Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter Recipe (Healthy, & Addictive)

If you crave a snack after dinner or in the afternoon, but something chocolatey, then you should make chocolate covered dates stuffed with almond butter.

This is a rich, gooey, creamy, crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey treat. Plus, it has healthy fats.

You can make these chocolate covered dates with almond butter when you’re cutting on sugar. Or when you want to impress guests. 

So, In this post I will teach you how to make chocolate covered almond butter dates, how you will prepare, stuff, dip, top, and store them. 

Plus, I will give you some variations to try different flavors and tastes, such as using sea salt, coconut, or spicy!

 

Why These Chocolate Covered Dates Are So Addictive

Now, what really makes this recipe so special when it’s just dates, nut butter, and chocolate?

Well, the combo of sticky-sweet dates, creamy almond butter, and rich chocolate shell is like a gourmet truffle, but it’s healthy.

Here are reasons why I personally sometimes make them and keep them in my fridge:

• They’re naturally sweet: You won’t need to add extra sugar. Dates are sweet enough.
• Healthy fats: Almond butter + dark chocolate will give you healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Quick to make: You don’t have to bake anything or wait hours.
• Looks fancy: You can serve these chocolate covered dates with almonds at parties or as holiday treats; it works well on social occasions.
• Customizable: You can add flaky salt, nuts, shredded coconut, orange zest, or anything you like.

Overall, it’s a bite-sized treat that feels like luxury, but it can be made with just 3 main ingredients.

Also read: Homemade Chocolate Covered Oreos 

Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter Recipe

Let’s first talk about the important ingredients that you’ll need to make chocolate covered dates with almond butter and a few optional toppings to level up this snack treat.

Base Ingredients:

• 12 Medjool dates: You need large and soft Medjool dates (pitted). And you should avoid using small or dry ones.
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup almond butter: Creamy almond butter works best. And you should choose natural, unsweetened almond butter, especially if you want a healthier snack.
• 150–200g dark chocolate (70% or more): You should use dark chocolate bars, chunks, or even chocolate chips. I recommend using Lindt 70%, Ghirardelli, or sometimes Callebaut Couverture chocolate.

Optional Toppings:

• Flaky sea salt: Maldon is a great option
• Chopped almonds or pistachios: I personally love pistachios, but you can also add almonds for crunch, or both, too.
• Shredded coconut: It will give a tropical flavor
• Cacao nibs or sesame seeds: Need for a fun texture
• Orange zest or chili flakes: For a gourmet twist

The base combo of dates + almond butter + chocolate is already perfect, but these toppings will elevate everything. 

And as I said, they’re optional, but I personally recommend you try.

 

Ingredient Substitutes and Add-ons

Just in case you don’t have any ingredients available or want to try something else, here are some swaps you can use:

• Instead of almond butter: You can use peanut butter (for a Reese s-like taste), cashew butter (if you want mild and creamy), or even sunflower seed butter if you want it nut-free.
• Instead of dark chocolate: You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but it’ll be sweeter. And, if you’re vegan, you can use dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
• Instead of Medjool dates: You can use Deglet Noor, but note that they’re smaller and not as gooey, so you’ll need to adjust the filling.
• Add-ins inside the date: I sometimes press a whole almond or walnut in with the almond butter for a crunchy center. Even pretzel pieces work.

Suggestions: You can also press both inside the date, like a whole almond or walnut. Let’s say you have 12 dates, so some of them will have walnuts, like 6 of them, and others will have Almonds.

Besides these two, you can also add something else, like pistachios or cashews. 

I actually do this with many recipes. I try different versions and flavors by changing ingredients and toppings at the same time. 

 

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter

Here’s your full process — it’s super beginner-friendly and doesn’t need baking.

Here is the full process of making the best Chocolate Covered Dates with Almond Butter recipe. It is beginner-friendly, and you won’t even have to bake.

Step 1: Prep the Dates

First, you want to take your Medjool dates and slice each one lengthwise on one side. 

They should be enough to open them up like a book.

Remove the pits if they’re not already pitted.

Note: Don’t cut them all the way through. You have to create a pocket to fill.

Tip: If your dates are a little dry or firm, you can soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry. They’ll become soft and sticky again.

Step 2: Stuff with Almond Butter

• Now, you take to use a small spoon or a butter knife
• Scoop around 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of almond butter into the center of each date.

Note: You don’t want to overfill your dates, just enough so it covers the inside, where there was pit/seed.

Optional Add-In: This is where you can press a toasted almond, a piece of walnut, cashew, or even a granola bar chunk. Inside the almond butter before closing it. This will add a surprise crunch.

Once your dates are all filled, you have to place them on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Chill (Optional, but Recommended)

This step will make dipping pretty much easy.

You have to put the tray of stuffed dates in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. This will firm up the almond butter.

So next time, when you dip your almonds in melted chocolate, they won’t spill out.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

You can melt your chocolate using one of these methods:

Double Boiler Method:

• You have to place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Set it over a pot of simmering water (make sure it’s touching the water).
• Stir slowly until your chocolate is melted and smooth.

Microwave Method:

• Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat in 20 to 30-second intervals, make sure to stir in between, until it becomes smooth and melts.

You should also add 1 tsp of coconut oil to the chocolate; it will give a smoother consistency and easier coating.

Step 5: Dip the Dates

Now take your chilled, stuffed dates and one by one dip them in the melted chocolate.

You can use a fork to lift each date out. Also, let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment.

You can fully coat your stuffed dates or leave the top exposed; that’s totally your choice. 

Last time, I coated them 80% and let the almond butter peek out a little on top.

Optional: You can sprinkle your chocolate covered dates with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or coconut immediately before the chocolate sets. 

Though it’s optional, I recommend you do it, especially when you’re making it on special occasions or for guests.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Once all your dates are dipped and decorated, you have to place that tray in the fridge or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes at least.

By doing so, the chocolate will become hard and create a perfect shell.

Then they’re ready to eat.

You can store them in the fridge for a week, or you can also freeze them for up to a month. 

Almonds, dates, and chocolate can all last long, but don’t keep them outside. When the temperature is hot, chocolate might melt.

Also read: Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe

Chocolate Covered Dates Variations You’ll Want to Try

As I said earlier, I try different varieties and flavors by changing a few ingredients in many of my recipes.

So you can do the same thing with this chocolate covered dates with almond butter recipe. 

Here are some fun and delicious twists you can try:

1. Snickers-Inspired Version

• You can use peanut butter inside
• Add crushed peanuts
• Dip in milk chocolate
• Drizzle with extra chocolate on top

It will taste like a homemade, healthier Snickers bar.

2. Chili Chocolate Almond Butter Dates

• You have to use dark chocolate with a pinch of cayenne
• And stuff dates with almond butter + crushed roasted peanuts
• Sprinkle chili flakes on top

It will give you a bold, spicy twist that will cut through the sweetness.

3. Salted Coconut Version

• Add shredded coconut into the almond butter filling
• Dip in dark chocolate
• Top with more coconut and flaky sea salt

If you like Bounty or Almond Joy, you will love this version.

4. Holiday Version with Orange Zest

• Add 1/4 tsp orange zest into the almond butter
• Dip in dark chocolate
• Top with extra zest + red sprinkles

It is great for Christmas, party platters, and other social occasions.

5. Protein Date Bombs

• Mix almond butter with protein powder (vanilla or chocolate, both are good)
• Stuff dates with this filling
• Dip and store as pre- or post-workout snacks

Your stuffed dates will taste like candy but fill you up.

 

How to Serve These Chocolate Covered Dates

You don’t need to do anything fancy. Even without anything, you can simply eat these almond-stuffed chocolates.

But if you want a full snack version, here are some options you can try:

• Chilled on a dessert board: You can add some berries, nuts, and dried fruits around them.
• With coffee or espresso, they are a perfect afternoon snack with a strong drink.
• Gift box or jar: Put your dates in a cute box, jar, or wrap for holidays or parties.
• Post-dinner treat: Instead of cookies or cake, you can serve 1 or 2 with a small spoonful of almond yogurt.

They look like gourmet truffles but are made with only 3 to 4 pantry ingredients.

Also read: Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe

Pro Tips to Make Them Even Better

Here are a few things I have learned after making this chocolate almond butter-filled dates recipe over and over:

• Always chill before dipping: It will prevent almond butter from leaking or melting into the chocolate.
• Use a fork for dipping: It is much easier than using toothpicks or your hands.
• Use soft dates only: Dry ones may break apart and won’t taste good either.
• Sprinkle toppings immediately: Once your chocolate is set, nothing will stick, so do asap if you want.
• Double the batch: you might regret making just 12. So, you can make more like 15, 20, or even more. 

 

Storage Tips

These little date treats store really well:

• Fridge: You have to store them in an airtight container; they will be okay for up to 7 days. The last time, I kept my leftover dates in a glass jar with parchment between layers.
• Freezer: You can freeze for up to 1 month. Just let them thaw 5–10 minutes before eating.

They don’t get icy or weird in texture. In fact, I sometimes prefer them straight from the freezer, so you can try that too and see what’s better for you.

 

Nutrition Info (Approx. Per Date)

The value is based on Medjool date, 1 tsp almond butter, and dark chocolate coating

• Calories: 120–140
• Sugar: 14–16g (natural from dates)
• Fat: 6–8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

If you use sugar-free chocolate or add protein-rich nut butter, you can easily turn these dates into a healthier, guilt-free snack.

 

Conclusion

This was my chocolate covered dates with almond butter recipe. It is easy, quick, and one of the most satisfying sweet snacks you will make at home. 

Because it has everything like its gooey, creamy, crunchy, rich, chocolatey — all in one. 

Plus, it’s naturally sweet, and one more good thing is that you can customize it however you like, vegan or not, spicy or festive, even add nuts or make protein versions. And they will look like gourmet truffles. 

So now just grab your soft Medjool dates, your almond butter, melt some chocolate, and make a batch today. I am sure you and your kids or other family members would love it!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some questions and their answers about these chocolate-covered dates with almond butter:

Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can use peanut butter instead of almond butter; it will work well too. And, your chocolate-coated stuffed dates would still be healthier.

However, you just want to make sure that you are using creamy peanut butter so that it can spread well inside the dates. If it is salted, it’s even better. The sweet and salty combo would also be good.

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking or melting when I store it?

Once dipped, then you wanna let the chocolate set completely in the fridge. 

Then, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers. 

You don’t wanna stack too tight. If you want to keep them longer, then consider keeping them in the refrigerator. 

And next time you want to eat, you can keep your chocolate covered dates outside for 5-10 minutes and then eat, so the chocolate won’t break.

Are these chocolate covered dates healthy or just a dessert?

They are actually healthy, or we can say, a bit of both. They have natural sugar, but they also have more fiber.

Almond butter will add healthy fats and protein. And if you use dark chocolate (70% or more), it will also be loaded with antioxidants.

So yes, we can say it’s a healthy, sweet treat, especially if you skip extra toppings.