No-Bake Date Chocolate Hearts with Caramel Filling
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen scale
- Measuring spoons
INGREDIENTS
- 10 large Medjool dates/200 grams, pitted and cleaned
- 7 ounces/200 grams dark chocolate, chopped and melted
- 2 tablespoons crushed nuts, pistachios, or shredded coconut for garnish
- 1 tablespoon raw tahini
- 1 teaspoon date syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond flour, optional, to thicken
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice a small opening along the top of each date and remove the pit. Check that the inside is clean.
- Press gently on the top and bottom of each date to form a heart shape.
- In a small bowl, whisk tahini, date syrup, and maple syrup until smooth. If the mixture is too loose, stir in almond flour a little at a time until it holds shape.
- Cover each date with about 1 teaspoon of the nut caramel, pressing lightly to close.
- Dip each filled date into melted dark chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the coated dates on a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with crushed nuts, coconut, or pistachios.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 20 minutes. Serve chilled.
FAQ
How can I make date chocolate hearts nut-free?
Simply omit the almond flour in the nut caramel filling and avoid using crushed nuts for garnish. You can replace almond flour with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds finely ground to maintain the texture without introducing allergens. Ensure the chocolate used does not contain traces of nuts.
Can I prepare the date chocolate hearts in advance?
They can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance. After filling the dates and dipping them in chocolate, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This allows the chocolate to fully set and the flavors to meld. For serving, let the hearts sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so the chocolate softens slightly for the best texture.
What is the best chocolate to use?
High-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet dates and caramel filling. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter profile, but avoid overly sweet milk chocolate, which can overpower the date flavor. Ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and is tempered or gently cooled for a glossy finish.
What can I substitute tahini with in this recipe?
You can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Choose a smooth, natural variety to maintain a creamy consistency. The substitute should be unsweetened or lightly sweetened to preserve balance with the date syrup and maple syrup. This substitution will slightly alter the flavor but will still produce a rich, nutty caramel filling that pairs beautifully with the chocolate coating in date chocolate hearts.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover date chocolate hearts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and the filling fresh. They will maintain optimal texture for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transferred to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours and bring to room temperature before serving.
How can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Date chocolate hearts are naturally sweet because of the Medjool dates, maple syrup, and date syrup used in the nut caramel filling. To make them completely sugar-free, use 100% unsweetened dark chocolate or a sugar-free chocolate alternative. Replace the maple syrup and date syrup with natural sugar alternatives such as monk fruit syrup, allulose, or erythritol-based liquid sweeteners. Ensure any nut or seed butter you use is unsweetened.
How can I make these date chocolate hearts vegan?
They are naturally vegan if you use plant-based chocolate and avoid dairy-based chocolate or toppings. The filling uses tahini, maple syrup, and date syrup, which are all vegan-friendly. Ensure that any added garnish, such as nuts or coconut, is not processed with non-vegan ingredients. This makes date chocolate hearts an ideal dessert for vegans and those with dairy restrictions. They are also gluten-free and naturally sweet.
How do I make date chocolate hearts look more decorative?
You can drizzle melted white chocolate or contrasting dark chocolate over the coated dates in a zigzag pattern. Dusting with edible gold dust, finely chopped pistachios, or shredded coconut adds color and texture. Piping small rosettes of nut caramel on top before chocolate dipping can also create an elegant finish.
What other fillings can I use for date chocolate hearts?
Chocolate ganache, coconut cream, or a mixture of almond butter and maple syrup. Even a fruit-based filling, like a raspberry or apricot puree, can work well if thickened slightly to hold shape. The filling should be smooth and firm enough to stay inside the date, ensuring each date chocolate heart remains intact.
