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
Scale
- 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