These Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates are perfect when you fancy a sweet snack but want something healthy too! Vegan and gluten-free too.
Working from home, I often get a major case of the mid-afternoon hunger pangs. I always end up wanting something sweet, and all too often reach for snacks that are less than healthy.
Whilst I have definitely don't have a problem with the occasional indulgence, it's nice to know that what you're putting in your body is nourishing and going to boost your energy, not send you into a sugar slump! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates do just that.
This creation was inspired by a similar stuffed dates recipe on the Delicious Ella app. Ella shared an image of them on her Instagram page last week and that was it: I couldn't stop thinking about making my own version.
After a little trial and error - SUCH a tough life being a food blogger 🙂 - I've perfected them. These chocolate covered dates use a handful of ingredients and are made from whole foods - dates, cacao, coconut oil and peanut butter.
I think they're absolutely delicious and have been making them on repeat since last week. They're the perfect snack because not only do they satisfy that mid-afternoon sweet craving, but the protein and fat fill you up and actually boost your energy. Win!
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER STUFFED DATES - A NOTE ON INGREDIENTS
You may notice that the chocolate in these stuffed dates doesn't include any sweetener. This is because I think the dates are more than sweet enough on their own. You're welcome to add a little maple syrup or agave to the chocolate if you like, but I think you'll find it makes the snack too sweet.
You're welcome to use smaller, non-medjool dates for this recipe if that's what you have. However, you may find the recipe a bit more fiddly with smaller dates (as they can be tricky to open). Also, remember to adjust the amount of peanut butter you stuff them with accordingly.
If you prefer to use another nut butter to peanut butter, go ahead and try it! I'm sure this recipe will work well with any kind of nut butter, such as cashew or almond.
Finally, please note that these dates need to be stored in the fridge. Due to the chocolate's coconut oil content, it will melt at room temperature so keep the dates cool! (If you'd prefer dates that won't melt so quickly, substitute the coconut oil for cocoa butter instead.)
Check out my Reel showing you how to make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates here!
If you'd like more delicious sweet treats that only require 4 ingredients or less, why not try my 3 Ingredient Sugar-Free Chocolate or Easy Vegan Strawberries & Cream.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates (vegan & gf)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cacao or cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 20 medjool dates
- ⅓ cup (heaped) peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. (This step is important to ensure the dates don't stick to the tray!)
- To make the chocolate, add the cacao powder and coconut oil to a small saucepan and heat VERY gently on the stove over the lowest possible temperature.
- When the coconut oil is melted and the two ingredients are combined, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Slice open each of the dates and spoon roughly just under 1 teaspoon of peanut butter into the middle of each.
- Dip each one in the melted chocolate mixture and place on the baking tray.
- Freeze the dates for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Remove the dates from the freezer, and dip each one in the chocolate again, returning them to the baking tray (you may need to use a spoon to cover the dates in chocolate as you'll be running low by this point).
- If you have any chocolate left over, drizzle it over the dates!
- Freeze them for another 15 minutes until hardened, then serve!
- Store any uneaten chocolate-covered dates in the fridge.
If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a comment or tip for others below. I'd love to know how you’ve made it your own!
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Natalie
Such a great vegan treat! Can't wait to make these!
Elizabeth
Yay! Let me know how it goes. So glad you like the look of them. 🙂
Candice
I love this recipe, thanks so much Elizabeth! As you say the choco mixture drfinately does not need extra sweetener. I didn't have coconut oil and substituted a little butter in its place, which worked perfectly (although they were no longer vegan!)
I will regularly make these ahead amd have them ready for sweet lunch treats. They were a hit!
Elizabeth
I'm so glad to hear it Candice! I love that you made your own substitutions and it sounds like they worked really well. 🙂 Yes, it's a great one to have in the fridge/freezer for when you 'need' sweet treats!
Amy
Amazing recipe! delicious. thank you!
Elizabeth
So glad you like it Amy! It's one of my favourites - so simple yet so satisfying. 🙂
Jennifer
Can’t wait to try these, how long will they keep for?
Elizabeth
If you keep them in the fridge, they'll last for at least 4-5 days. Probably longer but I've never managed to make them last that long! (You do need to keep them in the fridge though). 🙂
Sarah
These are an amazing treat and I love that they are naturally sweetened with the dates. I've tried this with other nut butters including almond and they're always so delicious and never last long! ?
Elizabeth
I'm so glad you like them Sarah! I'm with you - they never last long 🙂
Dana M
SO good.
If you buy the already pitted dates, you can do what I did and put your peanut butter in a piping bag, and with a small tip, pipe it directly into the date. Took me all of about 5 minutes. ?
Elizabeth
That is a GENIUS idea! I never thought of doing it that way. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Amy Liu Dong
Oh my gosh, this is so delicious!
I will try this at home, and I am sure my family will love this!
Elizabeth
I really hope you and they love it Amy!