These Heart-Shaped Stuffed Medjool Dates are quick and easy to make with just four simple ingredients — and they’re incredibly budget-friendly! These plump, sweet dates are carefully split open and filled with a luxurious chocolate hazelnut spread then topped with crunchy hazelnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a sweet treat to satisfy your afternoon cravings, or a fun and creative dessert to impress your guests, these Heart-Shaped Stuffed Medjool Dates are sure to hit the spot!
Table of Contents
What Are Medjool Dates?
Apart from being soft, sweet, and delicious, Medjool dates are a type of date that is believed to have originated from Morocco. Sweeter than other varieties, they have a chewy texture and a rich, caramel-like flavor with cinnamon undertones.
In addition, they’re larger than other dates you’ll find in the grocery store and are often referred to as being the “king of dates.” Easy to find in most grocery stores, they’re a popular ingredient for healthier snacks and treats like these stuffed Medjool dates!
What’s the Difference Between Medjool Dates and Pitted Dates?
The primary difference between Medjool dates and pitted dates is the presence of a pit. As their name suggests, pitted dates come packaged with their pits already removed, meaning they’re super easy to use in recipes and are great for snacking.
Meanwhile, Medjool dates still contain a hard pit hidden inside their soft, fleshy exterior. As a result, they’re usually much larger than their pitted counterparts, and are great for stuffing! It takes a little extra work to remove the pit, but it’s totally worth it in the end!
Health Benefits of Medjool Dates
As if their sweet flavor and chewy texture weren’t enough to draw you in, Medjool dates are jam-packed with vitamins and antioxidants such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. In addition, they’re a great source of fiber with just 1 serving providing over 6 grams! As a result, consuming dates can help:
- Regulate Blood Sugar
- Improve Digestion
- Reduce Inflammation
- Lower Cholesterol
- Boost Immunity
Ingredients You’ll Need
These heart-shaped stuffed Medjool dates are so delicious, you won’t believe they’re made with just 4 simple ingredients! Even better, they use nutrient-rich items to replicate the taste of candy. Recipes don’t get better than that! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Medjool Dates – The staple ingredient for this stuffed Medjool dates recipe. They form the base of the dessert, providing a rich, sweet flavor and a large pocket to stuff full with all the good stuff.
- Hazelnuts – Use either pre-roasted hazelnuts, or buy them raw to add lots of crunch and a rich, buttery taste.
- Hazelnut Spread – Feel free to use a store-bought hazelnut spread, or make your own with our homemade Nutella recipe!
- Sea Salt Flakes – Larger than regular sea salt, these flakes provide the perfect salty kick to offset the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make Stuffed Medjool Dates
- Prepare the Dates. Use a sharp knife to split the dates down the center just enough to remove the pit. Then, gently open it up, and pinch the edges to form the shape of a heart.
- Roast the Hazelnuts. If you’re using raw hazelnuts, arrange them on a sheet tray in a single layer, and toast them in the oven just until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn! Once cool enough to handle, rub the nuts between your hands to remove the skins. Then roughly chop them into pieces, and stuff them in the pockets of the dates.
- Melt the Hazelnut Spread. Place the hazelnut spread in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it just enough so that it can easily be drizzled.
- Top the Dates. Drizzle the hazelnut spread over each of the dates, and add a sprinkle of salt on top.
- Cool. Set the stuffed Medjool dates aside to cool. Or, pop them in the fridge to set, and enjoy!
Flavor Variations
When it comes to making stuffed Medjool dates, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. So, feel free to experiment with different add-ins and toppings like:
- Peanut or Almond Butter
- Cashews or Almonds
- Goat Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Chocolate Chips
How to Store
Quick and easy to make, these heart-shaped Medjool dates are a great snack to prepare in advance for cute lunchbox treats, afternoon pick-me-ups, after-dinner desserts, and everything in between!
Room Temperature: Once set, transfer the stuffed dates to an airtight container or sealable bag, and store them on the counter at room temperature for up to 5 days.
*Note: If you choose to stuff your dates with perishable items like dairy, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator instead!
Freezer: For a longer-lasting option, place the dates in a sealable bag, and keep them frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw on the counter, or enjoy them frozen.
More Ways to Use Dates
On the hunt for other delicious date recipes to devour? Give our other favorite date recipes a try!
Heart-Shaped Stuffed Medjool Dates Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates pits removed
- 1 cup hazelnuts roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- Sea salt flakes to taste
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, split the dates down the center just enough to remove the pit. Gently open and pinch the edges of each date to shape them into a heart.12 Medjool dates
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer on a sheet tray. Bake for 5-6 minutes or just until fragrant. Remove them from the oven, and set them aside to cool. Once the nuts are cool enough to handle, rub them between two palms to remove the skin. Note: Skip this step if roasted hazelnuts are used instead.)1 cup hazelnuts
- Roughly chop the nuts, and stuff them in the pocket of each date.
- Add the hazelnut spread to a microwave-safe bowl, and heat for 15-20 seconds or until it is warm enough to drizzle.1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- Drizzle the liquid over the dates, and sprinkle the sea salt on top.Sea salt flakes to taste
- Set aside to cool, and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
