• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header left navigation
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
es_ES Español
  • About
    • Meet Tracy!
    • Contact Me
    • Disclaimers & Disclosures
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Holidays
    • New Years Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • es_ES
Oh, The Things We'll Make!

Oh, The Things We'll Make!

Make it yourself so that you control the ingredients!

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Desserts & Sweets
      • frozen treats
    • Breads & Wraps
    • MIY Pantry Basics
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Beverages & Smoothies
    • Story Archives
  • Make it Yourself
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Face & Body
      • Cleansers, Soaps, & Gels
      • Deodorants
      • Hair
      • Skin Care
      • Oral Care
      • Baby & Toddler Care
    • Home & Garden
      • Cleaning & Laundry
      • Garden & Hens
    • Soap Making
    • Upcycling
  • About
    • Meet Tracy!
      • More About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Disclaimers & Disclosures
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
    • Beverages & Smoothies
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Desserts & Sweets
      • frozen treats
    • Breads & Wraps
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • MIY Pantry Basics
    • Story Archives
  • Make it Yourself
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Natural Face & Body
      • Cleansers, Soaps, & Gels
      • Natural Skin Care
      • Natural Hair care
      • Oral Care
      • Deodorants
      • Baby & Toddler Care
    • Soap Making
    • Home & Garden
      • Cleaning & Laundry
      • Garden & Hens
    • Photography
    • Upcycling
  • Holidays
    • New Years Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
es_ES Español
Closeup of a pile of chocolate dates with almonds, focusing on one that is bit open

Chocolate Dates with Almonds

Last Modified: March 6, 2021 // by Tracy Ariza, DDS // March 6, 2021 I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. Learn more here.

es_ES Español

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Sweet and chewy with a bit of crunch, these easy-to-make chocolate dates with almonds resemble bite-sized candy bars sans the refined sugars and artificial ingredients. #chocolaterecipes #dates #chocolatedates #thethingswellmake #miy

Sweet and chewy with a bit of crunch, these easy-to-make chocolate dates with almonds resemble bite-sized candy bars sans the refined sugars and artificial ingredients.

Closeup of a pile of chocolate dates with almonds, focusing on one that is bit open
Pin this recipe for later!

When I first made these, I guess I knew my husband would probably like them. (I made them as a bit of a Valentine’s Day treat. ) I had no idea that he was going to love them as much as he does, though. (Nor did I imagine both my 10-year-old son and I would love them too!)

Everyone in the house is obsessed with these chocolate-covered dates; so much so, that I’ve had to make 5 batches since Valentine’s Day! They have a sweet chewiness almost reminiscent of caramel and a bit of crunch from the almond in the center. Then, of course, you have the delicious chocolate!

I was really surprised to find that they reminded me of some candy bars that I occasionally bought and ate when younger. (Maybe a Milky Way? I don’t really remember.) 😉

Ingredients

These are super simple to make and only use a few ingredients. Obviously you’ll need chocolate and dates. I like to fill mine with almonds, but you can skip that if you want.

overhead view of the ingredients for chocolate covered dates with almonds

Choose whatever type of chocolate you prefer. We used dark chocolate because we prefer it and figured that with the sweetness of the dates, a sweeter chocolate might be too sweet. You can also use dipping chocolate which tends to harden nice and shiny without needing to worry about tempering chocolate!

The dates you choose can also completely change the outcome of these treats! I found that soft, chewy dates like Medjoul dates make for really delicious chocolate dates. The softer they are, the more the finished dessert will be like a caramel candy. The only issue I found with Medjoul dates is that they tend to be on the larger side. I liked making smaller, bite-sized candies, so I searched for smaller-sized dates. Choosing pitted dates will make your life easier, but isn’t essential.

To add a bit of crunch and a contrasting flavor to the sweetness of the dates and chocolate, I chose to fill each date with an almond before dipping it in chocolate. If you don’t like almonds, you can choose another type of nut. You could even try filling them with nut butters or dried coconut chips.

To keep these shelf-stable, only use dry ingredients that normally keep well without refrigeration!

How to make chocolate dates

Luckily, these are really easy to make because they tend to disappear quite quickly!

I like to begin by preparing the dates. If your dates still have them, remove the pit from each date. To do so, slice across each date lengthwise up to the pit. Then pull the pit out.

Open each date at the opening from which the pit was removed. (Pitted dates should also already have a cut from which the pit was removed.)

stuffing almonds into dates

Fill each date with an almond or with whatever filling you choose to use.

Dip them in chocolate

Once the dates are all filled with almonds, prepare the chocolate.

Cut the chocolate into small pieces so that it will be easier to melt. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler, a special chocolate melting pot, or the microwave.

To melt the chocolate in the microwave, melt in a glass bowl at short, 30 second-or-less intervals. Remove the bowl and stir the chocolate between heatings. The residual heat of the glass helps melt the chocolate slowly without cooking it. This can help keep it in temper if you’re lucky.

Tempering chocolate is a way to keep it looking shiny and hard. It consists of heating and cooling the chocolate in a way that controls the crystallization of the cocoa butter. Untempered chocolate can look dull and/or have white streaks in it. It’s not essential to temper the chocolate in this recipe, but if you are set on having hard, shiny chocolate, it’s something that you can look into. You can also “cheat” by using special melting chocolates or adding a bit of coconut oil to the chocolate to give it more shine.

Once the chocolate is melted, dip the filled dates into it. To speed up the process, I normally throw a few dates into the chocolate at once and stir them to fully cover them in chocolate. I then use a fork to pull each date individually out of the chocolate, shaking off the excess chocolate before placing them on a previously prepared baking sheet. (I line the baking sheet with parchment paper so that the chocolate won’t stick to it.

  • dipping dates into melted chocolate
  • A closeup of a dipped date in melted chocolate on a fork

The first time I made these, I used the fork and shook off the excess chocolate by banging the fork against the rim of the bowl. By doing it that way, I had issues with having too much chocolate on each date. I now lift them out of the chocolate with the fork, but carefully pick each date up off the form using my thumb and forefinger, one on either side of the date lengthwise. I’m then able to carefully place the date on the prepared baking sheet without dripping.

Don’t waste the excess chocolate

Once you’ve finished dipping all of the dates, don’t throw away the excess chocolate. I like to pour mine into chocolate molds that allow for easy using for the next batch.

Storage

If it’s like at my house, these chocolate dates won’t really be around long enough to worry about it, but you can leave them out at room temperature without any problems. Store them where you normally store your chocolate.

If it’s really hot out, try to find a cool place to store them so that they don’t melt.

I prefer not to store them in the fridge because the fridge can cause chocolate to bloom. Some people don’t mind that, though, and like the snap of chocolate in the fridge. So, do whatever you prefer!

Chocolate dates on a wooden cutting board surrounded by almonds and dates

Video

Craving more?Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes and tutorials!
Closeup of a pile of chocolate dates with almonds, focusing on one that is bit open

Chocolate dates with almonds

Sweet and chewy with a bit of crunch, these easy-to-make chocolate dates with almonds resemble bite-sized candy bars sans the refined sugars and artificial ingredients.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 dates
Calories: 41kcal
Author: Tracy Ariza, DDS

Ingredients

  • 24 dates 135g
  • 24 almonds 28g
  • 100 g chocolate (85g were used.)

Instructions

Prepare the dates for dipping

  • If you aren't using pitted dates, remove the pit from each date. This can be done by slicing across each date lengthwise up to the pit. Then pull the pit out.
  • Open each date at the opening from which the pit was removed and slip an almond into the date through the slit. (Pitted dates should also already have a cut from which the pit was removed.)

Melt the chocolate

  • Cut the chocolate into small pieces so that it will be easier to melt. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler, a special chocolate melting pot, or the microwave. 
  • To melt the chocolate in the microwave, melt in a glass bowl at short, 30 second-or-less intervals. Remove the bowl and stir the chocolate between heatings. The residual heat of the glass helps melt the chocolate slowly without cooking it. This can help keep it in temper if you're lucky.

Cover the dates with chocolate

  • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Throw a few dates into the melted chocolate and stir them to fully cover them in chocolate.
  • Remove the dates, one by one, using a fork. Carefully pick up the date from the form with your thumb and forefinger on either side of the date lengthwise. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off into the bowl and then place the date onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Continue to remove all of the dates and transfer them to the baking sheet, keeping space between them on the sheet so that they don't stick together. Continue with the process, adding more dates to the chocolate as needed, until all of the prepared dates have been covered in chocolate.
  • Allow the dates to cool so that the chocolate hardens.

Notes

Choose whatever type of chocolate you prefer. You can also use dipping chocolate which tends to harden nice and shiny without needing to worry about tempering chocolate!
Soft, chewy dates like Medjoul dates make for really delicious chocolate dates. The softer they are, the more the finished dessert will be like a caramel candy.
If you don’t like almonds, you can choose another type of nut. You could even try filling them with nut butters or dried coconut chips.
Tempering chocolate is a way to keep it looking shiny and hard. It consists of heating and cooling the chocolate in a way that controls the crystallization of the cocoa butter. Untempered chocolate can look dull and/or have white streaks in it. It’s not essential to temper the chocolate in this recipe, but if you are set on having hard, shiny chocolate, it’s something that you can look into. You can also “cheat” by using special melting chocolates or adding a bit of coconut oil to the chocolate to give it more shine.

Don’t waste the excess chocolate

Once you’ve finished dipping all of the dates, don’t throw away the excess chocolate. I like to pour mine into chocolate molds that allow for easy use for the next batch.

Storage

These can be left out at room temperature without any problems. Store them where you normally store your chocolate. If it’s really hot out, try to find a cool place to store them so that they don’t melt.
Storing in the fridge can cause the chocolate to bloom.
 
Course Desserts
Cuisine global
Special Diets Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword chocolate dates
Other Diets Dairy free, Paleo
Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @thethingswellmake or tag #thethingswellmake!
Serving: 1chocolate date | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Category: Desserts & Sweets

About Tracy Ariza, DDS

Tracy Ariza, B.A., D.D.S., left dentistry and the United States to found Oh, The Things We’ll Make!, writing to you from the Spanish Riviera. She loves making things herself in order to keep control of what goes in them. While far from perfect, she strives each day to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Previous Post: « A computer, a phone, and a mug on a removable desk on a treadmill. Easy DIY Treadmill Desk
Next Post: The Importance of pH in Cosmetics comparing a red pH strip to the pH chart »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Dubose

    March 25, 2021 at 11:28 AM

    5 stars
    Such a yummy recipe! I definitely make it again and again. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Eman

    March 9, 2021 at 3:27 AM

    Spit the date, remove seed, put a piece of walnut and add a dab of cream cheese. Try that. Easier and less heavy.

    Reply
    • Tracy Ariza, DDS

      March 10, 2021 at 11:37 AM

      Hi Eman!
      I actually posted that exact recipe years ago. You can see my cream cheese stuffed dates here. It’s always been a family favorite, especially during the holidays!
      It really takes me about the same amount of time to make either. They’re completely different, but both are delicious.
      I have to admit that I didn’t think I was going to like the chocolate dates. I made them for my husband who is a chocolate lover. They’re surprisingly delicious, though. If you ever are looking for a special dessert for your cheese stuffed dates 😉 , give these a try! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Search

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Hello, I’m Tracy!

I love making my own natural products like soaps and lotions and my own pantry items like yogurt and salad dressings.
Why do I do it? Sometimes to save money, sometimes because it's healthier, but I always love having control of the ingredients!​
Oh, the things we'll make!...

More about Tracy

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Featured on Buzzfeed, Lifehacker, Fitness, Shape, Country Living, Healthline, Redbook, Redfin

Closeup of 4 bars of homemade soap. Two of them have been wrapped in brown paper and wrapped with ribbons. One soap is wrapped with red ribbon and the other with white ribbon.

Making an Easy, Basic Beginner Soap, and Then Making it Fun!!

Homemade prawn crackers on a plate in front of uncooked homemade prawn crackers and a roll of prawn crackers dough.

Prawn Crackers from Scratch

Impress your friends and save money by making your own soy sauce from scratch. Today we'll learn how to make a homemade shoyu, a fermented Japanese soy sauce made from soybeans and wheat berries. #shoyu #soysauce

How to Make Soy Sauce (Homemade Shoyu)

Two bottles of a homemade conditioner next to a wooden comb and a washcloth.

Easy DIY Hair Conditioner for Natural Hair

A small glass jar filled with an emulsified sugar scrub with a wooden spoon in it.

Easy Emulsified Sugar Scrub

Over head view of a spoon full of tomato paste over a jar full of it. A couple of fresh tomatoes lay next to the jar.

Easy Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe

Featured on Buzzfeed, Lifehacker, Fitness, Shape, Country Living, Healthline, Redbook, Redfin

White logo for Oh, The Things Well Make! website

Copyright © 2023 Tracy Ariza · Disclaimers and Disclosures · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy