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It has been a minute since I made a dessert where dates were truly the star, and now that I have, I am completely ruined for anything else.
These dates may have just topped the charts for me, and I think they might for you too! They are so unbelievably easy to make and would make an amazing gift. Honestly, if someone showed up to my house with a box of dates filled with pecans, chocolate and flaky salt, I might just be the happiest person ever. Dates have been having a moment on social media for a while now, and unlike most food trends (remember Dubai Chocolate?!), they’re not going anywhere. Truth be told, I didn’t like dates a long time ago, but the thing is, they’re blood sugar-friendly, and once you realize just how versatile they are, it’s hard not to fall in love with them!
And if there is one thing I will insist on with this recipe, it is this: do not skip the salt. Salt is what transforms these from sweet to completely addictive. The combination of chocolate and dates with that final sprinkle of flaky salt is pure magic, and I will never stop advocating for salt. Unfortunately, salt has gotten such a bad rep, but it’s essential, and when it comes to cooking and baking, it’s a make or break ingredient, whether you want to admit it or not!
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, so grab them and let’s get stuffing!
You might be surprised to know that these sweet little gems are more than just delicious; they’re actually nutritious as well! Dates are naturally sweet, making them a great alternative to refined sugar in desserts like these stuffed dates, banana date cake or this snickers date bark! They also contain fibre, clean energy, minerals, and healthy fat. The fact that they taste indulgent makes them even better because they do NOT spike your blood sugar levels. It’s really a win-win situation whenever you enjoy dates.
This no bake, quick and easy snack recipe is perfect for when you want to make something you can reach for in a rush, or when you’re craving something immediately but don’t want to spend time in the kitchen!
Using a small knife, gently slice each date down the center just enough to remove the pit. If your dates feel slightly firm, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. You will notice them soften and become more pliable.
Insert two pecans into each date and gently press it closed. The date should naturally wrap around the nuts, creating that perfect stuffed dates with nuts situation we are aiming for!
Place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also use the double boil method if you don’t have a microwave. The idea is to get the chocolate silky enough for dipping.
Drop each date into the melted chocolate, turning it to coat completely. Lift it out with a fork and gently tap off any excess chocolate before placing it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the tray in the freezer for about 15 minutes, until the chocolate shell hardens.
Last but not least, decorate your chocolate covered dates however you’d like! I melted white chocolate and drizzled it over the hardened dates. Before the drizzle hardens, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and flaky salt. Return the tray to the freezer for another 30 minutes, allowing everything to fully set. If you can wait 30 minutes for them to totally solidify, your treat will be well worth the wait!
Store them in the fridge, and they will be ready whenever you need a quick snack or decadent (but secretly healthy) dessert! You could also put them in the freezer for longer storage. When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature until they’ve thawed out for the best texture.
Can I use dried dates for this recipe? It is best to use soft medjool dates. Drier dates can be used if soaked first, but they may not have the same texture.
What is the best type of date to use? Medjool dates are ideal because they are large, soft, and naturally sweet.
Are these gluten free? Yes, these stuffed dates are naturally gluten free, oil free, refined sugar free and could easily be made dairy free based on the chocolate you choose.
Did You Try This Recipe?
Let me know in the comments!! I would love to know how you liked these and if you’re as hooked as I am. Try these other healthy snack recipes next:
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.
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