Description
Delightfully sweet and creamy, these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or snack. Soft Medjool dates are filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and pecans, lightly sweetened with honey and infused with vanilla. Baked until warm and slightly softened, they make an elegant addition to any gathering or a special treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
Filling
- 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 make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined, creating a flavorful and creamy filling.
- Slice Dates: Carefully slice each pitted date lengthwise to create a small pocket for the filling, taking care not to cut all the way through to keep the dates intact for stuffing.
- Stuff Dates: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date pocket with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are nicely and evenly stuffed for the best flavor balance.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed dates evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, allowing heat to circulate for even warming.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the dates are warm and the cream cheese filling softens slightly, bringing out the rich flavors.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dates cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious, elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their large size and natural sweetness, which works best for stuffing.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- For a vegan alternative, use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and maple syrup instead of honey.
- These stuffed dates can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; warm briefly before serving.
- Ensure to finely chop pecans and cranberries to fit well inside the dates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stuffed dates, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, appetizer, baked dates, holiday snack, easy appetizer, sweet and savory bites
