Cinnamon Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Cinnamon Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates are the perfect quick snack when you are craving something sweet. The best part is they are an all-natural plant-based snack made with dried dates, organic peanut butter with a hint of cinnamon, and coconut.

These little bites of goodness are the perfect salty-sweet snack that tastes great and is good for you.

What are dates

Dates grow on large trees called date palms. They are native to the Middle East and have been a part of the region’s cuisine for generations. Dates grow in large clusters, kind of like bunches of grapes, which hang higher than fifty feet off the ground. 

To harvest dates someone must climb up the distance of tall palms, which can grow up to 75 feet tall. However, we now have large machinery that can help with the harvesting process.

When the dates are picked the bunch is not all ripe at the same time. This creates a labor-intensive task of separating the dates that are ripe and setting the ones that are not out in the sun to dry so they become more sweet and chewy. 

Are dates healthy?

According to Healthline dates contain several vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber and antioxidants that this sweet treat provides.

Dates have an excellent nutrition profile.
Since they’re dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruit. The calorie content of dates is similar to that of other dried fruits, such as raisins and figs.
Most of the calories in dates come from carbs. The rest are from a very small amount of protein. Despite their calories, dates contain some important vitamins and minerals in addition to a significant amount of fiber.

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving provides the following nutrients:

Calories: 277
Carbs: 75 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Potassium: 20% of the RDI
Magnesium: 14% of the RDI
Copper: 18% of the RDI
Manganese: 15% of the RDI
Iron: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 12% of the RDI

Dates are also high in antioxidants, which may contribute to many of their health benefits

What kind of dates to use

For this recipe, I suggest using Medjool dates. They are easy to find in your local grocery produce section. They are sweeter and slightly larger than other types of dates. When purchasing, look for skins that are a little translucent, with minimal rips and tears; the dates should be intact and separate, not mashed into a big clump.

Where to find them

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Medjool Dates

Do dates go bad?

If kept in an airtight container, dates at room temperature dates stay fresh for several months. When you keep them in the fridge, they retain quality between 6 and 12 months. For even longer storage, freeze the dates.

Spoiled dates will give off a sour spoiled smell. These amber-colored fruits normally have a delicate and mild fragrance. If you detect a strong, sour or rotten odor, take this as a sign that your dates have gone bad and throw them out.

Do dates mold?

As dates age, the sugars in the date will gradually move to the surface, forming little sugar-white spots. Don’t worry, this is not mold.

What to do if your dates are dry

Place the dates you plan to use in your recipe in a bowl, then cover with boiling water to fully submerge the dried-out fruit. Let the dates soak for about 10 minutes. Next, strain the fruit and discard the water. The fruit will be more plump, juicy, and soft.

🔪 Instructions

How to remove the pits

Place a date on a cutting board and carefully use a knife to slice the date lengthwise. You will feel the knife hit the pit; however, do not cut the pit. Then pry the sides open with your thumbs while pushing the date’s pit with your index fingers. Push out the pit enough for you to get a hold of it and pull it out the rest of the way.

What peanut butter to use

For this peanut butter dates recipe, it is best to use an all-natural, no sugar added peanut butter. Adding sugars or corn syrup to peanut butter makes it thin and runny. Also, it’s better to eat no added sugar to your peanut butter.

💭 Tips for making peanut free

You can substitute peanut butter for any of the following spreads and your recipe will turn out great!

Sunbutter Natural Seed Spread

Biscoff Cookie Spread

How to stuff a date

• Slit dates in half just enough to get the pit out, being sure not to cut all the way through. 
• Mix peanut butter and cinnamon in a small bowl until blended. Set aside. 
• Stuff each date with 2 or 3 whole peanuts
• Fill date with as much cinnamon peanut butter as you can without it going over the sides
• Finely chop leftover peanuts and sprinkle lightly on top of dates.
• Place shredded coconut and chopped cranberries on top of stuffed dates. 
• Place on a serving board and sprinkle a little cinnamon over the stuffed dates

Topping ideas

To change up the flavor of your peanut butter dates try some of these toppings.

• toasted coconut
• dried chopped cranberries or blueberries
• cinnamon
• nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice blend
• finely chopped nuts

More date recipes

Dates are a versatile dried fruit that adds sweetness to recipes that you want a natural and safe sweetener.

• Matcha Energy Balls: Matcha Energy Balls are filled with sweet dried dates, raw cashews, cocoa powder, and matcha which creates a quick healthy energizing snack.
• Christmas Pudding Protein Balls: Christmas pudding protein balls are filled with traditional warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa, and a touch of orange, then sweetened with dates and raisins.

For more easy and delicious healthy snack ideas be sure and try these recipes.

• Maple Glazed Popcorn: Maple Glazed Popcorn is an addictive treat with a naturally sweet buttery maple glaze made with maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
• Lemon Ginger Energy Balls Recipe: This healthy Lemon Ginger Energy Balls recipe is a great way to combat the effects of nausea when going through chemo or during pregnancy. Their soothing slightly sweet lemony ginger taste is packed with protein which makes them a perfect light snack for everyone.