These pecan stuffed dates are the perfect combination of dark chocolate, Sweet caramel sauce, juicy dates, creamy chocolate tahini and candied pecans. They are like a mini chocolate pecan pie bite! These pecan-stuffed dates are made with simple ingredients and make for a great appetizer. The sweetness of the dates with the salty pecans is a delicious pairing.

This pecan stuffed dates recipe is gluten free. There is a vegan option and a nut free option as well!

Pecan Stuffed Dates Recipe (Gluten Free)

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

If you’re like me and need a dessert every single night, these pecan stuffed dates are you for!
They’re perfect for a little treat that reminds me of pecan pies on thanksgiving.
This simple idea is easy to ahead of time and freeze them for a fun frozen treat.
You can make these little stuffed dates when you’re ready to eat them and enjoy them right away.
This sweet treat is far better for you than most other sweets or desserts!
These delicious dates are sweet but minimally processed and do not have any added sugar.
These pecan stuffed dates requires only a few ingredients, which you’ll probably have in your pantry anyway!
These stuffed dates only take a few minutes to make.
The perfect easy appetizer for your holiday menu, a christmas party or for a new year’s eve appetizer. The perfect snack for holiday gatherings or even as an appetizer on thanksgiving day.

INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Dates: The base of these pecan stuffed dates. Medjool dates are big and soft, but any kind of date will work. Dates come with a pit in the middle. You can buy them already pitted or take them out yourself.

Candied Pecans: Pecans with a sugary coating with crisp textures. They add sweetness and crunch. You can use other chopped nuts instead. These little snacks are perfect with any types of nuts. You can mix two types of nuts for extra texture! For a nut free version use sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds. Skip the candied version and use plain nuts for more salty notes.

Chocolate Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds. Chocolate tahini mixes tahini with chocolate for a sweet and nutty flavor. You can also try a pumpkin hummus or chocolate humus for another sweet spread option. Any savory simple hummus will work as well and give the stuffed dates a savory note.

Vegan Chocolate Chips: Chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can skip them if you don’t have any.

Caramel Sauce (optional): Drizzled on top of each date. Makes the treat extra sweet and gooey. You can use a vegan option if needed.

TASTE & TEXTURE

These pecan stuffed dates combine sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. The dates are naturally sweet and chewy. The chocolate tahini adds a rich chocolate and sesame seed taste. Candied pecans provide a burst of sweetness and a bit of crunch. Finally, the caramel sauce adds another layer of sweetness and gooeyness. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by using less caramel or chocolate chips.

DIRECTIONS

If your dates are not pitted start here. You want to make sure to take the pit out of the date before making this recipe. Make a slice down the date, then gently pull the date apart and take the pit out. Slice them fully in half as well if that is easier, then remove the date.
If your date is already pitted, you can start here. First, slice the date down the side without slicing all the way through the date fully. Gently pull open the slice.
In each pecan half, with a small spoon, add your chocolate tahini.
Next, top the tahini section with a candied pecan and chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel syrup on top.
Finally, at this point you can either freeze the stuffed pecan halves for 1 hour before serving, or serving right away.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

To make these pecan stuffed dates a little healthier you can use regular pecans that are not candied. That will save you some extra sugar!
Ditch the chocolate and stuff with a selection of cheeses for a savory snack. You can use goat cheese, blue cheese, vegan cream cheese or mix fresh thyme with cream cheese to create a savory cream cheese filling for the savory route.
Top with a slice of bacon and maple syrup for a breakfast treat.
For a sweeter direction add peanut butter to the dates before adding the pecan. This will create extra layers of flavor.
The perfect snack to enjoy with white wine or a charcuterie board.
Freeze this snack idea on a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
Top each date with a little bit of orange zest for an acidic twist.
Top the filled date with sunflower seeds for a more savory profile.
Top with simple hummus, minced garlic, fresh herbs, sea salt flakes and kalamata olives for a salty savory version.

HOW TO SERVE & STORE

These pecan stuffed dates are best enjoyed right after making them for a soft texture. If you prefer them a bit firmer, freeze them for 1 hour before serving.

For storage, keep leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re fine to eat cold, but you can enjoy them warm too. Simply place them on a plate and microwave for a few seconds until the filling softens slightly.

To meal prep these pecan stuffed dates, assemble them individually in cupcake liners or small containers. Freeze them for a grab-and-go snack, or store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Pecan Stuffed Dates Recipe (Gluten Free)

Kayla Cappiello

This pecan stuffed dates recipe is gluten free. There is a vegan option and a nut free option as well!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

6 dates
12 candied pecans
2 tbsp caramel sauce or vegan option
3 tbsp chocolate tahini or vegan option
2 tbsp chocolate chips or vegan option

Instructions

If your dates are not pitted start here. You want to make sure to take the pit out of the date before making this recipe. Make a slice down the date, then gently pull the date apart and take the pit out. Slice them fully in half as well if that is easier, then remove the date, then create the peanut butter date recipe on the half date with the scooped out pit center as your little boat.
If your date is already pitted, you can start here. First, slice the date down the side without slicing all the way through the date fully. Gently pull open the slice.
In either the opened slice or the opened half of the date, add your chocolate tahini.
Next, top the tahini section with a candied pecan and chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel syrup on top.
Finally, at this point you can either freeze for 1 hour before serving, or serving right away.

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