Chocolate Covered Almond Butter Stuffed Dates
Dates are a fruit that I always have on hand. They are great to keep stocked in your fridge or pantry to satisfy a sweets craving and to give you a midday energy boost. Because of dates high carbohydrate/fiber content they are a great midday energizing snack option to have. While they are great on their own to give you an energy boost and to satisfy a sweets craving without excess sugar, I love adding some almond butter to them for added protein and healthy fats. Adding a tbsp of almond butter helps to make dates a little more satiating. Plus, with the addition of chocolate on top, these dates will satisfy just like a dessert without the excess sugar and other low quality ingredients.
Making stuffed dates is so easy. All you need are some pitted dates, almond butter (or your favorite nut/seed spread) and melted chocolate. That’s it!
Meal prepping these stuffed dates for snacks (or a healthier dessert option) is so simple and requires little effort. Every time I make these they get eaten up so fast. Plus, they are kid approved (even without the added chocolate!).
For chocolate I love this one here. If you want an added sugar free version I recommend whisking together 2-3 tbsp of coconut oil and 2-3 tbsp of cacao powder (equal parts) together over low heat in a sauce pan until smooth. This added sugar free chocolate sauce will satisfy a chocolate craving without sugar.
What you need (makes 15 stuffed dates):
15 dates, pitted and sliced vertically in half on one side of the date only
15 tbsp of almond butter
1 bar of chocolate or 1 cup of chocolate chips (see notes above for added sugar free version)
2 tsp coconut oil
Directions: Place a piece of parchment paper down over a plate to prevent sticking. Begin stuffing each date with 1 tbsp of almond butter. Place the stuffed dates on the parchment paper lined plate. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together either in a bowl in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan until melted. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the dates. Place the dates back in the freezer for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate has solidified. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for best results. Enjoy!
Love this recipe? Try out another one of my favorite simple snack ideas: Chocolate Chip PB&J Energy Balls. Check them out here.