One of my favorite memories as a home cook in Morocco involves discovering the incredible array of Medjool dates at our local market. Fresh, plump, and naturally sweet, they immediately sparked my culinary creativity. Once, I misjudged the timing while baking them and accidentally overcooked one batch, but their taste was still delightful! Inspired by that moment and my love for simple yet indulgent snacks, I started making these mascarpone stuffed dates with maple drizzle. They’ve quickly become a go-to treat for my family and friends.
What Makes This So Good
- Flavor Explosion: The creaminess of mascarpone perfectly complements the sweetness of dates, balanced by the rich maple syrup and crunchy nuts.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation: They look elegant and taste gourmet, making them perfect for entertaining!
Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates (about 8 oz or 230 g)
- 1 cup (240 g) mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pistachios)
- A pinch of sea salt
Smart Swaps
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts completely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in place of mascarpone.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free syrup or sweetener if you want to reduce sugar intake.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and carefully remove the pits.
- Fill each date with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cheese.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the stuffed dates.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt on top for added flavor.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. They’re done when they look slightly glossy and the cheese is soft.
- Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed dates a few hours in advance, then bake them before serving to enjoy the warm flavors.
- Transporting: If you’re taking these to a gathering, store them in an airtight container and assemble right before serving.
- Re-Crisping: If they cool completely, simply pop them back into the oven for a minute or two to warm up again.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mascarpone for a warm spice note.
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate finely chopped dried fruits, like apricots or cranberries, into the mascarpone filling for added texture.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve as an elegant appetizer at cocktail parties or family gatherings.
- Arrange on a platter to impress guests at holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, until warm.
FAQs
Can I use other fillings instead of mascarpone?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or goat cheese make great alternatives for different flavor profiles.
Are these suitable for a vegan diet?
If you swap out the mascarpone for a plant-based cream cheese and use agave syrup instead of maple syrup, you’ll have a delicious vegan option.
How do I know if the dates are fresh?
Look for dates that are plump and slightly sticky to the touch, indicating moisture and freshness.
Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle
Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy mascarpone, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with nuts.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates (about 8 oz or 230 g)
- 1 cup (240 g) mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pistachios)
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and carefully remove the pits.
- Fill each date with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cheese.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the stuffed dates.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Make ahead of time and bake before serving for warm flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian