Oh my goodness, have you tried honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates? These little bites of heaven are the perfect blend of sweet and creamy, with a delightful crunch from the pistachios. I remember the first time I made them for a gathering; everyone was buzzing about how delicious they were! The dates are naturally sweet, and when you stuff them with rich ricotta, honey, and those crunchy pistachios, it creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them a go-to for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful treats! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Make sure to grab fresh Medjool dates for that luscious sweetness! The ricotta should be creamy and smooth, and I love using lightly salted pistachios for that perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special!
How to Prepare Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates
Let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures even baking, which means perfectly golden, warm dates every time. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Dates
Now, grab your Medjool dates and slice them lengthwise down one side. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just enough to open them up and remove the pits. This might sound tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze!
Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, chopped pistachios, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or a fork to combine everything until it’s nice and creamy. You want a lovely, smooth mixture that’s easy to scoop. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
Stuff the Dates
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the dates! Take a spoonful of that tasty filling and carefully stuff it into each date. Don’t be shy; fill them generously! The more, the merrier, right?
Bake the Stuffed Dates
Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re slightly golden and warm. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes undercooked dates!
Cooling and Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let the dates cool for a few minutes. This is key! Allowing them to cool slightly enhances the flavors and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and get ready for everyone to rave about them!
FAQ Section
Can I make these stuffed dates in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed dates ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake them right before serving for that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, mascarpone cheese or cream cheese can work in a pinch! Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious. You could also use a dairy-free ricotta if you want a vegan option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed dates can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just keep them in a sealed container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, a quick reheat in the oven for a couple of minutes will bring back that warm, gooey goodness!
Can I add other nuts or ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! Walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can really elevate the flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots also make a lovely addition for a touch of sweetness.
What’s the best way to serve these stuffed dates?
I love serving them warm as an appetizer or dessert at parties! They pair wonderfully with a cheese platter or a glass of dessert wine. You could even drizzle a little extra honey on top right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- Delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures
- Rich in healthy ingredients like nuts and protein-packed ricotta
- Versatile—enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or elegant appetizer
- Visually stunning and sure to impress your guests
Tips for Success
To make your honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates truly shine, focus on ingredient quality. Fresh Medjool dates are key for that sweet, juicy burst! When choosing pistachios, opt for lightly salted ones to balance the sweetness. For the best texture, make sure your ricotta is creamy and smooth—if it’s too chunky, give it a little whip before mixing. When baking, keep an eye on the dates; you want them golden but not dried out. And don’t forget to drizzle a little extra honey on top before serving—it’s the perfect finishing touch that makes them irresistible!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each honey pistachio ricotta stuffed date:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But overall, these stuffed dates are a delicious and nutritious treat that you can feel good about enjoying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will warm them up nicely and revive that creamy filling. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that warm, gooey goodness straight from the oven!
For more delicious recipes, check out this recipe for cheese stuffed dates or a healthy pasta primavera for a delightful meal!
Print
Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and creamy stuffed dates with a rich filling.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pits.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, chopped pistachios, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stuff each date with the ricotta mixture.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh dates for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates
