These Baklava Stuffed Dates are packed with crunchy nuts, warm cinnamon, silky chocolate, and a glossy honey drizzle for an easy baklava-inspired bite. They come together quickly, taste naturally sweet, and feel fancy without any baking!
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What are Stuffed Dates?
Stuffed dates are sliced open and filled with a sweet or savory mixture, then finished with toppings like nuts, chocolate, or honey. They’re popular because they require minimal prep and deliver big flavor with simple ingredients. The natural caramel notes of the fruit make them taste rich without adding refined sugar.
In this baklava-style version, the filling blends chopped walnuts, pistachios, peanut butter, honey, and warm spices for a creamy-crunchy center. They’re as perfect for prepping for the week as they are for parties!
Ingredients You Need for Baklava Stuffed Dates
- Medjool Dates – We love using these because their soft, caramel-like texture makes them easy to open, and their size makes them a breeze to fill. Their natural sweetness means you don’t need much added sugar.
- Chopped Walnuts – These add an earthy crunch that balances the sweetness of the dates. Lightly toasting them deepens the nutty aroma and flavor.
- Chopped Pistachios – These bring a buttery bite and a pop of green color that gives classic baklava vibes. Finely chopping them helps them mix smoothly into the filling.
- Honey – This is a traditional sweetener for baklava! You can use maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness.
- Cinnamon – This is a great way to add warmth — it instantly makes the filling smell cozy and inviting. A small pinch keeps the flavors balanced.
- Vanilla Extract – We love using this ingredient because it rounds out the sweetness and adds a bakery-style aroma. Pure vanilla gives the cleanest flavor.
- Peanut Butter – This helps bind the chopped nuts together. A smooth variety blends easily, while a crunchy version adds extra texture.
- Chocolate Chips – We drizzle this on top for a silky finish that contrasts with the chewy fruit. Melting slowly and stirring often keeps the chocolate glossy.
How to Make Stuffed Dates
- Create the Date Pockets. Use a small knife to slice each date lengthwise just enough to form an opening, then gently pull it apart and remove any pits. Keep the halves attached so they hold the filling.
- Mix the Filling. Stir the walnuts, pistachios, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, peanut butter, and optional goat cheese in a bowl until thick and evenly combined. The mixture should be scoopable and slightly sticky. You can also do this step in a food processor.
- Fill the Centers. Press or spoon the nut mixture into each date, packing it in so every bite has a good balance of sweetness and crunchy texture. Gently pinch the sides if needed to help hold everything in place.
- Melt the Chocolate. Warm the chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring between each round, until smooth and pourable. Avoid overheating so the texture stays silky.
- Top and Rest. Spoon the melted chocolate over the tops and let the dates sit until the chocolate firms up and looks glossy.
Variations on Baklava Stuffed Dates
- Orange Zest – Add a pinch of fresh orange zest to the filling for a bright citrus aroma that pairs beautifully with honey. The flavor feels light and fragrant.
- Almonds – Replace walnuts with chopped almonds and add a drop of almond extract.
- Coconut – Stir in finely shredded coconut for extra texture and a subtle tropical note. Toasted coconut adds even more depth!
- Dark Chocolate – Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for even more contrast against the sweet fruit.
- Nut-Free – Replace the nuts with sunflower seed butter and crushed graham crackers. The texture stays interesting while remaining allergy-friendly.
- Sea Salt – Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate. The sweet-salty combo makes each bite pop.
- Maple Spice – Use maple syrup instead of honey and add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. The flavor leans warm and cozy.
- Goat Cheese – For a flavor twist that’s a little savory, swap out the peanut butter for goat cheese. This brings a tangy, creamy contrast that balances the sweetness of the honey and dates. Letting it soften slightly before mixing makes it easier to spread.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers hold up well, though the dates will soften slightly as they sit and absorb the filling. They are great for making ahead because the flavors meld together nicely over time.
Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze them for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Common Questions about Stuffed Dates
Absolutely! They are perfect for prepping a day or two in advance since the flavors blend even more after resting.
Melting slowly and stirring often helps prevent overheating. A tiny splash of coconut oil can also create a smoother drizzle.
Melting slowly and stirring often helps prevent overheating. A tiny splash of coconut oil can also create a smoother drizzle.
Yes, the base ingredients are naturally gluten-free as long as no cookie crumbs or add-ins with gluten are mixed in.
More Date Recipes
If you love sweet bites and quick snacks, these should be right up your alley. Here are a few more favorites to keep the inspiration going.
Almond Joy Dates
Chocolate Covered Dates with Peanut Butter
Date Bark
Date Brownies
Stuffed Dates (Baklava-Style)
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Ingredients
- 14 Medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup/agave
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- ¼ cup chocolate chips for melting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates. If your dates still have pits, make a shallow slice down the middle of each date (be careful not to cut all the way through) and remove the pit. Gently open each date to create space for the filling.14 Medjool dates
- Make the Filling. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, chopped walnuts, honey (or syrup), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined and coated. For finer nuts and a smoother paste, use a food processor.¼ cup chopped pistachios, ¼ cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- Stuff the Dates. Spoon the nut mixture into the center of each date.
- Melt the Chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.¼ cup chocolate chips
- Drizzle & Serve. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the stuffed dates. Let set slightly, then enjoy!
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
