10-Min Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates: Irresistible Party Magic -

Name: 10-Min Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates: Irresistible Party Magic
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 Medjool dates, pitted; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); 1 tsp honey (optional); Pinch of sea salt

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Oh my goodness, you have to try these cream cheese stuffed dates. They’re the perfect little bite of sweet, creamy goodness that always disappears first at my parties. I stumbled onto this combo when I needed a last-minute appetizer for book club – now my friends beg me to bring them every time. The magic happens when rich cream cheese meets those caramel-like Medjool dates, with crunchy nuts adding the perfect finish. What I love most? They take just 10 minutes to throw together, but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these little flavor bombs, you’ll be as addicted as we are.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Let me count the ways these little gems will become your new obsession:

Lightning fast: Ready in just 10 minutes flat – perfect when guests show up unannounced
No cooking required: Just slice, stuff, and go – my kind of kitchen magic
Naturally sweet: The dates’ caramel flavor means you can skip added sugar (though that honey drizzle sure is nice)
Party perfect: These always disappear first from my appetizer spread – people go crazy for them.
Healthy-ish: You’re basically eating fruit… with a cream cheese bonus. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Alright, let’s gather our goodies. Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible bites:

10 Medjool dates – pitted (trust me, wrestling with pits mid-bite isn’t fun)
4 oz cream cheese – softened (leave it out 30 minutes – no one wants lumpy filling)
1/4 cup chopped nuts – walnuts or pecans add the perfect crunch
1 tsp honey – optional, but oh-so-good for that extra kiss of sweetness
Pinch of sea salt – optional, but it makes all the flavors pop

See? Simple stuff. Half these things are probably already in your pantry. Now let’s make some magic.

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Okay, let’s get stuffing. These couldn’t be easier to put together – follow these simple steps:

Prep your dates: Take each Medjool date and make a lengthwise slit with a small knife. Gently remove the pit while keeping the date intact – think of it like opening a little pocket.
Cream cheese time: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with softened cream cheese. Don’t be shy – really stuff it in there. Pro tip: if your cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for 5-10 seconds.
Add crunch: Sprinkle your chopped nuts over the cream cheese filling. I like to press them in slightly so they stick.
Bonus touches: For extra pizzazz, drizzle with honey and sprinkle that pinch of sea salt – trust me, it makes all the difference.
Chill or serve: You can enjoy them immediately, but 10 minutes in the fridge helps everything set beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Here’s my foolproof advice:

Room temp cream cheese spreads like a dream – no lumps.
Chilling firms them up slightly for easier serving
Use kitchen scissors to easily chop nuts directly over dates

Variations for Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Spice things up with these fun twists. Swap nuts for shredded coconut to channel tropical vibes, or go decadent with mini chocolate chips (my kids’ favorite). For savory lovers, try crumbled bacon or everything bagel seasoning. The possibilities are endless – that’s what makes this recipe so brilliant.

Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

These little beauties shine brightest on an appetizer spread. I love arranging them on a wooden board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit for an instant charcuterie upgrade. They’re also perfect passed around at parties (watch them disappear) or packed in lunchboxes for a sweet midday pick-me-up. My secret? Serve them slightly chilled – the contrast between cool cream cheese and sweet dates is absolute magic.

Storage and Reheating

These little treats keep beautifully. Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days (though good luck having any left that long). No reheating needed – they’re perfect straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information for Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Each stuffed date packs a delicious little nutritional punch. Here’s the scoop per serving (1 date):

85 calories – perfect little indulgence
3g fat (1.5g saturated) – all the creamy goodness
15g carbs with 1g fiber – naturally sweet from those Medjool dates
1g protein – a nice little bonus

Remember, nutrition can vary based on exact ingredients used – especially if you go wild with toppings. This is just a general guide to help you enjoy guilt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?

Absolutely, Almonds, pistachios, or even cashews work wonderfully. For nut-free versions, try toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds – they add the same satisfying crunch.

How long do cream cheese stuffed dates last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for about 2 days, though the texture is best within 24 hours. The dates might soften a bit over time, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

You bet, I often assemble them the morning of an event and refrigerate. The flavors actually get better as they sit. Just add the final nut topping right before serving so they stay crunchy.

What if I can’t find Medjool dates?

While Medjools are ideal for their size and sweetness, deglet noor dates work in a pinch. Just know they’re smaller, so you’ll need more, and the flavor isn’t quite as caramel-like.

I’d love to hear how your stuffed dates turned out. Did you try any fun variations? Snap a photo and share your creations – nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this simple, delicious treat as much as I do. You can also follow us on Facebook for more delicious recipes.

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