Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are a delightful blend of creamy mascarpone cheese sweetened with honey and vanilla, stuffed inside naturally sweet Medjool dates. Topped with crunchy nuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, this elegant appetizer offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, finished with optional sea salt flakes and fresh herbs for an extra layer of taste and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates (serves 4 as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dates
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
Mascarpone Filling
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Use a small knife to carefully make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and remove the pit without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese with honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each pitted date with about one teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture, ensuring each date is fully stuffed without overfilling.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the stuffed dates with chopped nuts of your choice, such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans, to add a crunchy texture and complementary flavor.
- Drizzle Maple Syrup: Lightly drizzle the prepared stuffed dates with maple syrup to add a subtle sweetness and glossy finish.
- Garnish (Optional): For an enhanced flavor and attractive presentation, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the dates and garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves.
Notes
- Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and natural sweetness, which balances well with the creamy filling.
- Ensure mascarpone cheese is softened to make mixing and stuffing easier.
- Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup in the filling depending on your preference for natural sweetness.
- Chopped nuts add texture, but you can omit if nut-free is required or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Sea salt flakes enhance the flavor contrast but are optional for those who prefer a sweeter taste.
Keywords: stuffed dates, mascarpone cheese, maple syrup drizzle, healthy appetizer, no-cook recipe, sweet and savory appetizer
