These frozen stuffed dates are the perfect healthy and vegan dessert! With a variety of fillings options, the caramel-like taste from the dates, and the layer of frozen chocolate on top, you will not be able to resist this treat!
These little date bites are absolutely delicious! If you have a little time on your hands I HIGHLY suggest making a large batch to keep in the freezer. This makes for a super easy snack/dessert for the rest of the week!
These are definitely one of my all-time favorite desserts, healthy or otherwise. The dates remain soft after being frozen, which pairs amazingly with the texture of the crunchy pecan and frozen chocolate. They are always such a hit and I’m sure you’ll love them too!
I was slightly hesitant to share this recipe, as I wasn’t sure it could even be considered one! It’s so simple that I’m sure even the most inexperienced in the kitchen can make them. The taste is definitely deceiving because no one would expect them to be so simple to make!
In this post I’m going to be showing you my top three filling combinations. These are:
- The super simple and more classic tasting, almond butter + pecans
- A slight twist on the first combination, but a comply different taste, almond butter + pecans + dried California apricots
- And lastly, Cherry Berry Jam + pecans
I love using all three of these combinations when I’m making a large batch because they all have such different tastes. I add the pecan to all of them because the crunch really does add such great texture. Definitely feel free to experiment here if pecans aren’t your favorite.
The first option is great for someone who wants a more simple tasting treat, the perfect combination of dates, almond butter, and dark chocolate.
I know the second option is only slightly different, but the addition of the tart dried apricot really changes the taste. It’s great for when you want something a little different!
The third combination is usually my favorite, and it’s simply Cherry Berry Jam with pecans. This jam works perfectly here because of its sweet and tart flavor. It tastes delicious with the rich chocolate and gooey dates!
What are Dates?
Dates have been a staple in the Middle East for thousands of years, with hundreds of different varieties grown around the world. They contain lots of natural sugars, but also plenty of fiber, helping to control your blood sugar levels. They’re also very nutritious, full of essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Deglet Noor dates and Medjool dates are two of the most common varieties you’ll find. Deglet Noor dates are often called “regular dates,” and tend to be small with a smooth exterior. Medjool dates are usually a little larger and softer, and have more of a caramel-y taste. Their slightly sweeter taste makes Medjool dates great for baking and cooking, however the smaller size of Deglet Noor dates makes them perfect for snacking on!
Stuffed Date Ingredients:
These stuffed dates are super customizable, so you can switch out virtually all the ingredients for ones of your preference. Though I find that using these ingredients creates some of the best combinations, I’ve also listed some alternatives below.
- Medjool Dates : Any date variety, such as Deglet Noor, can be used
- Dark Chocolate : Milk or White Chocolate can also be used
- Pecans : Can use any other nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
- Almond Butter : Can be substituted with any nut or seed butter
- Dried California apricots : Can use any other dried fruits, however ones with a more tart flavor tend to pair well with the sweetness of the dates (dried cherries, dried cranberries, etc.)
- Cherry Berry Jam : Any jam will work here, however once again tart flavors tend to pair best (cherry jam, apricot jam, raspberry jam, etc.)
Making these Stuffed Dates is super simple! Having all the ingredients ready to go makes the process much easier, as all you have left to do is assemble.
Tips for Assembling the Stuffed Dates
- Prepare you ingredients by cutting the pecans and dried apricots into thin slices, and having the almond butter and Cherry Berry Jam ready to go.
- Melt the Chocolate either over some boiling water on the stove or by simply microwaving it. (If you choose to microwave, stir the chocolate every 15 seconds or so to prevent it from burning.)
- Slice the dates and remove the pits, trying your best to cut them into even halves so you have enough room for the fillings. If some halves don’t have enough space, use the back of a small spoon to widen the center gap.
- For the dates in which you are adding almond butter, add a little bit of this first, then add the pecan or pecan + dried apricot. Then use some more almond butter on top to smooth out the surface.
- For the dates with jam inside, follow the same process, adding a little jam, then the pecan, and a little more jam to smooth out the top.
- Finally, dip the tops of the dates in the melted chocolate and finish with your choice of garnish. I like to garnish with whatever I’ve stuffed into the dates, this way you can easily tell what’s inside each one!
- You can eat these while the chocolate is still liquid, or freeze them first and then serve. (I prefer the frozen version!)
That’s it!! It’s such a decadent and delicious dessert that requires absolutely no baking!
Storage
These frozen dates will not go bad anytime soon, you can store them in the freezer for around 4 weeks! (Though personally, I’ve never had a batch last that long!)
Leave a comment below if you try out this recipe, I’d love to know if you like these as much as I do! Let me know if you try any other delicious filling combinations!
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Chocolate Nice Cream
- Mango Peach Jam
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- Cherry Berry Jam
- Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Chia Jam
Frozen Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- dates
- dark chocolate melted
- pecans halves
- dried apricots
- almond butter
- Cherry Berry Jam or jam of choice
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Cut dates into equal halves, removing the pits. Use the back of a small spoon to widen the gap in the center of each half.
- Slice pecan halves and dried apricots into thin strips.
Assembly
- For dates in which you are adding just almond butter and pecans, layer the almond butter and 1-2 slices of pecans into the center gap of the date halves. Add a thin layer of almond butter over everything to smooth the surface.
- For dates in which you are using almond butter, pecans, and dried apricots, add the almond butter, 1 pecan slice, and 1 dried apricot slice into the center gap of the date halves. Add a thin layer of almond butter over everything to smooth the surface.
- For dates in which you are adding Cherry Berry Jam and pecans, add in the jam and 1-2 pecan slices to the center gap of the date halves. Add a thin layer of jam over everything to smooth the surface.
- Dip the smoothed surfaces of each date half into the melted chocolate and add garnish of choice.
- Freeze dates for around 1 hour before serving.