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Apple Cinnamon Stuffed Dates - A Cozy, Bite-Sized Treat

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Medjool dates (12 large): Soft, plump, and ideal for stuffing. Deglet Noor works in a pinch, but Medjool is best.
  • Creamy nut butter (1/3 cup): Almond, cashew, or peanut butter. Choose unsweetened and smooth.
  • Apple (1 small, finely diced): Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady for sweetness and crunch.
  • Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice—warm and aromatic.
  • Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a bakery-style note.
  • Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and lifts the flavors.
  • Optional add-ins: Maple syrup or honey (1–2 teaspoons) for extra sweetness
  • Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (2–3 tablespoons) for crunch
  • Ground nutmeg or cardamom (a pinch) for depth
  • Dark chocolate (1–2 ounces), melted for drizzling
  • Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon) to brighten the filling

Method
 

  1. Prep the dates: Use a small knife to slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. Don’t cut all the way through—leave them hinged like a little pocket.
  2. Dice the apple: Cut into tiny pieces so they fold into the filling without poking out. Smaller cubes make for a cleaner, easier-to-stuff mixture.
  3. Make the filling: In a bowl, stir together the nut butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. If your nut butter is thick, warm it for 10–15 seconds to soften. Fold in the diced apple and any optional nuts. Taste and adjust sweetness with maple or honey if you like.
  4. Stuff the dates: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each date with about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the apple-cinnamon mixture. Don’t overfill or they’ll be messy to eat.
  5. Optional drizzle: Melt dark chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts. Drizzle over the stuffed dates and let it set for a few minutes.
  6. Chill briefly (optional): Pop them into the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up and help the flavors meld.
  7. Serve: Arrange on a platter and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a touch of lemon zest if using.