I adore dates for many reasons. They offer natural sweetness and an addictive chewy texture, which makes them great for snacking on as is or using them as an ingredient for sweet treats. Even when I get lazy and don’t feel like making these chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates, I find myself dipping dates into a jar of peanut butter or almond butter for a quick sweet snack. Try it! Other times, I switch things up and make what I call “better cookie dough bites” – little round bites of heaven that honestly taste like cookie dough.
Nutritionally, dates are rock stars!
They offer about 2 grams of fiber per date, which we know is necessary for our bodies. American adults should be eating at least 25 grams for optimal health. So, adding a date or two to your day won’t hurt, right? Besides fiber, dates are also a source of potassium and six essential B vitamins, including folate and pantothenic acid.
But hey, the dates aren’t the only stars in this recipe. Peanut butter serves as the luscious creamy filling in this snack. Peanut butter is loaded with healthy fats and protein, making this a filling little bite. If you are that one in a million person who does not like peanut butter, feel free to use another nut butter in this recipe instead. I’ve made these with almond butter and cashew butter, and both turned out equally delicious!
Finally, I am here to tell you to add more dark chocolate to your diet. You’re welcome. Dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants, which we know help fight free-radicals and cell damage.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Serves 16
Ingredients
- 8 medjool dates
- 2 ½ Tbsp peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 2 ounces dark chocolate (or about ¼ cup chocolate chips)
Optional toppings:
- Course sea salt
- Cacao nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
Cut each date in half to end up with 16 pieces. Remove and discard the pits.
Spoon roughly ½ teaspoon nut butter into the little well of each half piece. Once all the pieces are stuffed with peanut butter, place them into the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the peanut butter slightly hardens.
Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate. I used the microwave to do this, but feel free to melt on the stove with a double boiler.
Remove the dates from the freezer. Dip the surface of the date that’s stuffed with peanut butter into the melted chocolate. Before the chocolate hardens, top with any of the optional toppings. Repeat for the remaining dates. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
