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These pistachio-filled dates dipped in chocolate turn plain dates into amazing mini desserts that'll wow your friends and crush those sweet tooth cravings fast. When you mix smooth pistachio butter with dark chocolate and soft dates, you get an unforgettable snack that perfectly balances sweetness with nutty depth.
I whipped up these stuffed dates when guests were coming over and I didn't have time for fancy desserts. Everyone was so impressed they thought I'd bought them from a fancy chocolate shop. Now they're my go-to treat whenever I need something foolproof to serve.
Ingredients
- 18 dates: Go for sukari ones if you can find them - they're extra soft with a caramel-like taste
- 9 teaspoons pistachio butter: This forms the smooth nutty filling that makes these treats stand out
- ¼ cup pistachios: Roughly chopped to sprinkle on top for extra crunch
- ¾ cup dark chocolate couverture: Don't skimp here - better chocolate means better taste in your final treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dates:
- Make a cut along one side of each date without slicing all the way through. Open them up gently and take out the pit to create a pocket for filling. Keep the dates connected on one side so they form a natural little boat to hold the filling.
- Fill with Pistachio Butter:
- Put about ½ teaspoon pistachio butter inside each pitted date. Want it to look extra nice? Try using a small piping bag or snip the corner off a sandwich bag to squeeze the filling in neatly without making a mess.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Create a double boiler by putting a heat-safe bowl over a pot with simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Put your chocolate in the bowl and stir now and then until it's completely smooth. If you prefer, you can microwave it in 30-second bursts at half power, stirring between each burst.
- Dip the Dates:
- With tongs, dip each filled date into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat all sides. Let the extra chocolate drip back into the bowl. Using tongs works better than forks or spoons since they won't squeeze out the filling.
- Garnish and Set:
- After dipping, place each date on a parchment-lined tray. While the chocolate's still wet, scatter chopped pistachios on top. The wet chocolate will help the pistachio pieces stick.
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The pistachio butter really makes these dates special. I found it at a nearby Middle Eastern grocery and can't get enough of it. The slightly savory pistachio flavor works so well against the sweet dates and rich chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make these chocolate-dipped stuffed dates up to three days before you need them, which is great for parties. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together. Let them sit out for about 15 minutes before eating so they taste and feel their best.
Ingredient Substitutions
Can't find pistachio butter? You can make your own by blending roasted unsalted pistachios in a food processor until smooth, adding a bit of neutral oil if needed. You could also swap in almond butter or cashew butter instead - each will give these treats their own unique taste.
Serving Suggestions
These fancy dates look amazing on any dessert plate or cheese board. For a really nice presentation, put them next to some fresh berries, extra roasted pistachios, and maybe a small dish of honey for dipping. They go really well with after-dinner coffee or sweet wines like port or sherry.
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A quick yet fancy dessert that'll impress everyone while taking hardly any effort to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of dates work best for this?
Sukari dates are your top pick since they're juicy, sweet and easier to fill. If you can't find them, go with Medjool dates as a great backup option. Just make sure whatever dates you use are soft and fresh for the tastiest results.
- → Can I make my own pistachio butter?
Definitely! Making pistachio butter at home is quite easy. First toast the shelled nuts until they smell good, let them cool a bit, then blend them in a food processor for about 8-10 minutes until you get a smooth, creamy spread. Add a tiny bit of salt to bring out the flavor even more.
- → What is chocolate couverture and can I substitute it?
Couverture chocolate contains more cocoa butter, which helps it melt smoothly and gives a shinier finish. You can totally use normal dark chocolate chips or bars instead, though your coating might end up a bit thicker and not quite as shiny.
- → How long do these keep?
When you put them in a sealed container in the fridge, they'll stay good for up to 2 weeks. For the best taste and texture, take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before you eat them.
- → Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?
For sure! While pistachios give these treats their special taste, you can switch things up with almond butter and chopped almonds, hazelnut spread with crushed hazelnuts, or even cashew butter topped with roasted cashew pieces for completely different flavor combos.
- → Is there a way to make these without chocolate?
You bet! Just skip the chocolate part and roll your stuffed dates in finely chopped pistachios, coconut flakes, or mix some cocoa powder with powdered sugar for a nice coating that doesn't need any chocolate.