Chocolate dates are delicious treats to have on hand when you're craving something sweet. Sugary, caramel-like dates are filled with nut butter, covered in chocolate, then sprinkled with nuts for a decadent delight that may remind you of a Snickers bar. You won't believe how good these are!
You only need five ingredients and fifteen hands-on minutes to make these chocolate dates. They're the perfect addition to your make-ahead meal prep, and they're impressive enough for guests if you're entertaining. You can make them ahead of time and they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for two months.
I love these because they're simple to make and satisfy my sweet tooth while contributing nutritional value. If you like recipes like this, try these Frozen Snickers Bananas!
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Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make these dates and may already have most of them in your pantry. Here's what you need:
- Medjool dates - Medjools are my choice for this recipe because they're softer, creamier, and bigger than standard dates. I buy them with the pit still intact because I find them more moist and fresh than the ones already pitted.
- Chocolate - the chocolate you choose makes a big difference in the flavor of your dates as well as the sugar content. Hu chocolate gems are delicious and contain no dairy or refined sugars. For a lower sugar option try dark style baking chips from Lily's. If you need more ideas for dairy-free chocolate, check out my comprehensive guide.
- Peanut Butter - any nut butter will work in these (see variations below) but peanut butter gives these dates a flavor similar to a Snickers bar. I use creamy peanut butter, but you could use a chunky option and omit the additional chopped nuts if you'd like.
- Coconut oil - this is used to thin the melted chocolate and make it easier to dip the dates. If you don't like coconut flavor, use refined coconut oil.
- Chopped Peanuts - I like to add these for a little crunch. If you're nut-free, feel free to omit them.
- Shredded Unsweetened Coconut - optional, but delicious.
How To Make Chocolate Dates
Making these takes just a few minutes and some simple preparation. First, cut a slit on one side of your date and pull the pit out. If any stem pieces are left on your date you'll want to pull that off, too. Next, fill your dates with peanut butter, then sprinkle in some peanuts. Gently squeeze the date to tighten it up, dip it in the chocolate, top with more nuts if you'd like, and then pop them in the freezer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to firm up. That's it!
Step 1: Cut a small slit in your date and remove the pit.
Step 2: Fill the date with peanut butter, then sprinkle with some nuts.
Step 3: Dip the dates in the chocolate, flipping to cover all sides. Sprinkle with more nuts or coconut if you'd like.
Step 4: Place the dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
Once the chocolate has firmed up, transfer the dates to an airtight storage container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for two months.
Tips: I like to use a fork or a toothpick to dip the dates in the chocolate. This allows the excess chocolate to run off easily. Be sure to sprinkle your toppings over the dates when the chocolate is still wet so the toppings stick.
If you have any extra chocolate left over, drizzle it over the dates for a pretty design.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is great as written but if you're avoiding peanuts (or don't like them) here are some alternatives:
- Almond butter - can be used in place of peanut butter
- Sunflower seed butter - this is a good option if you have a nut allergy
- Tahini - this is a delicious alternative to peanut butter and it's great with sesame seeds or unsweetened coconut sprinkled on top
- Chopped almonds - use them instead of chopped peanuts
- Chopped Hazelnuts - use them instead of peanuts
- Unsweetened shredded coconut - can be used in place of (or with) chopped peanuts
- Flaky Sea Salt - sprinkle on top of your dipped dates if you like a little salt
If you choose dairy-free chocolate these delicious treats are a sweet gift for someone following a gluten-free and/or dairy-free diet. Wrap them in a pretty little candy box during the holidays, or add them to your dessert table if you're entertaining.
Storing Chocolate Dates
These dates will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, but don't expect them to last that long! I keep them in my glass meal prep containers to keep them nice and moist.
They'll also keep in the freezer for up to two months. You can store them in a freezer-safe container, a Ziploc bag, Lunchskins, or a Stasher bag.
Tips For Making Chocolate Dates
These are very uncomplicated to make but here are some tips to get you the best results:
- Use good quality chocolate that you enjoy the taste of straight out of the package.
- If your dates are dry, try soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- Gently press the dates closed after you fill them with peanut butter. This will prevent the peanut butter from slipping out when you dip the date in chocolate.
- Use a fork or toothpick to dip the dates in chocolate. This will allow the excess chocolate to run off easily.
FAQ
These are much healthier than desserts like cookies, cakes, and packaged snacks. Dates contain a high amount of healthy fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like potassium. They also help aid in healthy digestion. While they are calorie-dense, dates are considered to have a low glycemic index due to their fiber content. Most people can enjoy these in moderation, but if you're watching your blood sugar or carbohydrate intake you'll want to be mindful that dates are high in natural sugar. Enjoying them with a source of protein (like peanut butter and nuts) helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. Choosing refined sugar-free chocolate (or sugar-free) and natural peanut butter without oils or sugar makes these a delicious treat that can be part of a healthy diet.
Medjool dates are usually soft and moist enough not to require soaking. If your package has been opened for some time and they've lost moisture, or you're using another variety of dates that seems dry, you can soak them in hot water for a few minutes to add some moisture back and re-plump them.
A white film will often form on the surface of dates and it is completely normal. The film is from the sugars in the dates crystalizing and is harmless and safe to eat.
Other Recipes to Try
Want to try more recipes like this? Try these:
Chocolate Dates
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates sliced and pit removed
- ¼ cup peanut butter see notes above for alternatives
- ½ cup dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil use refined for less coconut flavor
- 3 tablespoon chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut optional but delicious
- flaky sea salt optional for topping
Instructions
Prepare your dates
- Make a slit on one side of your dates, open the dates halfway, then remove and discard the pits. (see photo above for demonstration)
- Stuff each date with about ¼ teaspoon of peanut butter, then sprinkle on some chopped nuts and coconut if using.
Melt your chocolate
- Melt your chocolate and coconut oil together until it's smooth and creamy. You can do this in either a double boiler or in the microwave. I do it in the microwave at 20 second increments, stirring after every 20 seconds and watching carefully to avoid burning.
Cover your dates
- One at a time, dip your stuffed dates into the chocolate, turning over to cover the date on all sides with chocolate. I use a fork to do this. Let the excess chocolate drain off the date, then place it on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with all of your dates.
- Sprinkle the top of your dates with chopped peanuts, flaky salt, or coconut. I do a few of each topping. If I use coconut in some dates but not all, I sprinkle coconut on the top of the dates with coconut so I can identify what's inside.
- Place your baking sheet with the dates in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, until the chocolate has hardened.
- Transfer your dates to an airtight covered container and store in the refrigerator up to one week or in the freezer up to 2 months.
Notes
- See the post above for other filling options and tips for making these treats.
- This recipe was adapted from many posts seen on Instagram and TikTok.
Ashley says
Love this so much! So easy and my husband loved them too! He didn’t even know there was a date inside!