Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Peanut butter stuffed dates are an easy and healthy snack idea! This recipe only requires two ingredients and there is no cooking involved. It is the perfect option for a healthy dessert or to calm your sweet tooth.

Dates with peanut butter- is there a better combination? At 37 weeks pregnant, I'm looking for all the healthy (but tasty) snacks. I seriously can't get enough. For some reason, peanut butter seems to be high on my list of favorite foods over the last couple of weeks.

This recipe was created as a healthier alternative to candy or desserts. I like to call it a "natural version" of Reese's Pieces; the dates provide the sweetness and the peanut butter adds a creamy, rich flavor.

Are you looking for more recipes with dates? Check out these 3 ingredient chocolate bliss balls!

Jump to:

• Reasons to Love These
• Ingredients Needed
• Step by Step Instructions
• Variations and Additions
• How To Store Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
• Are Dates Good For You?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Healthy Snacks
• Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Reasons to Love These

• They are naturally gluten free and dairy free; a great snack for people with allergens
• There is no added sugar; any sugar in this treat comes from the date.
• The peanut butter stuffed dates are easy to make!
• There are many variations: you can make these chocolate-covered peanut butter dates, or you can add in other toppings like sea salt, nuts, or cocoa powder.

Ingredients Needed

I wasn't kidding when I said this snack was easy to make! It only requires two ingredients: peanut butter and dates!

• Peanut Butter: I personally prefer creamy peanut butter because I enjoy the smooth texture. Crunchy peanut butter can also be used to add some extra texture. Feel free to substitute with another form of nut butter, such as almond butter or sunflower butter.
• Dates: The dates must be whole dates. One option is to use dried, pitted dates that do not have the pit in the middle. These are typically found in the dried fruit aisle of the grocery store. Another option is to use a fresh, whole date, however, you will need to remove the pit from the center.

Step by Step Instructions

Fresh Whole Dates:
Remove the center pit by slicing the dates open lengthwise. Using your fingers, gently pull out the pit, being careful not to tear open the entire date.

Dried Pitted Dates:
Make a small cut into the date in a length wise manner. It's important not to cut them entirely in half, since you will be stuffing the dates with peanut butter. Once you have cut the date, use your fingers to open the cut wide enough to fill it with peanut butter.

Once the dates have been cut open, fill them with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. You may have to use your fingers to get the peanut butter in the dates.

After the dates are stuffed with peanut butter, top them off however you'd like. I personally like them plain, however you could top them with crushed peanuts, crushed walnuts, chocolate pieces or cinnamon.

Variations and Additions

• Use a different type of filling: any type of nut butter will work: crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter or pumpkin butter.
• Toppings: 100% optional. Topping ideas include cocoa powder, cinnamon, crushed chocolate, chopped peanuts, chopped walnuts or sea salt.
• Freeze the dates and then thaw for about 5 minutes before eating!

How To Store Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Refrigerator: Store the dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezer Method: These peanut butter stuffed dates also freeze well. I actually love eating them straight out of the freezer. Place the stuffed dates on a small cookie sheet so that they are spaced out and not touching. Freeze for 2 hours or until frozen solid. Once they are frozen, place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They should last for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Are Dates Good For You?

There are many different types of dates: dried chopped dates, dates coated in sugar, fresh dates and Deglet Noor Dates (dried & pitted).

Dried whole dates are considered a fruit, however they are considered a fruit that has a higher calorie and sugar content per serving size.

Although they have a high sugar content, there are still health benefits the can be found in dates. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, which can aide in digestion.

Also, dates are known to be high in polyphenols. This is a type of antioxidant that is known to help reduce inflammation (more information here).

So while dates do have a higher sugar content, they can provide some overall good nutritional benefits if eaten in moderation. The many vitamins and minerals also make them a great alternative to sugar in baking or in recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Replace Sugar With Dates?

Dates work well in energy balls and energy bars, due to their sticky texture. They can also be used to add sweetness to smoothies, and sandwiches. Dates can also sometimes be used as a sugar alternative in baked goods if substitution amounts are carefully researched.

More Healthy Snacks