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These cranberry pecan cream cheese stuffed dates come together quickly to offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors. They make an elegant appetizer or a delightful treat for any occasion and are surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few thoughtful ingredients.
I first made these during a holiday party and they disappeared off the platter almost instantly. Now I bring them along to every family get-together because they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: fresh and plump because they create the perfect natural sweetness and hold the filling nicely
- Cream cheese: softened to make the filling smooth and rich choose full fat for the best creaminess
- Dried cranberries: chopped to add chewy bursts of tartness balancing the sweetness of the dates
- Pecans: chopped for a buttery crunch that adds texture and nuttiness
- Honey: to lightly sweeten and bind the filling without overpowering the natural flavors
- Vanilla extract: a touch of warmth and depth to enhance the overall taste
- Pinch of salt: to round out and bring all the flavors together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese with chopped cranberries and pecans then add honey vanilla extract and a pinch of salt Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended ensuring each bite has balanced flavor
- Slice the dates:
- Carefully cut each pitted Medjool date lengthwise creating a pocket but do not slice all the way through This helps keep the date intact while making space for the filling
- Stuff the dates:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag gently fill each date with the cream cheese mixture Be generous but avoid overfilling to keep the dates neat and easy to handle
- Arrange and bake:
- Lay the stuffed dates spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the dates are warm and the cream cheese slightly softens but does not melt completely
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the dates from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature perfect for serving any time
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The pecans add such a beautiful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling My favorite moment making these was sharing them with my mother who insists the sweetness from the honey and cranberries makes them truly irresistible.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days To enjoy later bring to room temperature before serving or give them a quick warm-up in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your taste or what you have on hand For a dairy-free or vegan version use a plant-based cream cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup
Serving Suggestions
These dates make a great finger food at parties or a sweet finish to a light meal Try pairing them with a sparkling beverage or a cup of herbal tea to complement the flavors
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dates work best for stuffing?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their large size, soft texture, and natural sweetness, which pairs well with creamy and nutty fillings.
- → Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Yes, plant-based cream cheese substitutes work well and maintain the creamy texture, making the dish suitable for vegan diets.
- → How should the dates be prepared before filling?
Each date should be sliced lengthwise to create a pocket without cutting all the way through for securely holding the filling.
- → What is the purpose of baking the stuffed dates?
Baking gently warms the dates and softens the cream cheese filling, enhancing the melding of flavors and offering a pleasant, warm texture.
- → Can this be served cold or at room temperature?
Yes, these stuffed dates are delicious served warm, cooled, or at room temperature, adapting well to different serving preferences.
- → Are there any common variations to the nut and fruit filling?
Some variations include using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, or substituting dried cherries or raisins for cranberries to alter flavor profiles.