Name: Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 pitted dates; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon honey; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ cup chopped toasted pecans

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are a wonderful blend of sweet and creamy flavors, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday gathering, these stuffed dates come together quickly and will have everyone reaching for more.

This recipe is special because it combines simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Plus, they look so beautiful on a platter! I love serving them at parties or enjoying them as a quick snack. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this tasty treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
Family-friendly: Everyone loves sweet stuffed dates—kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare these stuffed dates ahead of time and chill them until you’re ready to serve.
Versatile flavor: The honey and cinnamon create a cozy flavor that complements many occasions, from casual snacks to elegant gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are simple and wholesome. This makes it easy to whip up this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes!

24 pitted dates
4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temp)
1 tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup chopped, toasted pecans

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

Add some zest: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a bright citrus note.
Change up the nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Sweeten differently: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique taste.

How to Make Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by preparing your pitted dates. Use a sharp paring knife to create a small slit in the middle of each date. This step is crucial because it allows us to stuff each date generously with our creamy filling. Set them aside while we make the cream cheese mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat everything together until you achieve a smooth consistency. This mixture will be sweetened perfectly by the honey and flavored beautifully with cinnamon—just what we want!

Step 3: Pipe the Filling

Next, spoon your cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the mixture into each prepared date until it’s full and just peeking over the edge of the slit. This step not only makes them look appealing but ensures every bite is rich with flavor.

Step 4: Coat with Pecans

On a small plate, place your chopped toasted pecans. Gently dip the exposed cream cheese side of each stuffed date into the pecans and press lightly so they adhere nicely. This adds an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Finally, refrigerate your stuffed dates until you’re ready to serve them. Chilling helps meld all those lovely flavors together while keeping everything fresh. When you bring them out at your next gathering, watch how quickly they disappear!

Pro Tips for Making Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

Making these delightful stuffed dates is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you’ll impress your family and friends in no time!

Choose the right dates: Opt for Medjool dates as they are larger, sweeter, and have a delightful caramel-like taste, making them perfect for stuffing.
Room temperature cream cheese: Ensuring your cream cheese is softened to room temperature makes it easier to blend with honey and cinnamon. This results in a smooth filling that pipes beautifully into the dates.
Customize your nuts: While toasted pecans add a lovely crunch, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different flavors and textures.
Chill before serving: Allowing the stuffed dates to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and makes them even more refreshing when served.
Make ahead: These stuffed dates can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, making your holiday prep a little less hectic.

How to Serve Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

These Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates make an elegant addition to any gathering. Their unique presentation will surely catch the eye of your guests!

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only look beautiful but also add a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the dates.
Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the stuffed dates enhances their flavor and adds an inviting aroma that beckons people to take a bite.

Side Dishes

Cheese platter: Pair these stuffed dates with an assortment of cheeses, such as creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar. The contrast between sweet and savory elevates your appetizer spread.
Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp counterpoint to the sweetness of the dates while adding freshness to your meal.
Hummus and pita chips: The creamy texture of hummus alongside crunchy pita chips makes for a great side dish, complementing the rich cream cheese filling in the dates without overpowering them.
Olives: A small bowl of marinated olives introduces saltiness and brininess that balances out the sweetness of the Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to wow your guests with this deliciously unique appetizer! Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful treat during your holiday festivities.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping! You can whip these up ahead of time for hassle-free entertaining or snacking throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They are best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the stuffed dates in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you prefer your stuffed dates warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans for Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped and toasted to add that lovely crunch!

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply swap the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream cheese or coconut yogurt. You may need to adjust the sweetness slightly depending on the brand you choose.

Can I prepare Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates a day ahead?

Yes! These stuffed dates can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates as I do! They’re such a delightful treat that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, these dates are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this wonderful recipe!