If you have a sweet tooth and love easy-to-make treats that feel gourmet, the Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe is an absolute game changer. These luscious Medjool dates get stuffed with rich, creamy mascarpone cheese and topped with crunchy pecans, all finished with a warm, golden drizzle of dark amber maple syrup. The result is a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors with a touch of caramelized goodness, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special in just minutes. This dish is both simple and surprisingly elegant, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this recipe so irresistible.
- 24 Medjool dates (pitted): Naturally sweet and chewy, these are the star of the dish and the perfect little vessels for our filling.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth, complementing the creamy cheese beautifully.
- 6 oz mascarpone cheese: Rich, silky, and slightly tangy, mascarpone gives that indulgent, smooth filling everyone will rave about.
- 2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup: Provides a deep, caramel flavor that enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful glossy finish.
How to Make Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to broil and position the rack at the top. This ensures that when we broil the dates, the heat will caramelize the maple syrup and warm the mascarpone just enough to create that irresistible golden topping.
Step 2: Prepare the dates
Take each pitted Medjool date and slice it lengthwise to open them up for stuffing. This step is key because it creates a perfect little pocket to hold the mascarpone without losing the dates’ natural shape and sweetness.
Step 3: Stuff the dates
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each date with mascarpone cheese. Once filled, sprinkle the finely chopped pecans on top. This adds texture and a delightful crunch against the creamy cheese and tender date.
Step 4: Broil
Arrange the stuffed dates evenly on a baking tray and drizzle them with the Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup. Pop them under the broiler for about three minutes, watching closely to catch that beautiful golden caramelization without burning. This quick broil elevates the dish with warm sweetness and a delicate toasted pecan flavor.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Once broiled, let the dates cool just slightly—they’re wonderful warm but can also shine at room temperature. This makes them perfect for last-minute guests or a quick indulgent snack anytime.
How to Serve Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top to contrast the sweet flavors. Fresh thyme or mint leaves can also brighten the dish and add a pop of color, making your presentation unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a light cheese platter or alongside a cup of fragrant coffee or tea. It also works as a lovely sweet bite after a savory meal or as part of a festive brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these dates on a rustic wooden board scattered with extra pecans and small bowls of maple syrup for dipping. Or, thread them on cocktail picks to create a fun, bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties. Their natural elegance makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply place the stuffed dates in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to three days, making for a quick and delightful snack when you want a sweet treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the dates, unbroiled and stuffed, by lining them on a tray first to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge and broil fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive the warm, gooey charm of the dish, pop leftover dates under the broiler for a minute or two until warmed through and slightly caramelized again. Be sure to watch carefully so they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?
Medjool dates are ideal because of their large size and soft texture, but you can experiment with other varieties if they’re soft and pitted. Just adjust the filling amount accordingly.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Mascarpone offers a unique creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of dates. You could substitute with cream cheese or ricotta, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative in place of mascarpone and ensure your maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
How long do these stuffed dates last room temperature?
It’s best to enjoy them within a couple of hours if left at room temperature, especially since they contain fresh cheese. For safety and freshness, refrigerate if not eaten promptly.
What else can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Feel free to mix in a pinch of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of orange zest into the mascarpone for a personalized twist that adds warmth and complexity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the ease and elegance of the Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe. It’s a quick-to-make treat that feels like a special occasion in every bite, perfect for when you want to delight your taste buds without fuss. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this recipe soon—it just might become your new favorite sweet and simple indulgence!
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Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed dates (24 servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are a quick and elegant appetizer or snack featuring sweet Medjool dates filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, topped with crunchy pecans, and finished with a luscious dark amber maple syrup drizzle. Broiled to perfection for a lightly golden finish, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 6 oz mascarpone cheese
- 2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to broil and position the rack in the top slot to ensure the dates will broil evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the dates: Carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise to remove the pits, creating a pocket for the filling while keeping the dates largely intact.
- Stuff the dates: Spoon mascarpone cheese into each pitted date and then sprinkle the finely chopped pecans generously on top for added texture and flavor.
- Broil: Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet and drizzle each with the dark amber maple syrup. Broil them for approximately 3 minutes until they turn lightly golden. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dates to cool for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese sets slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or sweet snack.
Notes
- Keep a close watch during broiling; the mascarpone can brown quickly.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before chopping.
- Substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a tangier taste.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; broil just before serving.
- Use Medjool dates for their soft texture and natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
