I am that person.
Whenever I’m done with dinner – whether we’re out to eat with some friends, on vacation, or cozy at home -, I need something sweet.
If I’m being completely honest with you, it’s probably not the best thing in the world, feeling like OMGNEEDSOMETHINGSWEETNOW whether or not I’m actually hungry, but it’s true. This is real life for little ol’ me.
I don’t really know what it is. It’s like my brain doesn’t hit the “OK you’re done eating for the night” switch until I get a little somethin’ somethin’.
Do you get that way? Or am I alone in this sweets-filled battlefield?
Normally, I’ll reach for an apple with peanut butter, but lately, it’s been all about that chocolate.
I think it all started when I bought an organic dark chocolate bar from Trader Joe’s a couple of weeks ago. This is something I never do. Ever. But it looked good, and I thought it would be fun to split with Mark on the way home.
Well, Mark got about 3 pieces of the whole bar, because I managed to finish that sucker within a few days, casually stealing a piece (or two) after dinner each night.
It. Was. Euphoric. It was SO dark and rich. And I stored it in the freezer to get all nice and hard, and then it just MELTED in my mouth…
But as I write this, stomach full after the giant Better-than-Chipotle Burrito Bowl extravaganza we had for dinner, all I can think about is THESE. Yes, these Almond Joy Dates.
I’m a little nervous to share this with you, but one of my first-ever posts on this little blog of mine was for these Chocolate-Dipped Nut-Stuffed Dates. The pictures are a bit of a hot mess, but I swear that simple recipe one of my most-made recipes from the blog (well, behind this, this, and this).
But I can tell you right now that this almond joy variety will be a new staple in the Fooduzzi household.
As you probably know, dates slathered in peanut butter is pretty much the single best snack and/or dessert you could possibly have (and if you don’t get on that, chica). Well, these dates were derived from the same principle, but changed in an oh-so delicious way.
We’re switching up the peanut butter for almond butter (What can I say? I’m on an almond butter kick at the moment), we’re adding some coconut, we’re stuffing the almond butter-coconut mixture inside the date, and then we’re drenching the entire thing in chocolate.
Can I get an amen?
You guys are like me, you LOVE that almond-coconut-chocolate combo so so much. So much so, these Almond Joy Macaroons were my #1 recipe of 2015! But with summer coming along, I knew that you’d need a new Almond Joy-flavored delight in your arsenal. I’m only looking out for ya. <3
The very best thing about these dates? They take about 10 minutes to make. Just think, in 10 whole minutes, you could be chomping down on a healthier dessert, snack, or anytime treat. I’m so into that idea it’s not even funny.
And when this kind of sweet is made with fiber- and healthy fat-rich ingredients, it’s totally acceptable to steal one from the fridge whenever a sweet craving strikes. Even if it’s every night after dinner. ;)
PrintAlmond Joy Stuffed Dates
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 10-12 dates
Ingredients
For the dates:
- 2 Tbsp. creamy almond butter
- 1–2 Tbsp. shredded, unsweetened coconut, plus more for topping
- 10–12 medjool dates, sliced down the middle on one side and pitted
For the chocolate coating:
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix almond butter and coconut. Your mixture should be on the thicker side, but it shouldn’t be dry. The amount of coconut needed will depend on how runny your almond butter is.
- Using a small spoon, stuff each date with some of the almond butter-coconut mixture, and then close the date. Wipe off any of the almond butter-coconut mixture that oozes out when you close the date. Place in the fridge while you make the chocolate coating.
- To make the chocolate coating, mix melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Remove dates from the fridge. Drizzle some chocolate coating on top of the dates, then sprinkle with additional coconut. Place back in the fridge to set, about 5 minutes. Store in the fridge.
I absolutely LOVE nut-butter stuffed dates! And with the addition of chocolate? HECK YES. I get sweet cravings after dinner too but they come and go. When it’s my time of the month though….forget it. Gimme ALL the chocolate!
ME. TOO. Such an easy and delicious treat! :)
Laughing because that literally describes me too lol! i always NEED something sweet after dinner too! These nut butter dates sound freaking amazing! LOVE LOVE LOVE almond joys!
hahaha for real though! My day doesn’t seem complete without a little something sweet!
Ah I am the same way! I love these! I recently just and up with a similar recipe and you just reminded me I never shared it! And I am totally in love with chocolate right now!
SHARE IT! Gotta love nut butter-stuffed dates!
Ooh I have such a sweet tooth as well! I just can’t resist especially after dinner.
Same, girl! It’s just one of those things that HAS to happen. I’ve given up fighting it ;)
I love dates, nut butter and chocolate but I LOVE that you made these with a chocolate coating and let them set! I wonder if I have enough restraint to make these ;) haha!
:) That chocolate coating is KEY. SO SO good!
This looks so good Alexa. I’m not a fan of coconut but I’m sure they would be just as good without. I’ll let you know :)
Good call! They’d be delicious without the coconut, too! I love ’em that way :)
I love love love chocolate/coconut combo. I definitely couldn’t keep these in my apartment for long!
Ahh right?! Pretty sure the whole batch was gone in like 2 days ;)
OMG we are the same person. I totally need something sweet after dinner too— like I’m not totally satisfied until I have some dark chocolate or a cookie or (lately) a big ol’ bowl of strawberries! These look absolutely DIVINE!
Dark chocolate has been my go-to lately, too! That organic dark chocolate bar from TJs…OMG.
I’m 100% with you on the “must have something sweet now” train. That’s why I often also have lunch-dessert aka the best. I just need at least a bite of sweet after savoury most of the time to feel satisfied, used to think that was a bad thing, now I embrace it.
These dates look AMAZING! So simple and so yum.
Lunch-dessert – you’re a genius! That’s how I am, too. Recently I’ve been all about that chocolate life ;)
I have a new found joy for Almond Joy with these! Healthy and yummy all in one! Thanks for the recipe!
http://www.sistersweetly.wordpress.com
haha I love it! Hope you give it a try, Trina! :)
LOVE THESE! That is too funny, I basically just made these the other week but with coconut butter ;-)
Love these photos Alexa!
YUM. I bet they’d be rockin’ with coconut butter!
I love this recipe!!! And I am literally the same when it comes to post meal cravings LMAOO!! I need something sweet to just finish off the meal – no matter how stuffed I am!!