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 dates are gluten free. There is a vegan option and a nut free option as well!
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 healthy little treat that reminds me of pecan pies on thanksgiving. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for a fun frozen treat. You can make them 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! Date 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! Plus, these stuffed dates only take a few minutes to make.
These pecan stuffed dates are the perfect fall combination of that sweet pecan flavor and caramel. They are perfect to serve as a little treat on thanksgiving or any autumn get together or party.
INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS
MEDJOOL DATES
Dates are found in the produce section of the grocery store by the fruits and vegetables. They’re are soft and sticky in texture. Dates come either pitted (which means the pit is removed) or with the pit still in (you can easily remove the pit yourself).
If your dates are not pitted, make sure to take it out before making this pecan stuffed date 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 chocolate date recipe on the half date with the scooped out pit center as your little boat.
CHOCOLATE TAHINI
Instead of using a nut based spread like peanut butter, I used chocolate tahini. It reminds me of a chocolate peacan pie I make every year for thanksgiving! Its creamy, chocolate-y and the best part is that chocoalte tahini is nut free!
VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIPS
To top these pecan stuffed dates I like to add chocoalte chips for a crunchy texture. Make sure to use vegan chocolate chips to keep this recipe vegan.
CARAMEL
I like to drizzle caramel on top here. For a vegan option you can also use my vegan peanut butter frosting instead!
CANDIED PECANS
This recipe calls for candied pecans to mimic the sweet pecan pie flavor! Regular pecans are also an option here if you are watching you sugar intake!
TASTE & TEXTURE
These pecan stuffed dates and sweet and salty and gooey. The dates are sticky and the chocolate tahnini is creamy and sweet.
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
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.
STEP 2
In either the opened slice or the opened half of the date, add your chocolate tahini.
STEP 3
Next, top the tahini section with a candied pecan and chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel syrup on top.
STEP 4
Finally, at this point you can either freeze for 1 hour before serving, or serving right away.
EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS
HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHIER
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!
HOW TO SERVE & STORE
These pecan stuffed dates are easy to make for a healthy dessert at home, or to make as a dessert to serve at a party or for a holiday. They are easy to serve and already individual size portioned! They can be topped with festive color sprinkles too!
Store in the freezer for when you need a treat!
Pecan Stuffed Dates (gluten free)
Ingredients
- 6 dates
- 12 candied pecans
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce or vegan option
- 3 tbsp chocolate tahini
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips, chopped vegan
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.