Walnut Stuffed Dates Always A Delight

I think this is the fastest recipe I have ever written and shared. But do not let those three ingredients fool you. The flavor and enjoyment you will get with each bite are out of this world.

Walnut Stuffed DatesPhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

The holiday season is upon us, and we all look for a great way to show our love to our family and friends utilizing sharing our favorite desserts and treats.

What is more fun than making those?

What is Walnut Stuffed Dates?

I love those little morsels of dried fruits, and I have been known to eat a box all by myself. However, I should exercise caution as they can contain a lot of calories.

But then it is the holidays, so why not indulge a bit? There is always the gym where we can work out all the extra ounces.

I wish I could give some more tips on making this super quick recipe, but as you can see, there isn’t much I can tell you. My only advice is to eat in moderation.

Use the freshest walnuts you can find.

What are the dates?

Dates are the fruit of palm trees, which grow mainly in the Middle East, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

The most common are Medjool dates and Deglet Noor. However, there are over 300 varieties grown.

Pitted or unpitted, either way, they are just so flavorful little morsels. However, if you can buy unpitted, it will save you so much time to prepare this dish.

Health benefits of dates

• A good source of vitamins and minerals, dates are high in sulfites found in dried dates, which can be a health concern.
• Medjool contains antioxidants and nutrients that may lower your risk of heart disease, promote digestion and support heart health. Do consult with your doctor as every person is different.
• Also, anti-inflammatory benefits are attributed to this divine little morsel of sweetness.
• Fresh dates are hand-picked due to how delicate they are, thus making them a bit more expensive.
• Natural sweeteners also know not to play havoc with your blood sugar levels.

Walnut Stuffed DatesPhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

Pro Tips

• Make sure your dates are fresh. They should not be overly dry or hard. Fresh dates will be soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
• When date pit removing, be gentle and ensure not to tear the date apart.
• For a more gourmet touch, briefly toast the walnuts before stuffing them into the dates. This will add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor.

Substitutes and additions

• Substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your walnuts for a holiday spice twist.
• You can also drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the stuffed dates for an extra layer of sweetness.
• If you're not a fan of sugar coating, you can roll the dates in shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts.

Additions

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the stuffed dates for a luxurious touch. The richness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the dates. I have even seen some people suggest adding peanut butter but I haven't tried it myself.
• Cheese Filling: For a savory twist, add a small chunk of blue cheese, cream cheese or creamy goat cheese along with the walnut into the dates. The cheese's delicious flavor complements the dates' sweetness in an unexpected yet delightful way.
• Bacon Wrap: To further elevate the flavor profile, wrap the stuffed dates in a thin slice of bacon and bake until crispy. The salty, smoky flavors from the bacon create a fantastic balance with the sweet dates and crunchy walnuts.

Storage

Storing walnut-stuffed dates is a breeze. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one month, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent the dates from drying out.

Can you freeze them? Absolutely! You can easily freeze these delightful treats if you find yourself with a larger batch. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

When ready to consume, thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This method ensures that you can enjoy these sweet delights at any time.

Walnut Stuffed DatesPhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

Ingredients needed to make this super easy recipe of Walnut Stuffed Dates

• 12 Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Remove the pit inside the dates if any, by making an incision on the length of the date.
2. Stuff with walnuts and pinch together
3. Place the 1/4 cup sugar in a small dish. Roll the dates in the sugar.

If you enjoy this Walnut Stuffed Dates recipe, look at some of my other recipes.

Cornmeal Spoon Bread

Rice Pudding with Dates
Pumpkin White Chocolate Souflee Cake

Zucchini Pancakes with Tzatziki Sauce

Zucchini Salad with Avocado, Pepita Parsley Gremolata

Do you like this recipe?

~ I invite you to visit Giangiskitchen.com for the complete printable recipe for my Walnut Stuffed Dates A Holiday Delight and hundreds of easy dinner recipes.

~ Subscribe to my Newsletter and get my free weekly menu, recipes, and grocery list.

~ New to cooking and need help getting started? Giangi's Kitchen Back To Basics - Cooking 101 eBook is what you need to achieve all your cooking dreams.

~ Come and cook along with me on Giangi's Kitchen YouTube channel.

Meet Chef Giangi

Walnut Stuffed DatesPhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

I am a passionate cook, recipe developer, author, and food photographer with 14 years of food blogging experience. Inspired by my French and Italian heritage, I work with other chefs, both foreign and domestic, and have had countless discussions with chefs at famous restaurants globally. I enjoy sharing these creative culinary delights in simple, straightforward, easy-to-understand recipes.

I only recommend the products that I love and use. This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost.