If you're looking for a simple, bite-sized treat that's both delicious and easy to make, these chocolate covered dates are perfect. With rich melted chocolate, chewy dates, and crunchy roasted peanuts, they're totally irresistible.
Ingredients you will need
Chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate for a balanced flavor, but dark or milk chocolate works too.
Dates: Any soft, plump variety like Medjool or Deglet Noor works best.
Peanuts: Roasted and salted peanuts add crunch and balance the sweetness of the dates. Finely chop them for easy coating.
Cooking tips
Use a small bowl for dipping: Keeps the chocolate deep enough to coat the dates evenly.
Shake off the excess chocolate: Prevents thick coating and helps the peanuts stick better.
Chill briefly: Refrigerating for a few minutes helps the chocolate set quickly.
Are you looking for more easy-to-make sweet treats? Look no further! Check out this delicious Honeycomb candy, these Meringue cookies, or these Chocolate truffles that you can make with store-bought puff pastry.
How to make chocolate covered dates
Preparing the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, add half of the chocolate. Heat it over a water bath or in the microwave, stirring between short intervals, until about 90% has melted. Remove from the heat and, if the bowl is too warm, dip the bottom in cool water for about 10 seconds to lower the temperature. Add the remaining chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Coating the dates: Transfer the melted chocolate to a smaller bowl or ramekin to make dipping easier. Pierce one date with a toothpick, dip it into the chocolate, and gently shake off the excess. Roll the chocolate-coated date in the chopped peanuts until evenly covered, then place it on parchment paper to set. Repeat with the remaining dates.
Setting and serving: Place the tray of coated dates in the fridge for about 10 minutes to help the chocolate firm up. Remove from the fridge and enjoy. The dates can be stored at room temperature and make a perfect snack or party treat.
Possible variations
You can easily customize these chocolate covered dates to your taste. Try using dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch. Swap the peanuts for almonds, pistachios, or shredded coconut for a different texture. You can also stuff the dates with nut butter, a whole almond, or a piece of candied ginger before dipping them in chocolate for a fun surprise inside.
Storing and freezing
Store dates in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, away from direct sunlight or heat. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe card
Chocolate Covered Dates
Equipment
- Digital kitchen scale
- Knife
- Saucepan
- Heat-proof bowl
- Ramekins
Ingredients
- 200 g semi-sweet chocolate
- 200 g dates
- 150 g roasted salted peanuts finely chopped
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl, add half of the chocolate. Heat it over a water bath (or in the microwave, heating in short increments and stirring in between) until about 90% of the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat. If the bowl retains too much heat, dip the bottom in cool water for 10 seconds to lower the temperature. Add the remaining chocolate and stir until fully melted.
- Transfer the melted chocolate into a smaller bowl, such as a ramekin, to make dipping easier. Pierce one date with a toothpick, dip it into the chocolate, and gently shake off the excess. If at any point the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, reheat it in the microwave for 3 to 5 seconds and stir.
- While still holding the date by the toothpick, roll it in the chopped peanuts on all sides. Place the dates on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to speed up the setting process.
- Remove from the fridge and enjoy. The dates can be stored at room temperature.
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