Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe

Introduction

These mascarpone stuffed dates with maple drizzle are a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors. They make an elegant and easy-to-make appetizer or dessert that will impress your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for the filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
• Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Use a small knife to make a lengthwise slit in each date and carefully remove the pit without cutting all the way through.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top of each stuffed date to add crunch and flavor.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the maple syrup lightly over the stuffed dates for extra sweetness.
6. Step 6: Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes and garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves for a decorative touch.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to vary the texture and taste.
• For a vegan option, substitute mascarpone with coconut cream and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing bite or at room temperature for softer mascarpone.

Storage

Store the stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them later, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the mascarpone. Avoid freezing as it can change the texture of the dates and cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and softness, which makes them easier to stuff, but any soft, large dates can work as a substitute.

How far in advance can I prepare these stuffed dates?

You can prepare and stuff the dates up to a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the maple drizzle and garnishes just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe

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These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are an elegant and simple appetizer or dessert featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and topped with crunchy nuts and a maple syrup drizzle. Finished with optional sea salt flakes and fresh herbs, this no-cook recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 stuffed dates (serves 4–6 as a snack or appetizer) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dates

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted

Mascarpone Filling

• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for the filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
• Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates: Use a small knife to make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and carefully remove the pit without cutting all the way through the date.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and creamy.
3. Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the stuffed dates to add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
5. Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Lightly drizzle the maple syrup over the stuffed dates to enhance their sweetness and add a glossy finish.
6. Garnish (Optional): For added flavor and presentation, sprinkle sea salt flakes and garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves before serving.

Notes

• Choose Medjool dates for their large size and juicy sweetness which works best for stuffing.
• Use any nuts of your choice—pistachios, walnuts, or pecans—to customize texture and flavor.
• For a vegan option, substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
• Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for a cool and firmer bite.
• The sea salt flakes add a great contrast to the sweet flavors but are optional based on your taste preference.
• This recipe requires no cooking, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Keywords: mascarpone stuffed dates, stuffed dates, maple drizzle, easy appetizer, no-cook dessert, Medjool dates, sweet appetizer, nutty snack