There's something truly magical about the combo of sweet, soft dates paired with creamy cheese and nutty butter. That’s exactly what makes my Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe a standout—each bite bursts with flavors that feel both indulgent and satisfying, yet so simple to make at home.

A round, speckled gray plate holds about sixteen dark brown dates that are each split open and filled with different toppings. Several dates have a creamy beige peanut butter filling with a bright red raspberry on top. Others have a smooth white filling with a single brown pecan and small green herb sprinkles. Some dates are filled with a beige nut mix and chopped nuts sprinkled on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some peanuts and pecans visible around the edges. The lighting highlights the shiny, sticky texture of the dates and the vibrant colors of the toppings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos whenever I want an easy yet impressive snack or party treat. Stuffed dates feel fancy but take minutes to prep, which is a big win in my busy kitchen. Plus, the variety means there’s a flavor for every mood or guest.

Versatility: You get six distinct flavors but only prep one base—soft Medjool dates, making entertaining a breeze.
Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and quick assembly mean you can whip these up even as last-minute snacks.
Flavor Explosion: Creamy cheese and nut butter contrast beautifully with the natural caramel sweetness of dates.
Customizable: Mix, match, or tweak the fillings based on what you have on hand—no stress, only yum.

A round white plate with a thin black line along the rim holds 18 halved dark brown dates arranged in a circle. The dates are filled with three different layers: some have a smooth light brown spread topped with pieces of chopped nuts; others have the same spread but topped with whole red raspberries; a few are filled with white cream, each topped with a small brown pecan and a sprinkle of green herbs; the last group has white cream layered with red fruit slices inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface scattered with whole pecans, peanuts, shelled nuts, and red dried pepper pieces. An open clear plastic bag of pecans is at the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These stuffers work because they balance textures and flavors perfectly: soft, sweet dates paired with creamy, nutty, or tangy fillings. When you pick your ingredients fresh and high-quality, the transformation is incredible—shopping for the right cheese and fresh nuts really elevates the snack.

Flat lay of a dozen glossy soft Medjool dates, a small mound of creamy goat cheese, roughly chopped vibrant green pistachios, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden hot honey, twelve small wedges of pale brie cheese, twelve glossy pecan halves, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary with rich green needles, a dollop of fluffy white ricotta cheese next to a tiny sprinkle of kosher salt crystals and delicate lemon zest curls, a handful of deep red oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, fresh bright green basil leaves, a smooth scoop of creamy peanut butter, finely chopped roasted salted peanuts scattered beside it, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted dark chocolate chips, a creamy swirl of almond butter in a white bowl, a cluster of plump fresh raspberries, and a neat pile of thin pale banana slices arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Medjool Dates: Large and naturally super sweet, they’re soft enough to stuff easily but still hold their shape.
Goat Cheese: Its tangy creaminess contrasts the date’s sweetness—try caramelized onion goat cheese for an extra flavor kicker.
Pistachios: Bright green, crunchy, and subtly nutty, they add a lovely color and texture contrast.
Hot Honey: Sweet but with a spicy kick, it comforts and excites the palate all at once.
Brie Cheese: Soft, buttery, and mild—pairs perfectly with earthy pecans and fragrant rosemary.
Pecan Halves: Rich flavor and satisfying crunch, great for adding dimension to soft fillings.
Fresh Rosemary: Herbaceous notes brighten the rich brie and nuts, adding freshness.
Ricotta Cheese: Super light and creamy, enhanced with salt and lemon zest for subtle tang.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweetly concentrated tomato flavor with chewy texture adds depth.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic, sweet, and peppery, they lift the ricotta and tomato combo.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Classic, rich, and salty-sweet base for nutty variations with real bite.
Roasted Salted Peanuts: Crunchy and savory, a perfect contrast for peanut butter and chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Melts into a bittersweet finish that pairs so well with nuts and fruit.
Creamy Almond Butter: Milder and subtly sweet alternative to peanut butter for variety.
Fresh Raspberries: Juicy brightness and a pop of natural tartness that pairs perfectly with almond butter.
Banana Slices: Sweet, soft, and naturally creamy, a fun addition to peanut butter and chocolate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe feels totally customizable. Sometimes, I swap out nuts or add a sprinkle of spice for a little extra zip—feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Go Savory: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the goat cheese filling for a smoky twist—I’ve done this when hosting game nights and it’s always a hit.
Make It Vegan: Use vegan ricotta or nut-based cheeses and swap honey for agave or maple syrup, so everyone can enjoy these treats with you.
Seasonal Swap: When fresh figs or dried apricots are in season, mix them with the nut butters for a different fruity vibe.
Kid-Friendly: The almond butter and banana combo is usually a winner with little ones; just skip the hot honey and rosemary to keep it mild.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dates Like a Pro

Start by using a small, sharp knife to make a gentle slit lengthwise down each date. Carefully remove the pit without tearing the fruit—it’s important to keep the dates intact for easy stuffing. I find that using my thumbnail to open the slit wider helps when adding the filling later. Arrange them on a plate or on parchment paper if you plan to bake or chill them later.

Step 2: Fill with Your Chosen Mixture

This is the fun part! Using a small spoon or spreader, gently stuff each date with your chosen filling. For softer spreads like goat cheese or ricotta, I love using a small offset spatula or a micro spatula for smooth application. For chunkier fillings like brie with pecans or peanut butter with banana, just gently nestle the pieces inside. Don’t overstuff—dates have a natural sweetness and firmness to balance!

Step 3: Add Toppings and Drizzles

Once stuffed, sprinkle or top the dates with your complementary ingredients: sprinkle pistachios over the goat cheese, scatter chopped peanuts on chocolate-covered ones, or lay fresh basil on ricotta-stuffed dates. If you're drizzling hot honey or melted chocolate, make sure it’s warm but not scalding to avoid melting the dates too much. I usually do the drizzle last so the toppings stick perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a handful of little tricks that make these stuffed dates go from good to unforgettable. Since the combo is simple, every detail matters!

Choose Soft, Fresh Dates: I always use fresh Medjool dates; older, dry dates make stuffing tough and less enjoyable.
Don’t Overstuff: Less is more—overfilling can break the dates or overwhelm their natural flavor.
Prep Your Filling Ahead: Mixing lemon zest into ricotta or chopping nuts ahead cuts down on last-minute fuss.
Room Temperature Fillings Work Best: Taking cheeses and nut butters out of the fridge before stuffing helps them spread smoothly and mix flavors better.

How to Serve Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple and fresh—like a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a tiny pinch of fresh rosemary, depending on the flavor combo. For the chocolate-covered ones, a dash of sea salt on top can elevate the sweetness beautifully. I’ve also tossed a few edible flowers on the platter for special occasions to make the whole spread look irresistible.

Side Dishes

These stuffed dates are fab as a standalone snack, but I love pairing them with a simple cheese board—think crackers, mixed olives, and fresh fruit like grapes or figs. They also complement a light salad or a crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water, giving the perfect balance to the richness of the cheese and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these on rustic wooden boards or slate platters, nestled alongside fresh herbs like basil or rosemary sprigs. Sometimes I serve them on mini cupcake liners to keep flavors separate and make grabbing a piece super easy. For a festive touch, you could even drizzle colorful honey or sprinkle crushed pistachios in a pretty pattern around the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 2-3 days, but I recommend eating them sooner rather than later to enjoy the freshest texture and flavor. The chocolate-drizzled ones can get a bit firm in the fridge, so let them sit out a few minutes before serving again.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen the dates after stuffing, the plain pitted dates freeze beautifully. If you want to prep far ahead, freeze the dates separately and stuff them fresh. Otherwise, freezing stuffed dates might affect texture, especially those with fresh fruit or soft cheeses.

Reheating

If you want to warm the cheesy stuffed ones slightly, I gently heat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes—just enough to soften the cheese without melting the date structure. For chocolate-coated dates, I prefer serving them chilled or at room temperature to keep the melty balance just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are preferred for their size, softness, and natural sweetness, making them ideal for stuffing. You could try other types like Deglet Noor but they tend to be smaller and firmer, which may make them trickier to stuff and less juicy.

How do I prevent the dates from getting soggy?

Always choose fresh, soft but not overly moist dates. Avoid adding wet ingredients directly inside—like very wet ricotta—without first draining excess liquid. Serve the dates shortly after assembling for the best texture or store them briefly in the fridge before serving.

Can I prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can pit and stuff the dates several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. For chocolate-dipped versions, it’s best to do the dipping closer to serving time to keep the coating glossy and fresh. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.

What drinks pair well with these stuffed dates?

These stuffed dates pair wonderfully with bubbly wines like Prosecco or Champagne, sweet dessert wines, or even a sparkling water with a splash of citrus. The richness of the cheese and nuts balances beautifully with something crisp or lightly sweet.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Dates 6 Ways with Cheese and Nut Butter Recipe is one of those kitchen gems that feels special but requires so little effort. I love sharing it at gatherings, where the assortment always sparks conversation—and really, who can resist that perfect sweet-savory bite? I hope you have as much fun making and customizing these as I do. Give them a try; you might just find your new favorite snack or party treat!