Name: Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 soft Medjool dates (pitted); 4 ounces goat cheese (softened, try Trader Joe's Caramelized Onion); ¼ cup chopped pistachios; 3 tablespoons hot honey (or to taste); 4 ounces brie cheese (cut into 12 small pieces, about 1 teaspoon each); 12 pecan halves; Chopped fresh rosemary (to taste); 4 ounces ricotta cheese; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional); 12 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves; 12 fresh basil leaves; 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts (finely chopped, divided); ½ cup dark chocolate chips (melted); 6 tablespoons creamy almond butter; 12 fresh raspberries; 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 12 thin banana slices; ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (melted)

There’s something undeniably delicious about the sweet, chewy goodness of dates paired with creamy cheese and rich chocolate. That’s why I’m excited to share this fun and versatile Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe – it’s a simple yet flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, or just savoring something special at home.

A round grey speckled plate holds a variety of stuffed dates arranged casually. Each dark brown date is sliced open and filled with different fillings: some have smooth tan peanut butter topped with bright red raspberries, others show a creamy white cheese filling crowned with a single glossy brown pecan and sprinkled green herbs, while a few contain a beige nut mix sprinkled on top. The texture of the dates is slightly wrinkled and shiny, and they rest on a light grey surface. Scattered small nuts add detail around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made stuffed dates a million ways over the years, but these six variations stand out because they’re effortless, look fancy without trying too hard, and satisfy sweet and savory cravings all at once. Plus, the recipes let you mix up flavors so no one gets bored!

Simple Prep: It takes about five minutes from start to finish—perfect for last-minute guests or a quick treat.
Flavor Variety: Six unique combos offer both cheesy and chocolatey delights.
Impressive Presentation: These little bites look great on a platter, making them ideal for parties.
Customizable: Easily swap fillings for dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients.

A white plate holds 16 halved dates arranged in a circle on a white marbled texture background. There are four different kinds of toppings on the dates: one group has a light brown creamy spread with a red raspberry on top; another features the same spread sprinkled with light chopped nuts; a third group is topped with a white creamy layer, a small pecan, and green herb bits; the last group shows white cream with a red strawberry slice inside the date halves. Some chopped nuts and pecans are scattered on and around the plate, with a small bowl of light nuts nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Dates are the star here because their natural sweetness and chewy texture pair perfectly with both creamy cheeses and rich chocolate. Choosing good quality Medjool dates makes a big difference—they should feel soft and plump for easy stuffing.

Flat lay of a small pile of soft Medjool dates with glossy brown skin, a chunk of creamy goat cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with chopped bright green pistachios, a small white bowl holding golden amber hot honey, a few wedges of soft pale brie cheese, a handful of shiny pecan halves, a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, a small white bowl containing smooth white ricotta cheese, a tiny mound of finely grated lemon zest, a small white bowl with deep red oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, several fresh vibrant green basil leaves, a small white bowl with creamy light brown peanut butter, a small white bowl of roasted salted chopped peanuts, a small white bowl with melted glossy dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl filled with creamy almond butter, a cluster of fresh bright red raspberries, and thin slices of ripe yellow banana, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medjool Dates: These soft, large dates have the perfect size and texture for stuffing.
Goat Cheese: Its tangy richness balances the sweetness of dates beautifully.
Pistachios: Adds a lovely crunch and a hint of saltiness.
Hot Honey: Provides a sweet heat contrast that's simply addictive.
Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy, great with pecans and rosemary for an elegant twist.
Pecan Halves: Their buttery crunch complements the cheese and dates.
Fresh Rosemary: A fragrant herb that brightens each bite.
Ricotta Cheese: Light and creamy, perfect with sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offers a concentrated, savory bite that contrasts the sweetness.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds freshness and color.
Peanut Butter & Almond Butter: Choose creamy for easy spreading, bringing comforting nutty notes.
Roasted Salted Peanuts: Adds crunch and salty contrast.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Melted to coat or drizzle—balances sweet and savory flavors brilliantly.
Fresh Raspberries & Banana Slices: Fresh fruit for bright pops of natural sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I lean into the savory combos for a cocktail party, but other times the chocolate and fruit fillings are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Don’t hesitate to swap nuts or cheeses based on what you have—dates are forgiving and versatile!

Variation: I once swapped blue cheese for goat cheese and added candied walnuts—it was a hit with guests who appreciate bold flavors.
Dietary swaps: Use vegan cheese and dark chocolate to keep this vegan-friendly and still delicious.
Seasonal twist: In summer, using fresh figs or nectarines instead of dried fruit inside the dates is a refreshing change.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dates

I start by slicing each date lengthwise with a small, sharp knife and removing the pit. This part is super easy if your dates are soft and fresh. Lay them out on a platter or parchment paper if you plan to bake or chill them—either way works!

Step 2: Stuff with Cheese and Nuts

For the goat cheese version, I use a small spreader to smear soft goat cheese inside each date, then sprinkle chopped pistachios and drizzle with hot honey. It’s such a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy. For the brie option, tuck a piece of brie and a pecan half inside, then sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary to finish.

Step 3: Try Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomato

This one’s a personal favorite—I mix ricotta with a pinch of kosher salt and some lemon zest for brightness, stuff it in the dates, then add a half sun-dried tomato and a fresh basil leaf. The fresh herbs cut through the sweetness nicely and give it a Mediterranean flair.

Step 4: Sweet and Nutty Chocolate Treats

The last three recipes bring in nut butter and chocolate magic. For the “Snickers” style, I spoon peanut butter into each date, sprinkle crushed peanuts, dip in melted dark chocolate, and top with more peanuts for crunch. The almond butter and raspberry version is simple yet fancy—just almond butter and a fresh raspberry tucked inside. Finally, the “Chunky Monkey” involves peanut butter, a banana slice, and a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top.

Top Tip

From personal experience, handling the dates gently and keeping your nuts chopped but not powdered helps preserve great texture. Also, melt your chocolate slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to keep it silky smooth and perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Soft Date Selection: Always choose soft, fresh Medjool dates—they’re easier to stuff without tearing.
Cheese at Room Temp: Let your cheeses soften a bit before stuffing to make spreading easier.
Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning chocolate.
Even Nut Chopping: Chop nuts coarsely for texture and visual appeal; avoid overly fine pieces that can turn soggy.

How to Serve Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few fresh rosemary sprigs or basil leaves around the platter for color and fragrance. Sometimes a tiny dusting of flaky sea salt on the chocolate-covered dates really helps the flavors pop. Crushed nuts sprinkled on top add a nice finishing touch too.

Side Dishes

These bites shine most on their own, but I sometimes pair them with a cheese board featuring crackers, olives, and cured meats or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette for balance when serving as an appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the different stuffed date varieties on a wooden board in neat rows or circles, labeling each one with cute toothpick flags. You can also skew them on small cocktail sticks for an easy grab-and-go appetizer that looks extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The cheese-filled ones might firm up a bit but come back to room temp nicely before serving. Nut butter and chocolate versions keep well and maintain their texture if covered tightly.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze stuffed dates because the textures can change, particularly fresh fruit or soft cheese stuffings. But if you want to freeze them, wrap individually in parchment and place in an airtight container for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For baked or warm stuffed dates (if you decide to bake them), gentle warming in a low oven or microwave for short bursts keeps everything gooey without drying out. For no-bake versions, I recommend serving at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these stuffed dates ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dates up to a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have Medjool dates?

Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and softness, but if you can’t find them, look for other large, soft dates like Deglet Noor. Just make sure they are pliable and easy to open for stuffing.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Soft cheeses like cream cheese, mascarpone, or feta work well inside dates. Just be sure the cheese isn’t too firm to make stuffing the dates easier.

How do I store leftover stuffed dates?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to eat the ricotta or cheese-stuffed dates within this time frame for freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Chocolate Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels fancy and indulgent but comes together in minutes—a true crowd pleaser and a personal favorite for last-minute entertaining or snacking. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite fillings, and let those sweet and savory flavor combos surprise you!