Quick & Sweet: The Perfect Almond Paste Stuffed Dates Recipe

Almond paste changes ordinary dates into an extraordinary culinary delight that sparks immediate curiosity.

Sweet Mediterranean traditions inspire this elegant treat combining two complementary ingredients with remarkable harmony.

Soft, luscious dates embrace a creamy almond filling that elevates their natural sugary essence.

The delicate balance between nutty paste and tender fruit creates a sensational texture that dances across your palate.

Nutritious and indulgent, these morsels offer a sophisticated snack experience far beyond typical desserts.

Compact yet satisfying, each bite delivers layers of complex flavor without overwhelming your taste buds.

Prepare to experience a simple yet remarkable combination that redefines simple pleasure.

Best Pairings for Almond Paste Stuffed Dates

• Pair with Sweet Sherry: Indulge in a glass of rich Pedro Ximénez sherry that complements the dates' sweetness and matches the nutty almond flavor profile.
• Serve with Arabic Coffee: Brew traditional cardamom-infused Turkish or Arabic coffee to enhance the dessert's Middle Eastern roots and cut through the sugary richness.
• Combine with Creamy Mascarpone: Add a dollop of smooth mascarpone cheese alongside the stuffed dates to provide a luxurious, velvety contrast to the dense, sugary treat.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé: Select a light, crisp sparkling rosé wine that brings effervescence and fruity notes to balance the dates' intense sweetness and nutty undertones.

Variations on Classic Almond Paste Stuffed Dates

• Mediterranean Pistachio Fusion: Replace almonds with ground pistachios and add a hint of rosewater for an aromatic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Chocolate Dusted Delight: Roll the almond paste in cocoa powder instead of sugar and drizzle dark chocolate over the finished dates for a rich, decadent touch.
• Moroccan Spice Variation: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom into the almond paste for a warm, exotic spice blend that complements the sweet dates.
• Coconut Crisp Version: Coat the finished stuffed dates in shredded coconut for a tropical texture and added nutty crunch that brings a refreshing dimension to the classic recipe.

Almond Paste Stuffed Dates: A Sweet, Nutty Treat

• Celebrate Sweet Luxury: Indulge in a delightful Middle Eastern treat that transforms simple dates into an elegant dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Texture Symphony: Experience the perfect contrast between soft, chewy dates and smooth, crumbly almond paste that melts delicately in your mouth with each bite.
• Healthful Decadence: Enjoy a nutrient-dense snack packed with healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and protein, making it a guilt-free pleasure that satisfies sweet cravings without compromising nutrition.
• Quick Gourmet Creation: Whip up this sophisticated dessert in just minutes, impressing guests with a sophisticated treat that looks professionally crafted but requires only basic kitchen skills.

Must-Have Ingredients for Almond Paste Stuffed Dates

• Almonds: Sweet, rich nuts that form the core of the almond paste with a delicate flavor and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the almond paste together for a cohesive filling.
• Orange Blossom Water: Adds a subtle, fragrant floral note that enhances the overall taste of the almond paste.

• Dates: Soft, sweet Middle Eastern fruit with a natural cavity perfect for stuffing, offering a rich and chewy base for the almond paste.

• Sugar (Coating): Extra sugar for rolling and coating the almond paste cylinders, adding a delicate sweet crunch to the exterior.

How to Make Almond Paste Stuffed Dates from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Almond Filling

Grind raw almonds in a food processor until they become a fine, powdery texture. Add powdered sugar and a splash of orange blossom water to create a smooth, cohesive paste. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients bind together perfectly.

• Raw almonds
• Powdered sugar
• Orange blossom water

Step 2: Shape Almond Cylinders

Take small portions of the almond paste and roll them between your palms to create delicate, uniform cylinders. Gently roll each cylinder in additional powdered sugar to create a light, sweet coating that adds texture and sweetness.

Step 3: Stuff and Decorate Dates

Carefully remove the pits from fresh dates, creating a small cavity. Gently insert the almond paste cylinders into each date, ensuring a snug fit. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a decorative cross pattern on top of each stuffed date. Arrange the finished treats on a beautiful serving platter, creating an elegant and appetizing display.

How to Achieve the Perfect Almond Paste Stuffed Dates

• Master Almond Texture: Grind almonds thoroughly to achieve an ultra-smooth paste without any chunky bits.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantity based on personal preference and the natural sweetness of your dates.
• Precise Date Preparation: Carefully pit dates without splitting them to ensure clean, intact shells for stuffing.
• Chill for Firmness: Refrigerate almond paste for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and maintain shape.
• Elegant Presentation: Use uniform-sized dates and create consistent cross patterns for a professional, visually appealing dessert.

How to Keep Almond Paste Stuffed Dates Fresh

• Refrigeration: Carefully store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap individual dates in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. These sweet treats can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing their delicious taste. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: Gently warm the dates in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the almond paste and restore their original melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Almond Paste Stuffed Dates Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent dates from Middle Eastern orchards cradle rich almond paste, creating a luxurious Middle Eastern dessert. Sweet meets nutty in this elegant bite-sized treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 Pitted dates
• 1 cup slivered almonds

filling and flavor enhancers:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3–4 teaspoons (15–20 milliliters) orange blossom water

optional decorative ingredients:

• Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize raw almonds in a food processor until they transform into a delicate, powdery consistency.
2. Incorporate granulated sugar and aromatic orange blossom water into the almond powder, kneading until a smooth, malleable paste emerges.
3. Pinch small portions of the almond mixture and skillfully mold into slender, cylindrical shapes approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long.
4. Gently roll each almond cylinder through a shallow dish of fine white sugar, ensuring a delicate, crystalline coating.
5. Carefully slice dates lengthwise, removing the internal pit while maintaining the fruit’s structural integrity.
6. Tenderly insert the sugar-dusted almond cylinders into the center of each date, pressing gently to secure the filling.
7. Using a sharp knife, create an elegant cross-hatched pattern across the surface of the stuffed dates, enhancing both visual appeal and texture.
8. Arrange the completed almond-stuffed dates on an elegant serving platter, presenting them as a sophisticated and delectable confection.

Notes

• Whip up the almond paste in advance and store in an airtight container for up to a week, keeping it fresh and ready.
• Soak dates briefly in warm water to soften them, making stuffing easier and more seamless.
• Choose Medjool dates for their larger size and tender texture, perfect for elegant stuffing.
• Toast almonds lightly before grinding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Dust finished dates with powdered sugar or finely ground pistachios for an impressive presentation that adds subtle crunch and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg