Salted Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Indulge in a truly irresistible sweet and salty sensation with these Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates, elegantly finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Crafted with just four simple ingredients, this treat offers a gourmet experience that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to elevate your snack game with these decadent, yet surprisingly wholesome, homemade delights!

Experience Gourmet Decadence: Dates That Taste Like Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary treat that has quickly become one of my absolute favorites: Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Sea Salt. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary revelation that perfectly marries contrasting textures and flavors into a harmonious bite. The natural sweetness and chewy texture of Medjool dates, combined with the creamy, slightly salty richness of peanut butter, enveloped in a shell of bittersweet dark chocolate, and finally balanced with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt—it’s truly an out-of-this-world delicious experience.

These peanut butter stuffed dates, elegantly coated in rich dark chocolate and adorned with a touch of flaky sea salt, transform into a quick and easy dessert that is utterly irresistible. Each component plays a vital role in creating a flavor profile so sophisticated, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in a luxurious, handcrafted truffle. The magic lies in the symphony of textures and tastes: the soft, caramel-like chew of the date, the smooth and hearty embrace of the peanut butter, the satisfying snap of the dark chocolate, and the subtle crunch of sea salt that enhances every other note.

The flavor and texture combinations in these dates are designed to make you swoon with every bite. Sweet, moist dates provide a natural candy-like base, which is then generously filled with salty, often slightly crunchy, peanut butter. This delightful core is then dipped into a bittersweet dark chocolate coating, creating a perfectly balanced contrast. A final sprinkle of sea salt not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also heightens the flavors, making these treats delicious both inside and out. They are the ultimate sweet and salty delight that you won’t be able to get enough of!

Elevate Your Dessert Game with Decadent Homemade Candies

These homemade delights redefine what it means to be a “candy.” The natural sweetness and chewy texture of dates lend an inherent taste of decadence, eliminating the need for complex ingredients or excessive sugars. You’ll find that these treats taste remarkably like rich chocolate peanut butter truffles, but without the guilt or the complicated process. As an added bonus, they pair wonderfully with a glass of red wine, making them the perfect sophisticated accompaniment for an evening treat or a dinner party dessert. You’re welcome!

Seriously, I am so excited for you to experience making and tasting these! Whether you keep them all to yourself or share them with lucky friends and family, everyone who tries them is guaranteed to fall in love. They offer a unique combination of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors, making them a fantastic option for a healthier snack or a satisfying dessert. The ease of preparation, coupled with their gourmet appeal, makes them a standout recipe in any collection.

Why You’ll Adore This Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about making a sweet treat; it’s about creating a moment of pure joy and satisfaction with minimal effort. Here’s why these Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates will become a staple in your kitchen:

• **Effortless Elegance:** With only four main ingredients and a straightforward process, you can achieve a gourmet-looking and tasting dessert without any fuss. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• **Healthier Indulgence:** Dates provide natural sweetness and fiber, while peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats. Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, adds another layer of goodness, making this a treat you can feel good about.
• **Customizable Delight:** While the classic combination is heavenly, these dates are a blank canvas for customization. Explore different nut butters, chocolate types, or toppings to suit your taste.
• **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you need a quick snack, an elegant dessert for guests, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a satisfying energy boost, these dates fit the bill beautifully.
• **Sweet and Salty Perfection:** The balance of sweet dates and chocolate with the salty peanut butter and sea salt creates an addictive flavor profile that satisfies all cravings.

Essential Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. To create these delightful treats, you’ll only need four key items, but choosing good quality ingredients will make all the difference in the final taste and texture.

• **Fresh Whole Dates:** Opt for soft, plump Medjool dates, which are known for their rich, caramel-like flavor and wonderfully chewy texture. They are naturally sweet and large enough to be easily stuffed.
• **Crunchy Peanut Butter:** While creamy peanut butter works, crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture that enhances the overall experience. Choose a natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar and oil for the best flavor and consistency.
• **Dark Chocolate Chips:** A good quality dark chocolate is crucial here. I highly recommend using Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips for their rich, intense flavor and smooth melting properties. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the dates perfectly.
• **Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, is ideal. Its larger crystals provide a pleasant crunch and a burst of briny flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the chocolate and dates.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Creating these gourmet-style treats is surprisingly simple and immensely rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly made, irresistible dates every time.

• **Prepare the Dates:** With a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a small slit lengthwise across the top of each date, from end to end. Be gentle to avoid cutting all the way through. Lightly squeeze the date to open it and gently pry out the seed. Discard the seeds. Arrange the hollowed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are ready for stuffing.
• **Stuff with Peanut Butter:** Take a heaping teaspoon of your chosen crunchy peanut butter and carefully fill each date. Press the peanut butter gently into the cavity, making sure it’s snug and secure. Return the peanut butter stuffed dates to the parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is crucial for flavor and texture.
• **Chill for Firmness:** Once all dates are stuffed, place the baking sheet with the peanut butter-filled dates into the freezer for approximately 15 minutes. This freezing step is important as it allows the peanut butter to firm up, preventing it from oozing out when dipped into the warm chocolate and creating a cleaner, more stable final product.

• **Melt the Dark Chocolate:** In a shallow, microwave-safe bowl (wide enough to dip a date easily), melt the dark chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Return to the microwave for additional 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy with no lumps. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler method for more control.
• **Dip and Coat:** Remove the chilled dates from the freezer. One at a time, dip each peanut butter stuffed date into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. You can use a fork or a toothpick to help submerge and lift the date, letting any excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.
• **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Return the chocolate-covered date to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately, after about a minute (while the chocolate is still wet), sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each date. This allows the salt to adhere beautifully to the warm chocolate. Repeat the dipping and salting process for all remaining dates.
• **Allow to Set:** Let the chocolate-covered dates set completely at room temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your room’s temperature and humidity. For a quicker set, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Once fully set, the chocolate will be firm and shiny, ready to enjoy.

How to Store Your Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your homemade chocolate-covered dates. These treats are best enjoyed when stored correctly, ensuring their flavors and textures remain perfectly intact for days.

Once the chocolate has completely set, transfer the dates to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled helps the chocolate maintain its crispness and prevents the dates from becoming overly soft.

While they are still great when enjoyed straight from the refrigerator, we find that their flavors and textures truly shine when allowed to come to room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before eating. This slight warming allows the date to soften slightly, the peanut butter to become creamier, and the dark chocolate to release its full aromatic profile, enhancing the entire tasting experience.

For longer storage, these dates can also be frozen! Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until completely frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Variations & Customizations for Your Stuffed Dates

While the classic Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates are perfect as they are, there are many ways to customize them to your liking. Unleash your creativity and experiment with different flavors and textures!

• **Nut Butter Alternatives:** Not a fan of peanut butter? Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Ensure the alternative butter is thick enough to hold its shape when chilled.
• **Chocolate Choices:** While dark chocolate provides a wonderful contrast, feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also drizzle multiple types of chocolate for a decorative touch.
• **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your peanut butter filling for a warm, aromatic twist. A tiny dash of cayenne pepper can also introduce a subtle, exciting heat.
• **Extra Toppings:** Beyond sea salt, consider sprinkling other toppings while the chocolate is still wet:
  • **Chopped Nuts:** Almonds, pistachios, or walnuts add extra crunch and flavor.
  • **Toasted Coconut Flakes:** For a tropical twist and lovely texture.
  • **Cacao Nibs:** To enhance the dark chocolate flavor and add bitterness.
  • **Sprinkles:** For a fun and festive look, especially for holidays or parties.
• **Extracts:** A drop of vanilla extract or almond extract mixed into the peanut butter can elevate the flavor.

If you make these glorious Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates and post a pic to social media, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creations! 😍 I truly love seeing how inspired and creative all of you get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every single bite!

xoxo,

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Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Sea Salt

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  Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 25 mins
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  Total Time: 25 mins
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  Yield: 12
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  Category: Dessert

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Description

Just 4 ingredients is all it takes to make these dark chocolate covered peanut butter stuffed dates with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delectable sweet and salty treat! These easy no-bake delights are a healthier alternative to traditional truffles, offering a perfect blend of chewy dates, creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and a satisfying hint of sea salt.

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Ingredients

• 12 fresh whole Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (natural preferred)
• 1 (10 ounce) bag high-quality dark chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dates:** With a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a small slit lengthwise across the top of each date, from end to end. Be gentle to avoid cutting all the way through the date. Lightly squeeze the date to open it and gently pry out the seed. Discard the seeds. Arrange the hollowed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. **Fill and Chill:** Fill each date with a heaping teaspoon of crunchy peanut butter. Gently press the peanut butter into the cavity. Return the stuffed dates to the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet with the peanut butter-stuffed dates into the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the peanut butter to firm up.
3. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a shallow, microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Return to the microwave for about 30 more seconds, or until completely smooth and melted. Stir until glossy, ensuring there are no lumps. (Alternatively, use a double boiler for melting chocolate.)
4. **Dip and Salt:** Remove the chilled dates from the freezer. Dip one date at a time into the melted chocolate, coating the date and the peanut butter completely. Use a fork or a toothpick to lift it out, letting excess chocolate drip off. Return the chocolate-covered date to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately, after about a minute (while the chocolate is still wet), sprinkle the top of each date with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Repeat for all dates.
5. **Set and Serve:** Let the chocolate-covered dates set completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or for a quicker set, place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is firm. Once set, enjoy these delightful sweet and salty treats!

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Notes

Store these delicious chocolate-covered dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re still wonderful when enjoyed cold, but for the absolute best experience, we recommend letting them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating. This allows the date to soften slightly, the peanut butter to become creamier, and the dark chocolate to fully express its rich flavors.