Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the stuffed dates to add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Lightly drizzle the maple syrup over the stuffed dates to enhance their sweetness and add a glossy finish.
- 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
