Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
Delightful and elegant Mascarpone Stuffed Dates drizzled with maple syrup, combining the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with creamy mascarpone cheese and crunchy nuts. This easy-to-make no-cook appetizer or snack is perfect for any occasion and beautifully balanced with subtle flavors of honey, vanilla, and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Dates
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
Mascarpone Filling
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for the filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Use a small knife to make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and carefully remove the pit without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pitted date with about one teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture, filling the cavity created earlier.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the stuffed dates to add texture and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Lightly drizzle the two tablespoons of maple syrup over the stuffed and nut-topped dates for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Optionally, sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the dates and garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and soft, sweet flesh perfect for stuffing.
- If mascarpone cheese is unavailable, cream cheese softened can be used as a substitute though with a slightly different flavor.
- The honey or maple syrup in the filling can be swapped depending on your preferred sweetness.
- For a vegan option, substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese and use maple syrup only.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
- Sea salt flakes help balance the sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
Keywords: stuffed dates, mascarpone cheese, maple drizzle, appetizer, no-bake dessert, holiday appetizer, sweet snack
