Valentines Snacks Chocolate Stuffed Dates

Name: Valentines Snacks Chocolate Stuffed Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds); Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I love making these Chocolate Stuffed Dates for Valentine's Day! They’re an indulgent treat that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of dates with a rich chocolatey filling. Each bite is a delightful surprise, and they’re so simple to prepare. I remember the first time I made them—it was for a romantic dinner, and I was amazed by how quickly they disappeared! Trust me, this recipe is not just delicious but also impressively easy, making it ideal for any last-minute plans.

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:17:34.918Z

When I first decided to create these Chocolate Stuffed Dates, I thought about the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The chewy dates paired beautifully with rich melted chocolate. I experimented with different types of chocolate and settled on semi-sweet for the best balance. The hint of sea salt I added at the end really elevates the sweetness, and my guests couldn't get enough!

As I made these treats for my loved ones, I found that letting them cool for just a few minutes really helps the chocolate set. They are perfect for sharing, and everyone appreciates a little homemade touch on Valentine’s Day. With a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top, they look just as good as they taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Unlocking the Chocolatey Goodness

The star of this recipe, semi-sweet chocolate chips, not only provide a rich flavor but also create a glossy filling that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the dates. When melting the chocolate, ensure you stir at each interval; this prevents overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize. If you do accidentally overheat it, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to salvage the chocolate. This keeps it liquid and smooth for filling.

Incorporating a touch of orange zest elevates the flavor profile of your chocolate stuffed dates. The bright citrus notes complement the richness of the chocolate and the natural sweetness of the dates, making each bite a delightful medley of flavors. If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can also use store-bought zest or even a few drops of orange extract as a substitute, ensuring that your dates stay aromatic and vibrant.

Finishing Touches and Presentation

After baking, allow your filled dates to cool slightly before serving. This cooling step allows the chocolate to set, making each date easier to handle. You’ll notice that they become slightly firmer as they cool, which enhances the creamy texture. Serve these treats on a contrasting colored plate or a platter lined with fresh mint leaves for an attractive presentation that captures the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Try using different nuts, like pistachios for a colorful crunch or even coconut flakes for an exotic twist. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the filled dates after they cool for an added layer of sweetness and visual appeal. These variations can make a sophisticated difference in flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Stuffed Dates

12 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dates

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take the pitted dates and gently make a slit on one side of each date, creating an opening for the chocolate filling.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely smooth.

Stuff the Dates

Carefully fill each date with the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip out. Once filled, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the tops with sea salt and chopped nuts. If desired, add a pinch of orange zest for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the dates cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious chocolate stuffed dates warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try using different types of chocolate like dark or white chocolate along with various nuts to find your favorite combination!

Make-Ahead Tips

These chocolate stuffed dates can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for special occasions. You can stuff and bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm them in the oven for about 3-5 minutes to rejuvenate the chocolate without making them too soft.

If you want to enjoy these delicious snacks over a longer period, they can also be frozen. After they have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. Just pull out the desired number of dates and let them sit at room temperature to thaw.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that the melted chocolate is too thick to fill the dates, it may have cooled too much. To remedy this, hovering a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water can create a double boiler effect, gently warming the chocolate back to the desired pouring consistency. If you notice that the dates are difficult to open or crack during stuffing, try making the slit lengthwise instead of sidewise. This often provides a wider opening and prevents tearing.

Watch for the baking time; leaving them in the oven too long can lead to burnt chocolate or dried-out dates. The goal is to bake them just enough to slightly toast the nuts and create an inviting aroma. Aim for golden edges on the nuts, which should take about 5 minutes. If you notice them browning faster, simply remove them from the oven a minute early.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of dates?

Yes, you can substitute Medjool dates with other varieties, but Medjool dates are recommended due to their size and sweetness.

→ How do I store leftover stuffed dates?

Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Are these dates gluten-free?

Yes, these Chocolate Stuffed Dates are naturally gluten-free, making them a great dessert option for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dates a day in advance and just warm them slightly before serving.