Almond Joy Stuffed Dates: Healthy Recipe

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You won’t believe your taste-buds when you try this almond joy recipe. It tastes just like the real thing (read: candy bar) but made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

If you are looking for a quick snack, better-for-you treat, these stuffed dates are full of healthy fats and yummy nutrients that make a terrific afternoon pick me up or late night sweet treat!

They are going to be your newest healthy obsession and they’re SO EASY to make! Keep them in the freezer for a coconut ice cream like dessert that’s naturally sweetened and absolutely delicious!

Over the past year, snickers stuffed dates have been trending on social media – I tried them and they are delicious. It made me wonder what other candy bars we could mimic with dates. Today we are tackling Almond Joy and I’m very excited for you to try a healthier version of homemade candy bars. Naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients, they are sure to win over any crowd.

What makes this homemade Almond Joy recipe special is the coconut butter. You can buy it or make you own (recipe below in notes). I’ve recently started using it in everything, from drizzling over oatmeal to blending into smoothies, and here it creates a creamy center that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate for a truly delicious dessert.

If you are new to coconut butter, this recipe is the perfect introduction to this sweet treat! It’s actually really, really good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of health benefits (see below in notes).

I like to store the leftovers in the freezer and just pull a couple out before I want to enjoy them. They are best chilled + last much longer this way. You can let them lightly thaw OR eat them frozen which kind of tastes like a coconut ice cream treat. YUM!

Almond Joy Stuffed Dates: Healthy Recipe

Incredible Almond Joy stuffed dates with just 7 ingredients required! All of the flavors of coconutty Almond Joys stuffed into a delicious date and dipped in dark chocolate. SO yummy!
 
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating
Keyword almond joy chocolate covered stuffed dates, almond joy stuffed dates, almond joy stuffted dates healthy recipe, clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 16 medjool dates
  • 16 raw or toasted almonds
  • 1/2 cup coconut butter -store bought or recipe below in notes
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Optional for topping: additional shredded coconut

Instructions

  • If your almonds aren't already toasted and you wish to toast them for more flavour,  preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool until crunchy.
    Cut a wee hole in each date and remove the pit. You want to make a “well” in the center of each date to hold in the coconut butter filling.
    Place the dates on a plate, a parchment lined tray or silicon baking mat and set aside while you prepare the filling.
    In a small bowl combine coconut butter, desiccated coconut and honey. You may need to warm it slightly in a microwave or over a pot of boiling water if the temperature is cold. You want it to be combined but it’s okay if it’s still a bit chunky. This will act as your coconut filling for the dates.
    Then scoop 1 teaspoon of the coconut butter mixture and form it into a small log shape before placing it into each pitted date,pressing down with your spoon (or clean fingers) so it’s “stuffed” inside the date. Repeat until all dates have been filled.
    Press one almond into the coconut mixture in each date half and close the ends of the dates together by pinching with your fingers.
    The almond should be pressed slightly into the coconut, but not fully submerged in the coconut filling.
    Place the dates in the freezer while you prepare the chocolate coating.

Chocolate Coating

  • Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.
    Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.
    Working quickly,dip the dates into the chocolate so that they are fully or half covered depending on your preferences. You can also drizzle the chocolate over the top.
    Once all dates are dipped, option to garnish with flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet crunch or a sprinkle of more desiccated coconut (or both!). Set dates back in the freezer to chill for another 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely hardened.
    Store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
     

Notes

If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now. But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good.
It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat. Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:
It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.
It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.
Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin
It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.
It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.
Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome.
It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from Scratch is made with one ingredient!
You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive. Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy.
Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing.  😊
Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet. 😉
Go here for homemade sugar free Coconut Butter Recipe 
Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites 


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