Walnut Stuffed Dates – A Great Holiday Delight

I think this is the fastest recipe I have ever written and shared.

But do not let those three ingredients fool you. The flavor and enjoyment you will get with each bite are out of this world.

The holiday season is upon us, and we all look for a great way to show our love to our family and friends utilizing sharing our favorite desserts and treats.

What is more fun than making those?

In this Article

What is Walnut Stuffed Dates?

I love those little morsels of dried fruits, and I have been known to eat a box all by myself, just a bit of caution as they can carry about of calories.

But then it is the holidays, so why not indulge a bit? There is always the gym where we can work out all the extra ounces.

I wish I could give some more tips on making this super quick recipe, but as you can see, there isn’t much I can tell you. My only advice is to eat in moderation.

Use the freshest walnuts you can find.

What are Dates?

Dates are the fruit of palm trees. Mainly growing in Middle Eastern countries, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

The most common are sweet Medjool dates and Deglet Noor dates. However, there are over 300 varieties grown.

Pitted or unpitted, either way, they are just so flavorful little morsels. However, if you can buy unpitted, it will save you so much time to prepare this dish.

Health benefits of dates

• A good source of vitamins and minerals, dates are high in sulfites found in dried dates, which can be a health concern.
• Medjool contains antioxidants and nutrients that may lower your risk of heart disease, promote digestion and support heart health. Do consult with your doctor as every person is different.
• Also, anti-inflammatory benefits are attributed to this divine little morsel of sweetness.
• Fresh dates are hand-picked due to how delicate they are, thus making them a bit more expensive.
• Natural sweeteners also know not to play havoc with your blood sugar levels.

Step by Step to create this excellent walnut stuffed dates

• If there is a pit inside the dates, carefully make a lengthwise incision to remove it.
• Combine the ingredients, including the walnuts, and gently pinch them together.
• In a small dish, place 1/4 cup of sugar. Roll the dates in the sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Substitutes and additions

• Substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your walnuts for a holiday spice twist.
• You can also drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the stuffed dates for an extra layer of sweetness.
• If you’re not a fan of sugar coating, you can roll the dates in shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts.

Additions

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the stuffed dates for a luxurious touch. The richness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the dates. I have even seen some people suggest adding peanut butter but I haven’t tried it myself.
• Cheese Filling: For a savory twist, add a small chunk of blue cheese, cream cheese or creamy goat cheese along with the walnut into the dates. The cheese’s delicious flavor complements the dates’ sweetness in an unexpected yet delightful way.
• Bacon Wrap: To further elevate the flavor profile, wrap the stuffed dates in a thin slice of bacon and bake until crispy. The salty, smoky flavors from the bacon create a fantastic balance with the sweet dates and crunchy walnuts.

Storage 

Storing walnut-stuffed dates is a breeze. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one month, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent the dates from drying out. 

Can you freeze them? Absolutely! You can easily freeze these delightful treats if you find yourself with a larger batch. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

When ready to consume, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This method ensures that you can enjoy these sweet delights at any time, not just during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Walnut stuffed dates are a versatile and easy snack or work as an easy appetizer that can be served in numerous delightful ways.

They make a fantastic addition to a cheese platter, providing a sweet contrast to the salty cheese and savory crackers. 

You can also serve them as an elegant dessert with a whipped cream dollop or chocolate sauce drizzle. Pair them with warm mulled wine or cider for a holiday festive touch.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The possibilities are endless with these sweet, chewy, and nutty treats.

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Originally published on October 22, 2021.