Name: Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 24 Medjool dates, pitted• 1 cup mascarpone cheese• 2 tablespoons honey• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• Pinch of sea salt

Mascarpone stuffed dates are a decadent and irresistible bite-sized treat that have become a staple in many households. These luscious morsels combine the rich, creamy texture of mascarpone cheese with the natural sweetness of plump, juicy dates for a flavor explosion in every single bite.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sophisticated yet easy-to-make snack, these mascarpone stuffed dates are sure to impress. Their elegant appearance and complex flavors belie the simplicity of their preparation, making them a go-to option for any occasion.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What’s not to love about these mascarpone stuffed dates? For starters, the contrast between the velvety mascarpone and the chewy, caramel-like dates is simply heavenly. The fact that they come together in just a few minutes with minimal effort is another major perk. Plus, you can easily make them ahead of time, giving you more time to focus on other hosting duties or simply enjoy the company of your guests.

Beyond their incredible taste and convenience, these mascarpone stuffed dates are also surprisingly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even a decadent dessert. And with just a few simple tweaks, you can adapt the recipe to suit various dietary needs or personal preferences.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Mascarpone Stuffed Dates ❓

• 24 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

The beauty of this mascarpone stuffed dates recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy mascarpone, sweet honey, and aromatic vanilla creates a flavor profile that has made these bite-sized treats perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: Carefully slice each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pits, leaving the dates intact.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the mascarpone, honey, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
• Step 3: Spoon or pipe a small amount of the mascarpone mixture into the center of each date, gently pressing to fill the cavity.
• Step 4: Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter or in an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Compared to traditional stuffed date recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this mascarpone stuffed dates recipe saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 25mg

These mascarpone stuffed dates provide approximately 10% of your daily calcium requirements and 5% of your daily potassium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or non-fat mascarpone cheese to reduce the overall fat content.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the mascarpone mixture for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Top the stuffed dates with a small dice of fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, or figs, for added nutrients and flavor.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the mascarpone stuffed dates.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve the mascarpone stuffed dates warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
• Pair them with a glass of sparkling wine or a small pour of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
• Complement the dates with a simple green salad or a platter of fresh fruit for a well-rounded snack or appetizer.
• For a cocktail party, serve the stuffed dates alongside other bite-sized hors d’oeuvres like mini quiches or cucumber bites.
• Create an elegant holiday platter by arranging the mascarpone stuffed dates alongside roasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the dates: Be careful not to overfill the dates, as this can cause the mascarpone to ooze out and make a mess. Stick to a small spoonful of the filling to maintain the proper balance.
• Improperly storing the stuffed dates: Make sure to store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leaving them out at room temperature for too long can cause the mascarpone to soften and become difficult to handle.
• Not chilling the dates before serving: The mascarpone filling tastes best when it’s slightly firm, so be sure to chill the stuffed dates for at least 30 minutes before serving.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These mascarpone stuffed dates retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dates according to the recipe instructions, but do not fill them with the mascarpone mixture. Place the unfilled dates in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before filling and serving. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked: Allow the filled dates to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen stuffed dates to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the creamy texture.
• Reheating: If serving the stuffed dates warm, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the mascarpone filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The mascarpone filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the stuffed dates, simply spoon or pipe the chilled filling into the date cavities.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?

While mascarpone is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute cream cheese or ricotta cheese if desired. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor profile may be slightly different, but the overall result will still be delicious.

Are these stuffed dates suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

To make these mascarpone stuffed dates more keto-friendly, you can substitute the honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Additionally, using a reduced-fat or non-fat mascarpone cheese can help lower the overall carb and calorie count.

What should I do if the dates start to break apart when I’m stuffing them?

If the dates are especially ripe or soft, they may be more prone to tearing when you try to slice and stuff them. To prevent this, try chilling the dates in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before preparing. This will firm them up and make them easier to work with.

Can I add any additional toppings or garnishes to the stuffed dates?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some tasty options include a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon, or even a small piece of candied ginger.

Conclusion

These mascarpone stuffed dates represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a sophisticated appetizer at your next dinner party or enjoying them as a decadent snack, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, sweet, and irresistible combination of textures.

The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these mascarpone stuffed dates demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.

So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the delightful experience of these mascarpone stuffed dates? They’re sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire of easy, elegant, and utterly delicious recipes.