Stuffed Dates

By the Gracious Vegan

Stuffed dates are a great substitute for an unhealthy treat at the end of a meal or in the middle of the afternoon when your energy is flagging. The possibilities are endless. Traditionally, dates were stuffed with nuts, but that’s not a limiting factor. So many favorite flavor combinations can be re-created with healthy ingredients inside a big, chewy Medjool date.  

Use large, soft Medjool dates. Most dates have a vertical slit already present (where the pit was removed) — use that slit if possible instead of creating an additional cut.

If you’re looking for a special combination for your stuffed dates, check out these suggestions. A list of topping suggestions for make-your-own stuffed dates appears under these nine suggestions. Measurements are not given, since you may want to make multiple stuffed dates or just one.

Reese’s: Stir together peanut butter with some cocoa powder and maple or date syrup. Stuff the date with this mixture, then top with 1-2 peanuts.

Almond Joy: Stir unsweetened shredded coconut together with a little maple syrup. Stuff the date with the coconut mixture, then top with a roasted almond and cacao nibs.

Chai Coconut: Stir together some cashew or almond butter and a small pinch each of cinnamon, cardamom, garam masala, and ginger powder. Spread this mixture into the date and top with roasted (or unroasted) coconut flakes or shreds.

Granola: Spread the date with almond butter and top with granola.

Baklava: Stir together chopped walnuts, a little orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon, and stuff this mixture into the date.

Halva: Stir together chopped roasted pistachios, tahini, and a pinch each of cinnamon and cardamom, and stuff the mixture into the date. Top with 1-2 roasted pistachio nuts.

Pumpkin pie: Stir together mashed cooked sweet potato, almond or cashew butter, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup, and stuff the mixture into the date. Top with 1-2 walnut pieces

Sweet and salty: Spread plant-based ricotta or almond “goat” cheese into the date, then top with chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds.

Apple pie: Stuff a chunk of apple into the date and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.

Make your own combinations with these ideas

• Almond butter

• Peanut butter 

• Sunflower seed butter

• Cashew butter

• Tahini

• Plant-based ricotta

• Almond goat cheese

• Any plant-based herbed cheese spread

• Cooked sweet potato

• Shredded coconut

• Chopped pistachios

• Chopped pecans or chopped walnuts

• Finely chopped peanuts

• Whole almonds

• Fresh blueberries

• Pomegranate seeds

• Cacao nibs

• Dried fruit – dried cherries, cranberries, gogi berries, etc.

• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze