Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, lightly sweetened with honey and flavored with vanilla. Baked until warm and soft, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, making them ideal for holiday parties, gatherings, or a sophisticated snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates (serves 4 as an appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prep Dates: Take each pitted date and carefully slice it lengthwise to create a small pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through so the date holds its shape.
- Stuff Dates: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date pocket with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring each one is nicely stuffed without overfilling.
- Arrange Dates: Place the stuffed dates evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the dates are warmed through and the cream cheese filling is slightly softened but not melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for entertaining or as a special treat.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, which work best for stuffing.
- For additional flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
- These stuffed dates can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Serve as an appetizer, party snack, or a sweet bite with tea or cocktails.
