Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my all-time favorite quick snack – peanut butter stuffed dates! I’ve been making these little flavor bombs since college when I needed something sweet but not-too-guilty during late-night study sessions. What I love most is how ridiculously simple they are – just three ingredients, zero baking, and about five minutes of effort for that perfect sweet-salty combo. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why I’ve been making them weekly for over a decade. They’re like nature’s candy meets peanut butter cup, but with actual nutritional benefits (hello fiber and healthy fats!). The best part? Even my kids think they’re getting a special treat when I pack these in their lunch boxes.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Listen, these little gems aren’t just tasty—they’re practically magic. Here’s why they’ve been my go-to snack for years:
- No oven needed – Seriously, just slice, stuff, and snack. Perfect for when that sweet craving hits but you don’t want to turn on the stove
- Sweet meets salty – The caramel-like dates with creamy peanut butter and that flaky salt? Absolute perfection
- Meal prep superstar – I make a batch on Sundays and grab them all week when I need a quick energy boost
- Good-for-you ingredients – Natural sugars, healthy fats, and fiber make this snack actually satisfying
- Endlessly customizable – Swap nut butters, add toppings, or drizzle with chocolate – make them your own!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Here’s all you need to make my favorite snack – and trust me, every single ingredient matters for that perfect bite:
- 10 Medjool dates (pitted) – don’t even think about regular dates, we want those big, soft, caramel-like Medjools
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter – go for natural and unsweetened if you can
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) – just a pinch for that salty crunch that makes all the difference
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Let me tell you why these specific ingredients work so well together:
Medjool dates are the MVP here – they’re naturally softer and sweeter than other varieties. When you bite into one, it’s like chewing on caramel. Regular dates just don’t have that same melt-in-your-mouth quality.
For the peanut butter, texture is everything. You want it creamy enough to pipe or spoon easily, but not so runny that it drips everywhere. If your PB is super thick, I sometimes microwave it for 10 seconds to make it more workable (but let it cool before filling!).
And that flaky sea salt? It’s not just decoration. The big crystals give you little bursts of saltiness that cut through the sweetness. If you don’t have Maldon, any coarse salt will do in a pinch – just use a lighter hand since table salt is saltier by volume.
For my nut-free friends, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully too. Just know that each gives a slightly different flavor profile – which is actually kinda fun to experiment with!
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these addictive little bites! The whole process takes about five minutes flat, but I’ll walk you through each step so you get perfect results every time. The key is handling those dates gently so they stay intact while you stuff them.
Step 1: Prep the Dates
First, take each plump Medjool date and make a lengthwise cut – but here’s the trick: don’t slice all the way through! You’re just creating a little pocket for the peanut butter to nestle into. I use a small paring knife and stop about 3/4 of the way down. Then, use your fingers to gently pry open the date and remove the pit if it’s still there (most store-bought ones are already pitted, but always check!).
Step 2: Fill with Peanut Butter
Now for the good stuff! Grab a teaspoon measure – I find about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of peanut butter is the perfect amount per date. You can spoon it in directly (a small cookie scoop works great for this), or for extra neatness, put your PB in a piping bag or even a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Fill each date until the peanut butter just peeks out of the slit – any more and it’ll squish out when you take a bite!
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches
This is where the magic happens! Take a pinch of that flaky sea salt between your fingers and sprinkle it lightly over each stuffed date. Watch how those salt crystals catch the light – that’s how you know you’re doing it right. The salt isn’t just pretty, it actually makes the sweetness of the dates and richness of the peanut butter pop. If you’re feeling fancy, you can eat them right away, but I love popping them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the peanut butter firm up slightly. It gives them this amazing texture contrast!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
After making these probably a hundred times, I’ve picked up some tricks to take your peanut butter stuffed dates from good to “oh-my-gosh-I-need-another-one” amazing:
- Chill for the perfect bite – 10-15 minutes in the fridge firms up the peanut butter just enough for that satisfying texture contrast
- Fresh dates are key – Look for plump, shiny Medjools; wrinkled ones won’t have that luscious caramel texture
- Salt to taste – Start light with the salt – you can always add more after your first taste test
- Perfect portable snack – Pack them in a small container between parchment layers so they don’t stick together on the go
- Double batch magic – These keep so well, I always make extra – they rarely last more than two days in my house anyway!
Variations of Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s time to play! Here are my favorite ways to dress up these little beauties:
- Chocolate-drizzled – Melt some dark chocolate and zigzag it over the top for a fancy dessert-worthy treat
- Crunchy toppings – Press crushed peanuts, almonds, or even pretzel bits into the peanut butter before chilling
- Tropical twist – Roll the peanut butter edge in toasted coconut flakes – tastes like a vacation!
- Spiced up – Dust with cinnamon or even a tiny pinch of cayenne for a warm kick
- PB&J vibes – Add a few dried cranberries or a dot of jam before closing up the dates
Really, the possibilities are endless – and half the fun is inventing your own combinations!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the beautiful thing about these peanut butter stuffed dates – they actually get better after sitting in the fridge for a bit! I stash mine in an airtight container (layering them with parchment paper if I’m feeling fancy) where they’ll stay perfect for up to 3 days. The dates keep the peanut butter from drying out, and that little chill time makes the texture even more delightful. No reheating needed – just grab one straight from the fridge when that sweet craving hits. Though let’s be real… in my house, they rarely last more than a day before disappearing!
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but after years of making these peanut butter stuffed dates, I’ve learned they pack a surprisingly good nutritional punch for how delicious they taste. Here’s the breakdown per stuffed date (based on average values – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients):
- 115 calories – Perfect little energy boost when you need it
- 4g fat (mostly the good, heart-healthy kind from peanut butter)
- 20g carbs – Naturally occurring sugars from those sweet Medjool dates
- 2g fiber – Helps balance out that sugar and keeps you satisfied
- 3g protein – Thanks to our friend peanut butter!
Important note: These numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients. If you use different brands or substitute ingredients (like almond butter instead of peanut butter), your nutritional values will change slightly. But honestly? When something tastes this good and makes you feel this satisfied, I don’t stress about counting every single calorie. It’s all about balance, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these peanut butter stuffed dates over the years – let me answer the ones I hear most often!
Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter is my second favorite – it gives a slightly more sophisticated flavor. Cashew butter makes them extra creamy, and sunflower seed butter works great for nut-free versions. Just keep in mind that runnier nut butters might need chilling before stuffing.
How long do peanut butter stuffed dates last?
In our house? About 24 hours max! But seriously, they keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. The dates prevent the peanut butter from drying out, though the salt might dissolve slightly over time – I like to add a fresh sprinkle before serving leftovers.
Are these naturally vegan?
Yes! Medjool dates, peanut butter, and sea salt are all plant-based. Just double-check your peanut butter label if you’re strict about vegan diets – some brands add honey. For chocolate-drizzled versions, use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I freeze peanut butter stuffed dates?
You can, but the texture changes a bit. Thawed dates tend to be softer, and the peanut butter can get crumbly. If you do freeze them, I recommend enjoying them semi-thawed – almost like little peanut butter date popsicles!
What’s the best way to transport these for snacks on-the-go?
I use a small container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For lunchboxes, I’ll sometimes wrap each one individually in wax paper – makes them feel like special treats (and keeps little fingers clean!).
Your Turn to Make These Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates!
Alright, now it’s your turn to experience the magic of these ridiculously easy peanut butter stuffed dates! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Did you go classic with just peanut butter and salt? Or did you get wild with chocolate drizzles or crunchy toppings? Either way, I want to see your creations!
Snap a photo of your stuffed dates and tag me on Instagram – I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on this simple recipe. And if you’ve got a brilliant new variation I haven’t tried yet, please share! These little flavor bombs have been my secret snack weapon for years, and I’m so excited to pass the tradition along to you. Happy stuffing!
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**3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates You’ll Crave**
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 stuffed dates 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy snack combining sweet Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter and a touch of flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for topping
Instructions
- Slice each date lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through) and remove the pit.
- Spoon about 1–1 1/2 teaspoons peanut butter into each date.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Enjoy right away, or chill 10–15 minutes for a firmer bite.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter stuffed dates, dates with peanut butter, sweet and salty snack, no bake snacks, healthy snack ideas, quick dessert