These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are little bites of heaven perfectly balancing creamy, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Soft, caramel-like Medjool dates are filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cranberries, and pecans, then warmed just enough to make everything melt together in delicious harmony. They make an elegant party appetizer, a sweet holiday snack, or even a simple dessert that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Carefully slice each pitted date lengthwise to create a small pocket be sure not to cut all the way through.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with the cream cheese mixture until nicely stuffed.
- Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the dates are warm and the cream cheese is slightly softened.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Variation:
- Add a hint of spice: Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture for a cozy, aromatic flavor.
- Make them savory: Replace honey with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and sprinkle flaky salt on top for an elegant appetizer twist.
- Add crunch: For extra texture, top each stuffed date with a whole toasted pecan or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a dessert-style finish.
Cooking Notes:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
- Medjool dates work best for this recipe due to their large size and soft texture.
- If serving at a gathering, you can prep the dates ahead of time and bake them just before guests arrive.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday platter favorite: Serve these stuffed dates alongside a cheese board or charcuterie spread for a festive touch.
- Elegant dessert bites: Arrange on a tray with fresh berries or mint leaves for a stunning mini-dessert presentation.
- Pairing idea: These are fantastic with a glass of champagne, sparkling cider, or hot tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Tips:
- Uniform size: Choose dates that are similar in size for even baking and a neat presentation.
- Easier filling: Chill the filling mixture for 10 minutes before stuffing for cleaner, easier handling.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; serve slightly warmed or at room temperature.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the dates a day in advance and refrigerate them. Simply bake or warm them before serving. - Can I serve them cold?
Absolutely. They taste wonderful both warm and chilled cold versions are creamier and more refreshing. - Can I use another nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes for pecans. - Can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Conclusion:
These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are a festive, elegant, and incredibly easy recipe that captures the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you serve them as a bite-sized appetizer or a delightful dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress and disappear quickly!
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Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 12 stuffed dates) 1x
Description
These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are little bites of heaven perfectly balancing creamy, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Soft, caramel-like Medjool dates are filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cranberries, and pecans, then warmed just enough to make everything melt together in delicious harmony. They make an elegant party appetizer, a sweet holiday snack, or even a simple dessert that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Carefully slice each pitted date lengthwise to create a small pocket be sure not to cut all the way through.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with the cream cheese mixture until nicely stuffed.
- Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the dates are warm and the cream cheese is slightly softened.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
- Medjool dates work best for this recipe due to their large size and soft texture.
- If serving at a gathering, you can prep the dates ahead of time and bake them just before guests arrive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed dates
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: stuffed dates, cranberry cream cheese dates, holiday appetizer, sweet and savory bites