Ramadan Mubarak! After fasting all day, we all look forward to that first bite of a juicy date and a sip of water, right? But what if I told you that moment could be even better? Enter Ramadan Dates—the dessert we didn’t know we needed, but now can’t live without.
You know those moments when you’re trying to be fancy, but also keep it simple? Well, this is one of those. Picture this: dates stuffed with creamy nut butter (almond or peanut, your choice), a crunchy nut (cashew, pistachio, or almond), then dipped in dark chocolate, and finally topped with coconut flakes or sliced almonds. It’s the love child of a date and a candy bar, and if dates had a social media profile, this would be their glow-up moment.
These dates are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and packed with energy, and they’re a Ramadan staple, so we’re keeping it traditional—but with a twist. Imagine breaking your fast with these decadent little bites instead of your usual date. You’ll be the star of the show at your Iftari, and I promise you, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
The best part? These are super customizable. Got peanut butter and cashews? Done. Or maybe you’re feeling extra and want to throw in some pistachios and almond butter—go for it! The beauty of these dates is that you can mix and match, making it a dessert that feels personal to you. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but for sweets.
Now, I know Ramadan isn’t just about indulging, it’s about staying nourished and energized for the day ahead. That’s where these dates really shine. The natural sugar from the dates gives you that quick energy boost, and the nuts and nut butter provide protein and healthy fats. So yes, they’re indulgent, but they’re also a tiny bit nutritious. So when someone asks, “Are these healthy?” you can answer, “Well, I mean, technically…”
And the best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to pull this off. These dates need just a couple of hours to chill in the fridge, and you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. That means you can prep them in bulk and have a delicious snack ready every time you break your fast. Convenience level: 100.
Let’s be honest—Ramadan is already challenging enough. You’re juggling fasting, prayers, and everything else life throws at you. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But these Ramadan Dates? They’re as easy as stuffing, dipping, and chilling. No complicated steps, no special tools—just good old-fashioned deliciousness. And in a world full of complicated desserts that require a thermometer, four types of flour, and a prayer, these dates are a breath of fresh air.
So, go ahead, make them ahead, store them, and prepare for the rave reviews from your family and friends. Seriously, after trying these, you might just find yourself making them year-round. Ramadan or not.
Happy fasting, happy snacking, and as always: Happy dessert-ing!
Ramadan Dates
Ingredients
- 12 dates (Medjool, check origin to confirm Moroccan or Palestinian)
- 1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1/3 cup whole nuts (cashews, pistachios, or almonds)
- 1 cup dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Toppings for drizzling:
- Shredded coconut flakes
- Sliced almonds
- cacao nibs
- crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Cut each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon for a richer bite) of your chosen nut butter into the center of each open date.
- Gently press a whole nut (cashew, pistachio, or almond) into the center of each date, on top of the nut butter. Slightly press the date closed. It's okay if it doesn't fully close.
- Set up a double boiler: fill a small saucepan with water (about 1-2 inches) and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top (it should not touch the water) and add your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Stir occasionally as the chocolate melts until it’s smooth and fully combined.
- With a fork, dip the stuffed date into the melted chocolate, ensuring the entire date is coated with a rich layer of chocolate.
- After dipping, place the dates on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet.
- While the chocolate is still slightly soft, sprinkle with your choice of toppings: shredded coconut flakes, sliced almonds, or any other toppings you have handy.
- Place the tray in the fridge for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the dates are chilled through.
- Once cooled, you may serve immediately or store the dates in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be made ahead and will keep for several days!
