As someone who is celiac, lactose intolerant and allergic to almonds, it is so important that all my recipes cater to people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or food allergies! I was diagnosed with celiac disease (the celiac gene) and a lactose intolerance in my early 20s and have been on a mission since to create easy, delicious recipes for others with food allergies!
These Stuffed Chocolate Dates with Peanut Butter are a delightful take on a classic sweet treat. These treats offer a satisfying mix of sweet and salty, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth sweet craving. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious snack made with simple ingredients, just like my pecan stuffed dates.
But what truly sets this delicious treat apart is its incredible ease. With just four ingredients and minimal prep work required, you can whip up a batch of peanut butter dates in minutes.
The best part about these peanut butter-stuffed dates are that they are gluten free, vegan and dairy free. There is a nut free option as well!
why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious: These peanut butter chocolate dates are a sweet and salty treat that combines the rich caramel-like taste of dates with creamy peanut butter, chocolate and coconut.
- Easy: With only 4 ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up a batch in minutes.
- Versatile: I like to customize these with different nut butters, chocolate chips or other toppings.
- Freezer-friendly: These peanut butter dates are perfect for meal prep, they store well in the freezer for a grab-and-go snack anytime.
- These are the perfect frozen treats for hot summer days.
- Make a big batch for a fun party treat.
ingredients & substitutions
sweet medjool dates: Fresh dates are the base of the recipe. Medjool dates are recommended because they’re big and soft. Sweet dates are usually found down the dried fruit aisle at your local grocery store.
Peanut Butter: This adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the peanut butter dates. Use natural peanut butter for the healthiest option or select one with no added sugar. You can also use different nut butter such as crunchy peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter. If you have nut allergies, you can use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. I love the all natural peanut butter from trader joes.
Vegan Chocolate Chips: These add sweetness and chocolate flavor. You can use regular chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you don’t need it to be vegan or dairy free. Use a cut up chocolate bar or rich dark chocolate bar. Drizzle with melted chocolate melted in a double boiler or the microwave with a microwave-safe bowl for fun chocolate-covered dates.
Shredded Coconut: I love the coconut topping because it adds a bit of sweetness and texture. You can skip it if you don’t like coconut.
taste & texture
This quick snack recipe is a sweet and salty mix. The peanut butter dates are chewy and soft, with a rich caramel-like taste. The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor. The chocolate chips make it sweet and chocolaty, and the coconut adds a bit of sweetness and crunch. It’s like a good for you candy bar!
directions
- Pitting the Dates (if necessary): For dates that contain pits, begin by making a longitudinal incision with a sharp knife along one side of the fruit. Carefully pull the date halves apart and remove the pit. Optionally, for easier filling, slice each pitted date in half lengthwise.
- Preparing the Dates: If using pre-pitted dates, simply slice each date open along one side, taking care not to cut completely through the fruit. Gently pry the halves apart to create a pocket for the filling.
- Filling the Dates: Using a teaspoon or piping bag, fill each prepared date cavity with teaspoon of peanut butter.
- Adding Toppings: Generously sprinkle the peanut butter filling with vegan chocolate chips and shredded coconut.
- Serving: This perfect snack can be enjoyed immediately, or I like to freeze them for at least one hour for a firmer texture.
expert tips & tricks
- Filling Finesse: Don’t overstuff the dates! Too much peanut butter can make them burst open. A half teaspoon per date is a good starting point.
- Chocolate Chip Choices: Dark chocolate chips add a sophisticated touch, while semi-sweet offers a classic sweetness. You can even use chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different flavor twist.
- Freezing Friend: Freezing this date recipe intensifies the flavors and creates a delicious, candy bar-like texture. Just be sure to thaw them for a few minutes before serving.
- Portion Perfection: For meal prep, pre-assemble the peanut butter dates in a batches in individual containers. This makes grabbing a easy snack on-the-go a breeze.
- If you love a snickers bar, top with chopped peanuts for a fun date snickers!
- Skip the coconut for just standard peanut butter stuffed dates.
- Option to top with flaky sea salt for a salty treat.
- Top the fresh medjool dates with maple syrup for a breakfast flare.
- I like to mix cocoa powder with the rich peanut butter and skip the chocolate chips for a low fat option.
how to serve & store
These peanut butter dates are delicious served immediately at room temperature. For a colder and firmer bite, store them in an airtight container or on a plate lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also store on a plate inside a ziplock bag or in an air-tight container.
Dates can freeze well too! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Then transfer the peanut butter dates to a freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw for a few minutes at room temperature or microwave in 30-second intervals until defrosted before enjoying.
To meal prep this easy snack, simply make individual servings and store them in the fridge or freezer in separate containers. This way I have a grab-and-go snack whenever I need it.
Stuffed Chocolate Dates with Peanut Butter (Gluten free)
Ingredients
- 6 Dates Medjool variety recommended
- 3 Tablespoons Peanut Butter creamy or crunchy, to preference
- 3 Tablespoons Vegan Chocolate Chips
- 3 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut unsweetened or toasted, to preference
Instructions
- Pitting the Dates (if necessary): For dates that contain pits, begin by making a longitudinal incision along one side of the fruit, using a sharp paring knife. Carefully pull the date halves apart and remove the pit. Optionally, for easier filling, slice each pitted date in half lengthwise.
- Preparing the Dates: If using pre-pitted dates, simply slice each date open along one side, taking care not to cut completely through the fruit. Gently pry the halves apart to create a pocket for the filling.
- Filling the Dates: Using a teaspoon or piping bag, fill each prepared date cavity with peanut butter.
- Adding Toppings: Generously sprinkle the peanut butter filling with vegan chocolate chips and shredded coconut.
- Serving: These treats can be enjoyed immediately, or frozen for at least one hour for a firmer texture.
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