Delicious Chocolate-filled Dates

By Catherine Noonan on July 30, 2013 in Food

Chocolate-filled dates are one of my all-time favourite treats. If I have a hankering for something sweet or if I need to make a last minute dessert for unexpected guests, they’re the ultimate no-fuss-but-big-impression solution.

They take only five minutes to prepare plus another 30 minutes to set in the freezer. No baking is required, so mess is minimal, and they happen to be sensationally flavoursome too. Think frozen Mars Bars and you’re on the right track.

With their smooth chocolate filling and chewy caramel texture, they are truly delicious, yet they’re so much healthier than your typical store-bought chocolate treat because they include raw food and they’re gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free too. The fresh dates do have a very high natural fructose content though, so they probably make up for the lack of sugar in the ‘chocolate’ filling.

Be warned: depending on your level of self-control, it’s probably best to only make these when you know you will be able to share them, otherwise you might find yourself ‘accidentally’ devouring the entire batch next time you have a solo night in on the couch – they are that addictive.

This versatile recipe can be made on-the-spot or up to one week in advance. As the filling contains coconut oil, which has a low melting point, these little treats are best kept in the freezer until required. They will keep there nicely for up to two weeks. When you bring them out, they will perfectly chewy in texture, not frozen.

Equipment
Ice-cube tray

Ingredients (Makes 12)
12 fresh medjool dates
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp nut butter (almond and cashew butter are good options)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 small pinch sea salt

Method
1. Squeeze and remove the seeds from the dates.
2. Using your finger to make a hollow in the date where the seed used to be. Do not pierce the sides or other end of the date if you can avoid it.
3. Stand the dates hole side up in an ice-cube tray.
4. Place all remaining ingredients into a small bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Fill each date with the chocolate mixture (1–2 teaspoons each).
6. Place the tray of dates on a level surface in the freezer, allowing them half an hour to set before serving.

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