Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese
Want the creamiest Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese? Learn the best ingredients, fillings, and tips to make them perfect every time! Try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
- 16 Medjool dates pitted
- 4 oz 113 g cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp honey optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
- Chopped nuts pistachios, almonds, walnuts – for topping (optional)
- Shredded coconut – for topping optional
- Pomegranate seeds – for topping optional
- Melted dark chocolate – for topping optional
- Citrus zest orange, lemon, lime – for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Pit the Dates:
- Use a small knife to slice each Medjool date down one side. Gently remove the pit, being careful not to tear the date. If dates are too dry, soak in warm water for 5 minutes and pat dry.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla extract until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. This is the base of your Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese.
- Stuff the Dates:
- Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each date with about 1–2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- Press chopped nuts, coconut, pomegranate seeds, or other toppings onto the exposed cream cheese. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with citrus zest for added flavor.
- Chill Before Serving (Optional):
- Place the stuffed dates in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange your Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese on a serving tray and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Softening the Cream Cheese: For easy mixing, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before using. This ensures a smoother filling texture in your Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese.
- Using Different Date Varieties: Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and natural sweetness, but you can also use Deglet Noor or Zahidi dates. Just make sure they’re soft and large enough to stuff.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The cream cheese mixture can be sweetened to your preference. Add more or less honey, or use maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
- Topping Ideas: Try creative toppings like crushed rose petals, edible gold flakes, or chopped dried apricots for a fancier version of Stuffed Dates with Cream Cheese.
- Make-Ahead Tips: These can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serving Temperature: They’re best served slightly chilled or at room temperature—not warm, as the cream cheese may become too soft.
- Texture Fix for Dry Dates: If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry. This will restore softness and make stuffing easier.
- Serving Size Flexibility: Easily scale this recipe up or down depending on the occasion. It’s perfect for small gatherings or large events like Iftar, brunches, or weddings.
- Storage Notes: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are not freezer-friendly due to the cream cheese filling.
- Allergen Info: Contains dairy and may contain nuts if toppings include them. For nut-free or dairy-free versions, use safe alternatives.
