Stuffed Dates with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
🕒 Prep Time: 18 min 🕒 Total Time: 18 min
🍽️ Servings: 10
Ingredients
20 medjool dates
⅓ cup organic peanut butter (may need to adjust depending on size of dates)
¼ cup pecans, very finely chopped
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup cacao or cocoa powder (can also use chocolate chips)
Sea salt flakes
Instructions:
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Slice open each date and remove the pit. Place on tray. Be warned - they are very sticky!
Spoon approx. ¼ - ½ tsp. of peanut butter into each date. The amount really depends on size.
Push peanut butter side of stuffed dates lightly into chopped pecans.
Add coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave* for 30 seconds, stir a bit, then microwave another 15 seconds.
Stir in cacao or cocoa powder until fully incorporated. If using chocolate chips, you will need to melt them in the microwave at 30 second intervals until melted, then incorporate into coconut oil. Allow to cool slightly.
Drizzle chocolate over dates or dip dates into chocolate.
Optional - sprinkle a few salt flakes on each date to finish.**
💚The Healthy Bit: Dates 💚
Dates are rich in fiber which support digestion and gut health and provide key minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese which support bone strength, muscle function, and the nervous system.
Dates also contain vitamins B6 and K, along with antioxidants such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolics that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Their fiber and plant compounds help steady blood sugar and provide a gentle, sustained energy boost, making dates a nutrient-dense addition to recipes and a great sugar substitute in certain recipes like smoothies.
*In a pinch, or if you want to be fancy, you could use a double boiler.
**Do not use finishing salt if sodium is an issue for you.
