Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates! They’re a little bite of heaven, bringing together the sweet, caramel-like flavor of Medjool dates and the creamy richness of ricotta. When you add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios, it’s like a party in your mouth! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. They’re not just delicious; they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a quick treat or an impressive dessert for guests. I love serving them warm, so the filling is all gooey and inviting. And the best part? You can feel good about indulging because they’re made with wholesome ingredients. Seriously, you’re going to want to make these ASAP!
Ingredients for Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your stuffed dates bake evenly and get that lovely warm, gooey texture we all crave!
Prepare the Dates
Now, grab your Medjool dates and slice them lengthwise down the middle. Be careful not to cut all the way through; we just want to create a pocket for our delicious filling. Take a moment to remove the pits if you haven’t done so already—those little guys can sneak up on you!
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and half of your chopped pistachios. I love using a fork to mix it all together; it helps break up the ricotta and creates a smooth, creamy filling. Make sure everything is well blended, so each bite is packed with flavor!
Stuff the Dates
Now comes the fun part! Gently open up each date and spoon in the ricotta mixture. Don’t worry if it overflows a bit—that just means more deliciousness! I like to use a small teaspoon for this, as it helps me control how much I’m putting in.
Bake the Stuffed Dates
Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 10 minutes. You want them to get warm and slightly golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Final Touches
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios on top for that extra crunch. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds. Trust me, you won’t have any leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Made with wholesome, healthy ingredients that feel indulgent but are good for you.
- The delightful flavor combination of sweet dates, creamy ricotta, and crunchy pistachios is simply unbeatable.
- Perfect for gatherings, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day.
- Versatile enough to customize with different nuts or sweeteners based on your preference!
- They’re not just a dessert; they also make a fabulous appetizer to impress your friends.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some handy tips to ensure your honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, a little prep can go a long way!
- Choose the Right Dates: Go for plump and soft Medjool dates. They’re sweeter and have that lovely chewy texture that makes them perfect for stuffing. If you find any that are a bit too hard, they won’t be as enjoyable!
- Mix It Up: Feel free to play around with the filling! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of orange zest for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
- Don’t Overfill: When stuffing the dates, be generous but don’t overdo it. You want a nice amount of filling without it spilling out too much while baking. A teaspoon usually does the trick!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your dates. You want them warm and slightly golden, but not dried out. If they start to puff up, they’re ready!
- Serving Suggestions: These stuffed dates are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a drizzle of extra honey or a dollop of yogurt on the side for a creamy touch.
- Leftover Love: If you do have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and you can enjoy them cold or warmed up!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a show-stopping treat that your friends and family will love. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s dive into the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each honey pistachio ricotta stuffed date. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients, so they might vary slightly depending on the brands you use or if you make any substitutions.
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These tasty little treats are not only delicious but also provide a lovely mix of nutrients! Enjoy them as a sweet snack or a healthy dessert, and feel good knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
FAQ About Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates
Can I make these dates vegan?
Absolutely! If you want to keep these honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates vegan, just swap out the honey for maple syrup. It works beautifully in the filling and adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can also use a plant-based ricotta or even make your own using blended tofu or cashews. Trust me, they’ll still be just as delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is pretty rare with these little delights), simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. You can enjoy them cold or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey, melty goodness!
Can I use other types of nuts?
Definitely! While I adore the crunch of pistachios, you can easily swap them out for other nuts based on your preference. Chopped almonds, walnuts, or even pecans would work wonderfully in the filling. Just make sure to toast them lightly for extra flavor before mixing them in. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates fresh! If you find yourself with any leftovers (which I can’t promise will happen!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that delightful flavor and texture. Simply place the stuffed dates in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to three days—perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or dessert later on!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just pop them in for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be all cozy and gooey again. If you prefer a little extra crispness, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help retain that lovely texture while warming them through. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!
Enjoy your fabulous stuffed dates at whatever temperature you like best—whether warm and melty or chilled from the fridge, they’re sure to delight!
Print
Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates: 5 Comforting Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and nutty treat made with dates, ricotta, honey, and pistachios.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pits.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and half of the pistachios.
- Stuff each date with the ricotta mixture.
- Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining pistachios.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose dates that are plump and soft.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: honey pistachio ricotta stuffed dates