Healthy Almond Joy Stuffed Dates
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Decadent AND healthy? These almond joy dates tick all the boxes. Plump, caramelly dates are stuffed with chewy coconut, dipped in melted dark chocolate, then crowned with a crunchy almond and sprinkling of sea salt. Healthy never tasted so special!
I've fallen in love with these almond joy dates!
Talk about a whirlwind romanceā¦ It was love at first bite with these almond joy dates! These bite-sized treats are everything you've ever dreamed of for a sweet snack/dessert /mid-afternoon pick me up. They're everything you love about an almond joy bar, but with a healthier twist.
How these almond joy dates will woo you:
- Cheeky:Ā These little babes are mischievous! Calling a dessert recipe healthy might not be the best way to sell it. In my mind, dessert = sinfully delicious and who cares if it's healthy. But these almond joy dates are made from just six wholesome ingredients.
- Ingredients: And speaking of the ingredients, none of them are refined sugar. Dates are full of natural sweetness, which melds with the flavor of the bitter dark chocolate, honey, and coconut for a delicious treat.
- Texture:Ā They're the perfect blend of chewy dates, sweet shredded coconut, and crunchy almonds. They come together to create a delicious texture you'll love biting into.
- Easy peasy: These almond joy dates don't play hard to get ā they're a breeze to make. Just a little mixing, stuffing, and dipping, and you've got yourself some irresistible treats.
- Versatile: They're wholesome enough to pair with a coffee for morning tea, but decadent enough you can have them for dessert. They're like almond joy energy bites which make them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Since they're healthier, gluten-free, and easily made vegan, they are great for a potluck!
Frequently asked questions
If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
How do I make these almond joy dates vegan?
Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup, and you've got yourself some vegan almond joy dates. Ensure you use dark chocolate that doesn't contain dairy.
Are these almond joy dates suitable for kids?
Yes! They're really fun to make and customize with little ones, so get them involved. In terms of nutrition, they're also a healthier choice than some other desserts.
Can I make these almond joy dates nut-free?
Sure, if someone has a nut allergy, you can simply omit the almonds or swap them out for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They'll still be delicious and provide a satisfying crunch! And you can rename them āsunflower joy dates!'
How should I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container. If you used coconut oil in your melted chocolate, you'll want to store these in the fridge for up to a week as the coconut oil will soften at room temperature.
What chocolate should I use?
I find that the best result is to use high-quality dark chocolate. It is expensive, so if you're not keen to spend a fortune on your chocolate coating, you can use dark chocolate chips or baker's chocolate and add a spoonful of coconut oil while melting it. If you use coconut oil, store these in the fridge so they don't get too soft.
Coconut Almond Joy Dates Recipe
Ingredients
- Ā½ cup unsweetened fine shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (maple syrup for vegan)
- 30 pitted dates
- Ā½ cup high-quality chopped dark chocolate (see notes)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil (only use this if you don't have high-quality chocolate)
- 30 almonds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded coconut with the coconut oil and honey or maple syrup.Ā½ cup unsweetened fine shredded coconut, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon honey
- Carefully open one date. You don't want to pull the date completely apart. Stuff the date with some of the shredded coconut then squeeze it closed. Repeat with the remaining dates.30 pitted dates
- Place the chocolate in a small pan over low heat and let it melt. Don't rush this step as you don't want to burn the chocolate. If you're using chocolate chips, add the coconut oil to the pan. When the chocolate has melted, remove it from the heat.Ā½ cup high-quality chopped dark chocolate, Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Working with one stuffed date at a time, dip the date in the chocolate. You can use a spoon to pour the chocolate over the date. Set the date on a parchment lined plate and put an almond on top. Repeat with the remaining dates. Let the chocolate set a little then sprinkle some flaky sea salt over top.30 almonds
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I love making dates stuffed with nut butter for a snack but these are next level with the shredded coconut! Such a great idea for a healthy snack/treat!
Thanks! Stuffed dates are so good, aren’t they?
These are the perfect little treats! I love almond joy but rarely treat myself to them because of all the processed sugar. These are just as good!
I’m so happy you like them!!
Stuffed dates will be the DEATH of me because I’d literally die inside once I run out of dates! Anyways, this is a great recipe that I am sure I’d adore, though I’ll use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe completely vegan. Still, almond joys with dates is such a great idea! Coconut and almonds already complement this fruit so well!
Dates are the best, aren’t they? And thank you for mentioning maple syrup. I had planned on putting a note in the recipe about that but forgot!