- Ready in just 5 minutes with only 2 main ingredients
- Packed with healthy fats and natural energy from dates
- Perfect for busy mornings when you need quick fuel
- Customizable with toppings like whole almonds or chocolate
The Morning Rush Solution You Need
We’ve all been there. The alarm didn’t go off, you hit snooze too many times, or your morning routine just went off the rails. Now you’re rushing out the door with an empty stomach.
Skip the drive-thru. This peanut butter filled dates recipe is your answer to the breakfast dilemma.
Nutrition Benefits
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 215 | – |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Natural Sugars | 30g | – |
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medjool dates | 8 large (2 per person) |
| Creamy peanut butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Whole almonds (optional) | 8 (2 per person) |
| Dark chocolate chips (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sea salt (optional) | Pinch |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Small knife | For slitting dates |
| Teaspoon | For filling dates |
| Small bowl | For mixing (if adding extras to peanut butter) |
| Plate or container | For serving |
| Paper towels | For clean-up |
| Measuring spoons | For accurate portions |
Possible Substitutions
- Peanut butter: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut allergies
- Medjool dates: Any large, soft date variety works
- Dark chocolate: Cacao nibs for less sugar
- Whole almonds: Any nut or seed you prefer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase (1-2 minutes)
- Set up your workspace:
- Clear a small area on your counter or table
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Dry hands completely with a clean towel
- Gather all ingredients:
- Place the package of Medjool dates on your workspace
- Set out the jar of peanut butter
- Measure out optional toppings if using (almonds, chocolate chips, etc.)
- Open all containers so they’re ready to use
- Prepare your tools:
- Get out a small knife (a paring knife works great)
- Have a teaspoon ready for the peanut butter
- Place a clean plate or container nearby for the finished treats
- Have measuring spoons handy if you want precise amounts
Assembly Phase (3-4 minutes)
- Inspect and prepare each date: (30 seconds)
- Look at each date to make sure it’s fresh with no mold
- Hold one date gently between your thumb and forefinger
- Position the date so the natural crease is facing up
- Using your knife, carefully cut a lengthwise slit along this crease
- Cut deep enough to reach the pit but not all the way through the date
- Repeat with all 8 dates
- Remove the pits: (1 minute)
- Gently open the date along the slit you just made
- You’ll see a hard, oblong brown pit in the center
- Use your fingers or the tip of your knife to carefully pry out the pit
- Discard pits in a small bowl or trash container
- Make sure no pit fragments remain inside the date
- Repeat with all 8 dates
- Fill each date with peanut butter: (1-2 minutes)
- Pick up your teaspoon and scoop approximately ½ tablespoon of peanut butter
- Hold an open, pitted date in one hand
- Use the back of the teaspoon to push the peanut butter inside the date cavity
- Fill until the cavity is about 80% full (leave some space so it doesn’t overflow)
- Use your finger or the back of the spoon to smooth the peanut butter
- Repeat with all 8 dates
- Add optional toppings: (30-60 seconds)
- If using whole almonds:
- Press one almond gently into the peanut butter in each date
- Position it so half the almond is embedded in the peanut butter
- If using chocolate chips:
- Press 3-4 chips into the peanut butter of each date
- Arrange them so they’re partially embedded
- If using cinnamon:
- Take a tiny pinch between your fingers
- Sprinkle lightly over the peanut butter filling
- If using sea salt:
- Take just a few grains between your fingers
- Sprinkle very lightly over the top of the peanut butter
- Finish assembling: (30 seconds)
- Gently press the sides of each date together
- The date won’t close completely due to the filling
- Arrange on your serving plate with 2 dates per person
- Wipe away any peanut butter that might have escaped
Final Presentation
- Serve immediately:
- Arrange 2 filled dates per person on individual plates
- Or place all 8 on a shared plate for everyone to take
- For extra presentation, add a small sprinkle of cinnamon on the plate
- If desired, pair with a glass of milk or cup of coffee
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dates are too hard | Soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat dry before preparing |
| Peanut butter is too thick | Stir peanut butter in the jar first, or add a drop of neutral oil and mix |
| Dates falling apart | Be more gentle when removing pits; look for softer, fresher dates |
| Too sweet | Add a tiny pinch of salt to the peanut butter to balance sweetness |
| Peanut butter squishing out | Use less filling or slightly press the center of the date to create more space |
| Dates are too sticky to handle | Lightly wet your fingertips with water to prevent sticking |
Variations & Substitutions
Sweet Treats Version
- Add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter
- Drizzle with a bit of honey
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes
Protein Boost Version
- Mix protein powder into the peanut butter (1 teaspoon per 2 tablespoons)
- Add hemp seeds on top
- Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture
Nut-Free Alternative
- Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
- Top with pumpkin seeds
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon
Storage & Reheating
These peanut butter filled dates are best eaten fresh, but can be stored:
- Counter: Up to 1 day in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (thaw for 20 minutes before eating)
Note: The peanut butter softens the dates slightly over time, creating delicious peanut-caramel vibes after a few hours!
Safety Notes & Tips
- Allergies: Contains nuts. Use seed butter alternatives for nut allergies
- Choking hazard: Dates can be sticky – supervise young children
- Dental awareness: Dates are sticky and high in natural sugars – brush teeth after eating
- Balance: Pair with a protein source like a hard-boiled egg for a more complete breakfast
- Knife safety: Always cut away from your body when slitting dates
- Food safety: Make sure all tools and surfaces are clean before preparing
Quick Tips for Success
- Medjool dates work best as they’re larger and softer
- Room temperature peanut butter is easier to work with than cold
- Make ahead a batch for grab-and-go breakfasts all week
- Double the recipe to share with others or save for later
- Store pitted dates in the refrigerator if you prep them in advance
- Check for pit fragments before filling to avoid unexpected crunchiness
Now you have a lightning-fast breakfast option that tastes like a sweet treat but delivers good nutrition. Happy cooking!
This recipe provides approximately 215 calories per serving (2 filled dates). Everyone’s nutrition needs vary, so adjust portions as needed for your personal requirements.
