Description
Indulge in these elegant stuffed Medjool dates filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, topped with crunchy pecans, and finished with a sweet maple drizzle. This quick and sophisticated treat is perfect for entertaining or as a special dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 Medjool dates, pitted
- 6 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Turn on oven broiler and move oven rack to the top position. This will ensure your dates get that perfect golden finish without burning, so make sure your rack is properly positioned before starting.
- Prepare the Dates: Slice dates lengthwise to remove pit and create an opening for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to create a pocket while keeping the date intact to hold the filling properly.
- Fill and Top: Stuff each date with mascarpone cheese and sprinkle with finely chopped pecan crumbs. Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each date cavity with the creamy mascarpone. The pecans add a wonderful textural contrast to the soft date and creamy cheese.
- Add Maple Syrup: Place the stuffed dates on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with maple syrup. The maple syrup will caramelize slightly under the broiler, creating a delicious glaze over the dates.
- Broil: Broil for 3 minutes or until lightly golden. Watch carefully so they do not burn! The high heat of the broiler will warm the dates and cheese while giving them a beautiful golden color.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a flavor variation, try adding a tiny pinch of sea salt on top or a small amount of orange zest to the mascarpone.
- You can prepare these up to the broiling stage a few hours ahead and broil just before serving.
- If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese can be substituted, though the flavor will be tangier.
- Warming the dates briefly before filling makes them easier to pit and stuff.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed dates
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg