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If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, wholesome dessert, these dark chocolate covered dates are a must-try! Think of them as a healthier version of a Snickers bar, thanks to their chewy, caramel-like texture and nutty filling. Perfect for a quick energy boost to get you through the 2pm lull or energize you during a long hike or run.
I love Medjool dates. They are truly nature’s candy, packed with natural sweetness, fiber, and essential nutrients. When stuffed with creamy nut butter and slathered in rich dark chocolate, they are next level. If you love milk chocolate, peanut butter, coconut butter or even wanna sneak a pecan into the middle— you can totally customize this recipe! It’s sooooo easy to make these chocolate covered dates your own!
Why This Recipe Rawks
Ready to forget those sugary, processed energy bars. We’re talking real, whole-food goodness packed into a bite-sized treat. Here’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe:
- Portable power-up: Think of Medjool dates as nature’s little energy bombs! Seriously, these guys are loaded with fiber, which keeps your digestion humming along smoothly—no more day tummy troubles. Plus, they’re bursting with natural sugars, giving you that quick, clean energy boost you need for hiking, biking, or just surviving a busy day.
- Indulgent BUT with benefits: Dark chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat. It’s packed with antioxidants—those amazing compounds that keep your heart happy and your blood flowing strong. And guess what? It can even give your brain a little boost and lift your mood! Plus, it’s the sophisticated choice, with less sugar than its milk chocolate cousin.
- Creamy, dreamy goodness: To take these Dark Chocolate Covered Dates to the next level, we’re adding a dollop of creamy almond butter. It’s loaded with healthy fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied, so you can focus on your goals, not your hunger pangs. And don’t forget the protein! It’s essential for building and maintaining those muscles you need for an active life.
Chocolate Covered Dates Ingredients
As simple as this recipe is to make, you wouldn’t know it from the elevated taste. The magic of chocolate covered dates comes from just a few simple ingredients, each adding its own irresistible touch:
- Dates: Medjool dates work best because they’re naturally soft, chewy, and caramel-like. Look for fresh, plump dates for the best texture.
- Almond butter: Choose natural almond butter with minimal ingredients for a creamy, nutty filling. My favorite of all time is Barney’s Smooth Almond Butter. Feel free to swap with peanut or cashew butter. Want to make your own nut butters at home? Check out my guide on Homemade Nut Butter.
- Dark chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) for a rich, deep flavor. Opt for dairy-free chocolate if needed.
- Coarse sea salt: I cannot stress enough how much a little coarse sea salt elevates these dates. It elevates all the flavors in the dates. Plus, if you use a brand like Colima’s Unrefined Flaky Sea Salt, you also get trace minerals thanks to their gentle extraction process.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Dates
Making dark chocolate covered dates is quick, easy, and requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a knife for slicing the dates, and a microwave or stovetop to melt the chocolate. These naturally sweet treats come together in minutes and set in the fridge or freezer—perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert!
- Cut a slit in each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Spoon a small amount of almond butter into each date and place it on a baking sheet or shallow dish lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all dates.
- Melt dark chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, until fully melted. Alternatively you can use the double boiler method and melt the chocolate on the stovetop.
- Dip each date halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place back on the baking sheet or dish and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Refrigerate for about an hour or until the chocolate hardens. Once set, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for later!
Melting Chocolate Tip
If the chocolate coating is too thick or difficult to dip, try adding a teaspoon of unrefined coconut oil while melting the chocolate. This simple trick helps create a smoother, glossier consistency, making it easier to coat the dates evenly. Plus, coconut oil adds a subtle richness to the chocolate and a subtle flavor enhancer.
Recipe Swaps and Add-Ins
Looking to mix things up? There are plenty of fun ways to customize these chocolate-dipped dates to suit your taste or dietary needs! Whether you’re craving a different chocolate coating, an allergy-friendly alternative, or an extra touch of indulgence, try these easy swaps and add-ins:
- Swap chocolate: Use dairy-free dark chocolate to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Swap almond butter: To make this chocolate covered dates recipe allergy-friendly use tahini or sunflower seed butter to make these allergy-friendly.
- Add more chocolate: Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with cacao nibs for a gourmet touch.
- Add coconut: Stuff the dates with shredded coconut and nuts for a tropical-inspired treat.
Gifting Chocolate Covered Dates
Homemade chocolate covered dates make a thoughtful and delicious gift. I promise your friends will appreciate it soooo much! Their rich, caramel-like sweetness paired with velvety dark chocolate feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Find a cute tin: Arrange in a decorative tin or gift box lined with parchment paper for a polished, gourmet look.
- Customize flavors: Drizzle with white chocolate, roll in shredded coconut, or add a sprinkle of cacao nibs for a unique touch.
- Make-ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, making them perfect for stress-free, advance gifting!
Common Questions
Yes, chocolate covered dates can be a healthy treat when made with wholesome ingredients. Medjool dates are naturally high in fiber, aiding digestion and providing a slow-releasing source of energy. Dark chocolate, especially with at least 70% cacao, is rich in flavonoids, which support heart health and brain function.
How to make chocolate covered dates?
Making a chocolate-covered date is simple and requires just a few steps. Start by slicing each Medjool date lengthwise and removing the pit. Next, fill the center with a small amount of nut butter for a creamy, flavorful filling. Melt dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth, then dip each stuffed date halfway into the melted chocolate.
Chocolate-covered dates can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. Keep them chilled to maintain freshness and texture!
Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is the best choice for coating dates, as it balances their natural caramel-like sweetness with a rich, slightly bitter contrast. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with minimal added sugar for the healthiest option. Dairy-free dark chocolate is also a great plant-based alternative, offering antioxidants and heart-healthy benefits.
More Recipes with Dates
If you make this Chocolate Covered Dates Recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Dark Chocolate Covered Dates
Ingredients
- 12 dates Pitted
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chopped
- ⅛ tsp colima sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or any shallow dish that you can fit in your freezer or fridge)
- Cut a slit in each date, lengthwise. Spoon almond butter into date, then place on plate. Repeat for each date.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave (start with 30 seconds, stir, then heat in 15 second intervals and stir until fully melted).
- Dip dates halfway in the melted chocolate, then place back on plate and sprinkle with sea salt. Repeat for each date.
- Place in freezer or fridge until chocolate is set (about 15-45 min)
Equipment
- sharp knife
- small spoon
- microwave-safe bowl
- fork
- parchment paper
Notes
- Each serving is 3 dates.
- For a silkier chocolate coating, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil while melting the chocolate.
- Short on time? Pop them in the freezer— it’s much quicker than the fridge.
- Experiment with fillings! Try dates with peanut butter, tahini, or crushed nuts for variety.
- Make them extra indulgent by drizzling with white chocolate or rolling them in shredded coconut.
