Last Updated on September 5, 2023
Chocolate covered dates with almond butter combine the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the natural sweetness of medjool dates.
This is a delicious treat that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Do you crave something sweet and decadent but also healthy and guilt-free? Look no further than these vegan chocolate-covered dates!
These Snickers-inspired chocolate dates are easy to make, and with variations like almond butter, nut stuffed, or peanut butter stuffed, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plus, these no-bake sweets are vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Follow our easy step-by-step guide and indulge in a plant-based snack that will have your taste buds dancing!
Dark Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter
To make these delicious almond-stuffed chocolate-covered dates, cut them lengthwise (not through) and remove the pits.
Stuff each date with an almond (or chopped almonds) before dipping them in melted dairy-free dark chocolate using a fork.
Place the coated dates on parchment paper. Allow them to set before serving.
Try making a batch of these delicious treats to share with friends and family at your next gathering. They’ll impress everyone with their unique flavor and chewy texture!
Medjool Dates or Deglet Noor Dates
The type of date you choose is important. I like Medjool dates for my sweets, like this vegan gelato with date caramel.
Medjool dates are the perfect choice for healthy snacks due to their rich caramel flavor and soft texture. This makes them easier to stuff and cover in chocolate.
Deglet Noor dates, on the other hand, have a firmer consistency, which makes them suitable for date chips or slices for toppings.
If you want these treats to be extra special, consider premium quality dates like Barhi or Halawi.
These varieties have a distinct taste profile with hints of vanilla and butterscotch flavors.
Ultimately, choosing the right type of date depends on your preference and what is available in your local market.
When selecting fresh dates for this recipe, always ensure they are fresh and plump without mold or discoloration.
Chocolate Dipped Stuffed Date Recipe
- 18 large Medjool dates (about 300g with pits removed)
- ½ cup/ 125g creamy unsalted almond butter (or peanut butter, cashew butter)
- 2 tbsp/38g coconut oil, melted
- ¼ tsp/2g sea salt
- 8 oz/225g semi-sweet chocolate (dark, dairy-free)
- 3 tbsp/20g shredded coconut
- Optional: Nuts such as macadamias, peanuts, almonds, or pistachios.
How To Make This Recipe
1. Place the melted coconut oil, almond butter, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Place in the freezer for 10-12 minutes until firm at the edges.
2. While the filling chills: If your dates still contain pits, remove them by making a lengthwise slice on one side and prying the pit out.
Remove any tough, vegetative caps at the end of the dates. Lay dates out on a parchment or wax paper-covered baking sheet.
Open them up along the cut so there is obvious space to fill them. Do not completely tear/cut in half or enlarge the opening more than necessary.
3. Once the filling is chilled, stir the almond butter mixture until it thickens and holds its shape.
Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or into a Ziploc bag and cut off a corner. Pipe just enough almond butter mixture into each date to fill. Pinch the dates closed. Freeze the dates for 20 minutes.
4. While the dates freeze, break the chocolate into small pieces. Melt in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. If desired, temper the chocolate.
Reserve a couple of squares of chocolate. Melt the rest by heating it up to 115°F/46 C. Remove from heat and stir until it cools to 95°F/35 C. Add the remaining chocolate and stir to melt it until it reaches 88-91°/31-32 C.
5. Use a fork (or toothpick) to cover the dates in chocolate and turn until completely covered.
Place back on a flat tray lined with parchment and sprinkle a bit of coconut on the dates while the chocolate is still liquid. The chocolate will harden quickly, so work with the dates one at a time.
When all the dates have been covered, set the chocolate aside until it is hardened and ready to serve.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Tips for Making Chocolate Coating
Making the coating for your dates is relatively straightforward. You will need to melt dairy-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler on the stove.
To give it extra flavor, you could add sugar, vanilla extract, spices, or coconut oil. Remember to stir occasionally while melting the chocolate to make sure the chocolate isn’t scorching.
Variation For Chocolate Coated Dates
You can use your favorite nut butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
Stuff the dates, then dip them in melted vegan dark or white chocolate until fully coated.
You can also customize the toppings. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or dried fruit for additional crunch or sea salt flakes to contrast the sweetness.
If you want something more unique, try rolling your chocolate-covered dates in coconut flakes or crushed pretzels before dipping them in melted dark chocolate the second time.
The possibilities are endless when decorating these delicious date treats!
Serving Suggestions
One idea is to arrange them on a platter for an elegant dessert presentation to impress your guests.
Another option is to add them as a sweet topping to oatmeal or smoothie bowls, adding crunch and nutrition to your breakfast routine.
Another fun idea is to serve vegan chocolate-covered dates as part of a charcuterie board alongside other fruits, nuts, and cheeses (vegan or not).
The combination of flavors and textures will impress guests at your next gathering. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different fillings like berries or caramel!
Regardless of how you serve them, these decadent treats will surely be a hit!
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to keep chocolate-covered dates fresh and tasty for longer.
To store them, place dates in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.
For a longer period, freeze them instead of refrigerating them. Place the dates in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can last up to one month.
By following these simple storage tips, you’ll ensure that your chocolate-covered date recipe remains fresh and tasty whenever you crave it!
Making these treats at home is easy, with just a few simple steps in preparing the dates and making the vegan chocolate coating.
Additionally, storing your dates correctly will ensure they stay fresh for longer periods so you can enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
So why not indulge in healthy sweetness today by trying this amazing recipe?
More Vegan Sweets and Baking
- Vegan Gelato with Date Caramel
- Tofu chocolate mousse
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Protein powder mug cake recipe
- Valentine cupcakes
- Vegan blueberry muffins with protein powder
- Rice pudding with cooked rice
- Señorita Bread
Dark Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter
Ingredients
- 18 pc large Medjool dates (about 300g with pits removed)
- ½ cup unsalted almond butter 125g
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted 38g
- 8 oz semi-sweet vegan dark chocolate 225g
- ¼ tsp salt 2g
Topping (Optional)
- 3 tbsp shredded coconut 20g
Instructions
- 1. Place the melted coconut oil, almond butter, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Place in the freezer for 10-12 minutes until firm at the edges.
- 2. While the filling chills: If your dates still contain pits, remove them by making a lengthwise slice on one side and prying the pit out. Remove any tough, vegetative caps at the end of the dates. Lay dates out on a parchment or wax paper covered baking sheet. Open them up along the cut so there is obvious space to fill them. Do not completely tear/cut in half or enlarge the opening more than necessary.
- 3. Once the filling is chilled, stir the almond butter mixture until it thickens and holds its shape. Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or into a Ziploc bag and cut off a corner. Pipe just enough almond butter mixture into each date to fill. Pinch the dates closed. Freeze the dates for 20 minutes.
- 4. While the dates freeze: Break the chocolate into small pieces. Melt in a heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30 second bu