Chocolate Covered Dates | Ninth Recipes

https://ninth.recipes/recipes/chocolate-covered-dates

Ingredients

12 large medjool dates

12 whole roasted almonds

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 pinch sea salt

1 / 4 cups peanut butter

Steps

Step 1

Use a small knife to slice a slit lengthwise into each date. Remove and discard the pit.

Step 2

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of nut butter into the cavity of each date. Press a whole nut into the center of the butter, then gently squeeze the date closed.

Step 3

Place the stuffed dates on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes. This makes them easier to dip and helps the chocolate set instantly.

Step 4

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely smooth.

Step 5

Using a fork, submerge each chilled date into the chocolate. Lift it out, tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to let the excess drip off, and return it to the parchment paper.

Step 6

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed nuts.

Step 7

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm.

Footnote

When dipping, use a fork rather than a spoon. This allows the excess chocolate to fall through the tines, preventing a "pool" of chocolate from forming at the base of your date. These are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months (they taste amazing frozen!).

What makes this dish special?

This treat is a masterclass in balance. Dates have been a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cultures for millennia, often referred to as "the fruit of kings." When paired with dark chocolate, you get a dessert that satisfies a deep sugar craving while providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s special because it feels like a decadent truffle but is made entirely of wholesome, "real food" ingredients.