Vegan Stuffed Dates (Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate, 10 Minutes)
Three ingredients, no cooking, 10 minutes — stuffed medjool dates are the plant-based snack that tastes like a confection. Medjool dates have a soft, caramel-like sweetness that pairs remarkably well with peanut butter and dark chocolate. They’re portable, keep for weeks in the fridge, and are satisfying in a way that most two-bite snacks aren’t.
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup (65 g) natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 oz (60 g) 70%+ vegan dark chocolate, melted
Optional toppings:
- Flaky sea salt
- Chopped roasted peanuts or almonds
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Hemp seeds
Method
- Check dates. If the dates still have pits, make a slit along one side and remove them. If they’re dry or hard, microwave for 15 seconds to soften.
- Stuff. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of peanut butter into each date. Press it in gently so it fills the cavity.
- Melt chocolate. Break chocolate into pieces and melt in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
- Dip or drizzle. Either dip the bottom of each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, or place dates on parchment paper and drizzle chocolate over the top.
- Top. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt, chopped nuts, or coconut while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
- Store. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Variations and Substitutions
Tahini stuffed dates: Substitute peanut butter with tahini for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavour. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the tahini.
Cream cheese stuffed: Use vegan cream cheese (Violife or Kite Hill) with a drop of vanilla and a little powdered sugar mixed in. Elegant dessert variation.
Walnut stuffed: Press a whole walnut half into each date instead of nut butter. Then drizzle with chocolate.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Caramel variation: Briefly warm the peanut butter with a teaspoon of maple syrup and a pinch of salt for a more caramel-like flavour.
Tips
Use medjool dates specifically. Regular dried dates (Deglet Noor) are smaller, drier, and much less sweet. Medjool dates are the large, soft, caramel-tasting variety. They’re usually found fresh in the produce section rather than the dried fruit aisle.
Flaky salt is worth it. The contrast between the sweet date, rich peanut butter, bittersweet chocolate, and crunchy salt crystal is what makes these genuinely good rather than merely adequate.
Don’t overfill. The date should close loosely around the filling. Overfilled dates burst and the filling slides out.
FAQ
Are medjool dates expensive? They’re priced higher than regular dates. Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Costco all carry them at reasonable prices; Costco in particular sells large bags at good value. Check international grocery stores and Middle Eastern markets for the best prices.
Are dates vegan? Yes — dates are a fruit and completely plant-based.
Do stuffed dates need refrigeration? The peanut butter is stable at room temperature, but refrigeration keeps them firm and extends shelf life. The chocolate coating also stays firm when refrigerated. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
See the vegan energy balls for another date-based snack. Browse all plant-based snacks at the vegan snacks hub.