Chocolate Covered Dates With Peanut Butter

Dates are like mother nature's candy. They are naturally sweet and delicious in both baked and no-bake desserts. In the case of these chocolate covered dates with peanut butter, the dates are stuffed and then coated in chocolate before they are sprinkled with flakey sea salt. It is the perfect salty-sweet concoction and tastes just like candy.

This easy no-bake date recipe uses only five ingredients (including the salt garnish) and requires little labor. Chocolate covered dates are a great edible gift and a delicious healthy snack {or dessert). This recipe is vegan and gluten-free which makes it an ideal treat for sharing.

If you love dates, then you will absolutely love these Brown Sugar Date and Walnut Bars!

Why You Will Love This Healthy Snack

• This is the perfect salty-sweet snack thanks to the semi-sweet chocolate, sweet dates, salty peanut butter, and additional flakey sea salt garnish.
• This stuffed dates recipe uses only five ingredients. With exception to the dates, the ingredient list is all pantry staple items.
• These stuffed dates are easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to set (thirty minutes in the refrigerator).
• These chocolate covered dates are a delicious alternative to candy, with the added benefit of protein (from the peanut butter), fiber, and vitamins (from the dates). Keep in mind, that dates have a natural source of fructose. They pack a lot of sweetness in a small quantity.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Medjool Dates (pitted) - You can buy already pitted or pit yourself.
• Smooth Peanut Butter - I find that smooth peanut butter has the best texture for this recipe, however, use crunchy peanut butter if desired.
• Honey Roasted Peanuts - Pulse in a food processor or crush by hand in a ziptop bag. Substitute with chopped almonds.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Or dark chocolate, chopped.
• Flakey Sea Salt - The sea salt is there for garnish and flavor. Another garnish option is additional crushed peanuts on top.

How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Prepare the Dates - Start with pitted (easier) dates or pit the dates yourself. Slice the top of each date enough so that you can stuff it, but not all the way through the entire date.

Crush the Peanuts - Using a food processor or a zip-top bag and a rolling pin, crush the peanuts. *Do not completely pulse, we still want some texture.

Fill the Dates - For best results and easy filling, transfer the peanut butter to a pastry bag. Fill each date with ½ teaspoon - 1 teaspoon of peanut butter depending on the size of the date. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the peanut butter. Gently push the sides of the dates together to secure.

Freeze - Freeze the filled dates for 10-15 minutes.

Melt the Chocolate - While the dates are freezing, melt the chocolate. Transfer the chocolate chips to a heat-safe bowl. Place the bowl over a small pot with about 1 to 2 inches of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring frequently. Once melted, carefully remove the bowl from the pot {using an oven mitt, the bowl will be hot}. Place the bowl onto a kitchen towel.

Dip and Garnish - Line a cooling rack or sheet tray with parchment or wax paper. Using a fork or candy utensil, dip each date into the chocolate to coat. If there is chocolate remaining, drizzle each date with chocolate. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt.

Chill - Chill the dates in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

Tips for Melting Chocolate

IN THE MICROWAVE - Melting chocolate in the microwave is quicker than on the stove, however, it can be easily problematic. The chocolate can clump up and burn easily if you are not paying attention. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or a neutral-flavored oil like canola for every cup of chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted.

ON THE STOVE - The most efficient method of melting chocolate is using a double-boiler. At home, this means setting a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan filled with 1-2 inches of simmering water. Like the microwave method, it is important to stir the chocolate frequently. In addition, make sure that no water enters the bowl of chocolate. If water enters the chocolate, it will seize and become a grainy mess.

Keys for Success

1. Use Fresh Dates - Dates tend to dry as they sit. For the best filled dates, make sure that your Medjool dates are soft and within the best-by date.
2. Chill - There are two parts of the recipe for chilling when the dates are filled with peanut butter and then again when they are dipped in chocolate. Chilling is essential for the appearance of these dates, while also speeding up the setting process.
3. Work Quickly - When it comes to melted chocolate, it is important to work relatively quickly to ensure all the pieces are dipped while the chocolate is still fluid.

More Healthy Sweet Treats

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Clusters
• Carrot Cake Protein Muffins
• Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters
• Banana Walnut Protein Muffins
• Blueberry Oat Protein Muffins

Storing

• STORE - Store the dates in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FAQ

Are chocolate dates healthy? While it is important to consider that dates have a natural source of fructose, it is still sugar. Dates are full of B- vitamins, magnesium, and iron. They are also a fantastic source of potassium. So, while this dessert has sugar and calories, there are added health benefits in comparison to other sweet treats.

Can I use different nut butter to fill dates? Yes, all nut butter works well for stuffing dates. However, make note that some nut butter is softer than others. This means they may need longer to set in the freezer and may require alternative storage.

Can you freeze Medjool dates? Yes, dates can be frozen. Transfer the dates to an airtight container. Freeze them for up to one year.