Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Covered Dates

This is one of those recipes that’s so simple I debated whether I should even post about it. But, then I realized everyone has their own version of making chocolate covered dates and their own ideas of how to customize.

These chocolate covered dates are my go-to quick and indulgent snack whenever my kids want a sweet treat but I don’t want to turn on the oven.

If you love sweet treats, check out my roundup of 50+ Gluten Free Dessert Recipes and I have so many no bake desserts! Try these No Bake Almond Butter Bars or these yummy No Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars!

What Do Dates Taste Like?

Move over raisins, you got nothin’ on these juicy dates! Dried dates have a wrinkled outside, but sweet, caramel-like and sticky inside.

They’re deliciously sweet, taste like a caramel candy bar, and one of those food items that you just won’t be able to get over that you’re eating fruit! 

What Kind of Dates Should I Use?

Medjool dates! I know there are so many kinds of date varieties but my favorite ones are Medjool dates and I strongly suggest you use them!

There’s a lot of meat to the fruit of Medjool dates resulting in a super caramel-y sink-your-teeth into texture that just makes you keep going back for more.

The downside is they can be a bit pricey but I swear, they’re worth it!

Dates can come pitted or with the pit in them. I try to buy pitted whenever I can because it’s just a time saver and one less step in the recipe. Either way, I’ll include directions below so you know how to remove the pits if need be.

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Dates

Dates. Hello hello my lovely dates. This is why you’re here! Grab your favorite Medjool dates and meet me back here!

Peanut Butter. I use natural peanut butter for this recipe because the dates add so much sweetness to each bite all you really need is a nut butter made of just nuts!

Chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate is my favorite kind to use for this recipe but feel free to use dark chocolate or even white chocolate would be fun!

Coconut Oil. I’m using this because it will help thin out the chocolate a bit so you get a nice chocolate coating that isn’t too thick. I always go for refined coconut oil because it doesn’t have a coconutty flavor.

Peanuts. This is optional but adds a lot of fun to these chocolate covered dates and makes them a dead ringer for Snickers. If you’re looking for other options, you could sub in puffed quinoa, sprinkles, or just a sprinkle of flakey salt!

Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! I love using a natural peanut butter but you can definitely sub in any nut or seed butter you like! Here are some ideas of other spreads you can stuff your dates with:

• Nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, pistachio butter,
• Seed butters like sunflower seed butter or tahini
• Nutella
• Cookie butter from Trader Joe’s
• Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

What Kind of Chocolate Should I use?

Any kind you like! I love using a semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate for this recipe because it really hits the whole candy bar vibe out of the park. Plus, I mainly make these for my kids and they are anti-dark chocolate at this point in their lives.

Feel free to use whatever kind of chocolate you like! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate would all be delicious options! If you have a flavored chocolate bar you can definitely melt it down and use it as well.

Can I Leave out the Coconut Oil?

Probably yes but coconut oil makes for an easier dipping experience. The coconut oil thins out the chocolate a bit making sure the the chocolate coating isn’t too thick.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Dates

Prep & Pit the Dates

Grab a date and slice it in half lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through. Peel the date open a bite and remove the date and little stem at the top if there is one. Discard the pits.

Stuff with Peanut Butter

Place the sliced dates onto a piece of parchment paper. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into the middle of the dates. This can be somewhat drippy depending on the brand of peanut butter you use.

Melt the Chocolate

Want an in step by step tutorial? Check out my post How to Melt Chocolate Chips!

Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

Alternatively, you can place the chips and oil in a bowl over a pot of boiling water (double boiler) and stir constantly until the chocolate is smooth.

Dip the Dates

Once the chocolate is melted, you can dip the date into the chocolate. You can either dip it completely and coat it completely into the chocolate or dip half. I like to dip half because I think it’s the perfect balance of flavors.

Sprinkle

Chop up the peanuts and sprinkle them on top of the dates.

Chill & Enjoy!

Slide a plate, baking sheet, or cutting board under the parchment paper and chill the dates in the fridge for about 1 hour. Sprinkle with flakey salt and enjoy!

What is the Best Way to Melt the chocolate?

Microwave: Honestly, I love using my microwave to melt chocolate. It’s so simple and easy and only takes a minute or so! Just make sure to stir it every 30 seconds to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Double Boiler: Bring a couple inches of water to a boil in a pot. Add the chocolate chips or a metal or glass bowl on top of the pot. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

How to Store Your Dates

In the fridge! These are best stored in an airtight container into the fridge. Once the chocolate is hardened, you can definitely keep them at room temperature but just to be safe, especially if you live in a warmer climate, the fridge is a safe bet.