These Easy Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Pecans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Medjool dates are stuffed with rich mascarpone cheese, topped with crunchy pecans, and drizzled with maple syrup, offering a delicious, energy-boosting snack. The combination of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ¼ cup finely chopped pecans

• 24 pitted Medjool dates

• 6 oz mascarpone cheese

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven’s broiler to high and place the rack at the top.

2. Prepare the Dates: Slice each Medjool date lengthwise to remove the pit, creating a cavity for the mascarpone.

3. Stuff with Mascarpone: Fill each date with about a teaspoon of mascarpone cheese.

4. Top with Pecans: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the mascarpone-filled dates.

5. Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the stuffed dates.

6. Broil: Place the stuffed dates on a lined baking sheet. Broil for 3 minutes or until golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the dates to cool slightly before serving, either warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

Each stuffed date contains approximately:

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Protein: 2g

• Healthy Fats: 6g

• Fiber: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

These stuffed dates are a simple yet flavorful snack that provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them the perfect treat for a quick energy boost or a party appetizer!

The Benefits of Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are often referred to as the “king of dates” due to their large size, tender texture, and rich, caramel-like flavor. They are naturally sweet and provide a healthy source of natural sugars, making them the perfect base for this snack. Dates are also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients help support heart health, digestion, and provide an energy boost, making them a great choice for a nutritious treat.

When combined with the other ingredients in this recipe, Medjool dates become an irresistible base for a snack that’s as healthy as it is delicious. They provide the sweetness that balances beautifully with the richness of the mascarpone and the crunch of the pecans.

Mascarpone Cheese: A Creamy, Decadent Filling

Mascarpone cheese is an Italian cream cheese known for its rich and creamy texture. Unlike other cheeses, mascarpone is smooth and mild, making it a perfect filling for these dates. Its slightly sweet and buttery flavor enhances the overall taste of the stuffed dates without overpowering the natural sweetness of the dates themselves.

The mascarpone cheese also helps to add a luxurious mouthfeel to each bite, creating a balance of creamy richness against the chewy dates and the crunchy pecans. It’s the star ingredient in this recipe, making it a decadent yet simple treat that’s sure to please.

Pecans: Adding Crunch and Flavor

Pecans bring an essential crunch to this recipe, balancing out the soft textures of the dates and mascarpone. When finely chopped, the pecans provide a nutty, slightly buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates and the creaminess of the mascarpone.

Pecans are also a great source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to this snack in terms of both flavor and nutritional value.

The Sweetness of Maple Syrup

Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to the stuffed dates, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup contains trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron, making it a better option for sweetening dishes in a more natural way.

In this recipe, the maple syrup doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients but instead ties everything together with just a drizzle. Its rich, earthy sweetness complements the mascarpone cheese and dates, adding depth to the flavor and making these stuffed dates even more irresistible.

Broiling: A Quick Step to Perfection

Broiling the stuffed dates for just a few minutes helps to bring out the natural caramelization of the dates and adds a golden finish to the mascarpone filling. It also slightly crisps the pecans, intensifying their nutty flavor. The broiling process is quick and easy, ensuring that you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen to achieve a perfectly golden snack.

It’s important to watch the dates carefully while they broil, as they can burn quickly. The goal is to heat them just long enough to enhance the flavors and textures without overcooking them. Once done, allow the dates to cool slightly before serving to prevent the filling from being too hot.

Serving Suggestions

These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Pecans are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a light appetizer or snack for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties, and they pair wonderfully with wine, especially sweeter wines or even a glass of sparkling water.

For an elegant touch, you can serve them on a platter as part of a larger charcuterie board, alongside other fruits, cheeses, and nuts. They’re also perfect for a quick, healthy snack when you need a burst of energy during the day. You can even pack them for a picnic or bring them to a potluck.

If you prefer a more indulgent version, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional maple syrup on top just before serving. They can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

These stuffed dates provide a balanced mix of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and natural sugars. Medjool dates are high in fiber, which aids digestion, while the pecans provide healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The mascarpone cheese adds creaminess and protein, while the maple syrup offers a natural sweetener with minimal added sugar.

This makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a wholesome snack that’s still indulgent and flavorful. While they’re certainly sweet, the combination of dates, pecans, and mascarpone ensures that they won’t lead to a sugar crash like many other sugary snacks.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Savory Treat

Easy Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Pecans offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. The chewy dates, rich mascarpone filling, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup come together to create a snack that’s both decadent and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost or a snack to impress guests, these stuffed dates are a fantastic choice that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more.

With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this treat is as simple as it is delicious. The versatility and balance of flavors make it a great option for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. So go ahead and give these mascarpone stuffed dates a try—you’re sure to love the irresistible combination of textures and flavors!