated coconut

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese

10 pecan nuts (toasted)

1 sundried tomato (finely diced)

2-3 fresh basil leaves (chopped)

2-3 tablespoons peanut butter

5-6 almonds (lightly toasted, crushed)

1 oz dark chocolate (chopped, 28 g)

⅓ teaspoon coarse salt

3-4 tablespoons almond ricotta

5-6 walnuts (toasted and crushed)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

4 sprigs fresh thyme

3-4 tablespoons peanut butter

10 almonds (lightly toasted)

2.5 oz dark chocolate (melted, 70 g)

3 tablespoons vegan cream cheese

5-6 walnuts (toasted and crushed)

2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (chopped)

2 teaspoons maple syrup (to drizzle)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Medjool dates open lengthwise and remove the pits. Arrange them in a single layer on a large plate.

Step 2: Prepare your fillings: mix almond butter with crushed pistachios, desiccated coconut, and lemon zest; combine vegan cream cheese with pecans, sundried tomato, and basil; mix peanut butter with crushed almonds and chopped dark chocolate; blend almond ricotta with walnuts, garlic powder, and fresh thyme; prepare peanut butter with toasted almonds and melted dark chocolate; combine vegan cream cheese with walnuts and rosemary, adding a drizzle of maple syrup for topping.

Step 3: Fill each date with your choice of the prepared nut butter or cream cheese mixtures.

Step 4: For the peanut butter and almond dates, stuff each with one almond, then dip in melted dark chocolate and place on a cooling rack to allow excess chocolate to drip off.

Step 5: Sprinkle the stuffed dates with coarse salt if desired.

Step 6: Refrigerate the dates for at least one hour before serving to set the fillings and flavors.

Step 7: Add fresh herbs, maple syrup, or additional crushed nuts as toppings just before serving for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, ensure to use vegan cream cheese and non-dairy chocolate.

Try adding a pinch of chili powder to the chocolate dip for a subtle spicy kick.

Use other nuts like hazelnuts or macadamias for different textures and tastes.

Experiment with different fresh herbs such as mint or oregano for unique flavor profiles.

Serve the stuffed dates chilled for a refreshing treat, or at room temperature for softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and soft texture, making stuffing easier. However, other soft, large dates can work if pitted carefully.

What can I substitute for vegan cream cheese?

You can use regular cream cheese if not avoiding dairy, or try blended soaked cashews or ricotta as creamy alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.