Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
Let me share one of my absolute favorite little treats with you — a quick and utterly indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe that feels like a decadent bite but is surprisingly simple to make. These chewy, sweet dates loaded with creamy peanut butter and covered in smooth chocolate are the perfect blend of textures and flavors — think of it as dessert meets snack time magic. Keep reading because I promise, these are easy to whip up and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
- Natural Sweetness: The Medjool dates bring a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with peanut butter’s savory creaminess.
- Simple Ingredients: Minimal pantry staples mean you can make this recipe anytime, with no fuss or complicated steps.
- Texture Play: The chewy dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and firm chocolate coating make every bite interesting.
- Customizable Finish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt truly elevates the flavor, but you can skip or tweak it to your liking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe plays a starring role — from the luscious dates to the chocolate that brings it all together. Here’s why they’re essential and how to pick the best ones for success.
- Medjool dates: These are the gold standard for stuffing — soft, sweet, and large enough to hold plenty of peanut butter.
- All-natural smooth peanut butter: I love using natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for pure flavor and creaminess.
- Chopped peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch inside to contrast with the smooth peanut butter and chewy date.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness; melts flawlessly for coating the stuffed dates.
- Coconut oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and keeps it glossy when it hardens.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A pinch on top wakes up all the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how flexible this Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe is. Whether you want to dial up the sweetness, make it nut-free, or add a little flair, it’s easy to tailor this snack to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Nut-Free Variation: Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and replace peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds for a delicious allergy-friendly version.
- Extra Crunch: I’ve sometimes added chopped almonds or crushed pretzels inside the dates for a fun twist on texture.
- Darker Chocolate: If you like bittersweet treats, try dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet — it’s just as tasty and less sweet.
- Add a Kick: A dash of cinnamon or cayenne in the chocolate drizzle adds an exciting depth if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dates
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat and make cleanup effortless. Then, take each Medjool date and slice it lengthwise just enough to open it up and remove the pit — be careful not to slice through completely; you want it to stay intact for stuffing. Doing this gently keeps the date holding together beautifully, which really makes the stuffing process smoother later.
Step 2: Stuff with Peanut Butter and Peanuts
Now, grab your smooth peanut butter — the kind without any added sugar or oils is perfect here to let the natural nutty flavor shine. Spoon a generous amount lovingly into each date’s hollow. Then sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for that crunch I can’t get enough of. Line them up neatly on your parchment-lined tray as you go.
Step 3: Melt and Drizzle the Chocolate
To get that silky chocolate coating, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything melts into a smooth glossy pool. Trust me, adding coconut oil is a game changer — it makes the chocolate silky and easier to drizzle.
Drizzle the melted chocolate generously over your stuffed dates, ensuring every one gets a lovely coat. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate firm up nice and shiny.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Soft Dates are Key: Use fresh Medjool dates — they should be plump and slightly sticky; dry dates won’t stuff or taste as lush.
- Don’t Overstuff: Filling the dates too full can make them hard to handle and messy when drizzling chocolate, so a generous but manageable amount is best.
- Gentle Chocolate Heating: Melting chocolate slowly prevents burning and keeps it smooth for perfect drizzle coverage.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the chocolate set fully in the fridge; otherwise, the coating might sweat at room temp or get sticky.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these stuffed dates with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after drizzling the chocolate — it cuts through the sweetness just perfectly and adds that gourmet touch. Sometimes, I also add a tiny dusting of cocoa powder or chopped toasted coconut flakes when serving as a special treat for guests.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands out beautifully as a bite-sized dessert or snack, so I usually serve it alongside a cup of espresso or herbal tea. For gatherings, I like grouping these dates with a cheese platter and some fresh fruit to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try arranging these stuffed dates in neat rows on a wooden board or pretty ceramic plate, with small decorative toothpicks inserted for easy grabbing. I’ve also wrapped them individually in parchment paper tied with a little twine to make charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, I store these Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep magic fresh for up to two weeks! Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these dates wrapped individually in parchment and placed inside a freezer bag. They thaw super quickly at room temp and still taste amazing — a lifesaver when you want to prep snacks ahead.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover dates, I recommend letting them warm slightly on the counter for 10–15 minutes so the chocolate softens but doesn’t melt completely — this restores that perfect chew and creamy center.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work wonderfully. Just chop them finely for that perfect crunch inside the dates. You can even mix nuts for added texture diversity.
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Are there vegan or dairy-free options for the chocolate?
Yes! Use dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips available at most grocery stores. Just make sure the coconut oil you use aligns with your dietary preferences, and you’re good to go.
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How do I avoid the chocolate melting too quickly on warm days?
Keep the stuffed dates refrigerated until just before serving, and avoid touching the chocolate too much. Serving on a chilled plate also helps. If needed, you can store them in a cooler to keep the chocolate firm.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chips — which most standard varieties are.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find a soft spot for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe that’s equal parts sneaky healthy and deliciously indulgent. It’s one of those rare treats that feels special without taking much time or effort, so I make it for unexpected guests or when I need a little pick-me-up. Give it a try — I promise it’ll quickly become your go-to for satisfying sweet cravings with simple ingredients and a big heart.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet and satisfying, these Chocolate Covered Dates Stuffed with Peanut Butter combine the natural caramel flavors of Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect as a healthy snack or an elegant dessert, these treats are easy to make and require no baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup all-natural smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup peanuts chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- pinch flaky sea salt (optional for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a slit into the centre of each date lengthwise and carefully remove the pit without cutting all the way through to keep them intact for stuffing.
- Stuff the Dates: Generously fill the cavity of each date with smooth peanut butter. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the peanut butter stuffing to add a crunchy texture. Place the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Dates: Drizzle the melted chocolate over each stuffed date to cover them evenly. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated stuffed dates in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened and set completely.
Notes
- Store these chocolate-covered stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to keep them fresh.
- Use natural peanut butter for a smoother texture and better flavor.
- Chopped peanuts add crunch, but you can substitute with chopped almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- You can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your taste.
- Make sure not to overheat the chocolate in the microwave to avoid burning; stir well between intervals to ensure smooth melting.
- If you prefer a vegan or plant-based version, verify that the peanut butter and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
