Description
Delightful no-bake Chocolate Date Hearts made with sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy peanut butter, dipped in rich dark chocolate, and sprinkled with crushed freeze-dried raspberries or optional toppings. This easy-to-make treat combines natural sweetness with a touch of indulgence for a perfect snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates and Filling
- 12 Medjool Dates
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
Chocolate Coating
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon crushed freeze-dried raspberries
- Chopped nuts or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and carefully remove the pits. Tear each date in half to create two equal pieces. Press the two halves together gently to form a heart shape.
- Apply Peanut Butter: Spread a small amount of peanut butter onto the sticky inner sides of the dates where they join. This helps hold the heart shape and adds creamy flavor. Place the formed hearts on a cutting board or baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes to firm up the peanut butter filling.
- Melt Chocolate: While the dates freeze, melt the dark chocolate chips by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth and lump-free.
- Dip Dates in Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each peanut butter-filled date heart into the melted chocolate. Lift and shake gently over the bowl to remove excess chocolate coating evenly.
- Add Toppings: Lay the chocolate-coated date hearts on parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried raspberries or optional toppings like chopped nuts or flaky sea salt to add texture and flavor contrast.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to cool and harden for about 10 minutes at room temperature. For best results, keep the hearts refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and firmness.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any nut/seed butter of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Use good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) for a rich, less sweet coating.
- If no microwave is available, melt chocolate gently using a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Store finished chocolate date hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These make great bite-sized snacks or lovely homemade gifts.
