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.
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.
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 date 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.
💭 Tips for making peanut free
You can substitute peanut butter for any of the following spreads and your recipe will turn out great!
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 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.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Cinnamon Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 12 dates, Medjool
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter , no sugars added
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 cup peanuts, roasted whole
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, finely chopped
- cinnamon , for dusting top
Instructions
- 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
