Dates often make a cameo on impressive charcuterie boards, but they can also serve as a quick snack that doesn't require a party to enjoy. The tropical fruit is the perfect snack companion for so many reasons. For starters, dates pair well with many different foods — both sweet and savory — and they're so delicious it's almost surprising that they're nutritious too. Dates are a solid source of fiber, which means they digest slowly and keep your blood sugar steady; they also pack some iron, potassium, and calcium.
Plus, dates are easy to prepare. Simply slice them open and stuff them with your favorite filling or whizz them in a blender into a dip or smoothie in minutes. Their flavor and versatility literally mean the snack options are endless.
So when you're feeling peckish, rushed, or just craving something naturally sweet, fall back on these five-minute date snack recipes.
Dip lovers will drool over this sticky date caramel that's blended with almond butter, vanilla, and maple syrup. Dunk apple slices into it or smear it onto whole-wheat pita when the sweet tooth strikes.
These poppable treats are both creamy and crunchy thanks to peanut butter, cream cheese, and chopped peanuts. They come together in just a few minutes and make for the perfect get-together or after-school snack.
Perfect for popping pre-workout, these raw energy bites are made with Medjool dates, walnuts, cashews, and shredded coconut for quick fuel. Pop them in the freezer for a few hours to harden if you have the time (and self-control!) to wait.
Briny chèvre cheese and syrupy dates make for the most satisfying sweet and salty combo. Add some kick with hatch green chile and this snack doubles as an impressive party app.
Blend Medjool dates with peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, milk, and sea salt for an afternoon treat that fuels you with protein, healthy fat, and carbs. The added sea salt brightens up the caramely-creamy notes — this smoothie is guaranteed to land a spot on your weekly rotation.
Ditch the store-bought cookie dough and meal prep these stuffed date bites that rival your favorite ice cream sandwich. The chewy center features nut butter and chocolate chips all enveloped in chocolate-drizzled dates.
Use these recipes as a springboard for making your own easy date snacks at home. Dates go well with both sweet and savory stuff, so try messing around with whatever's in your fridge and pantry.
Some of our favorite foods to pair dates with include nut and seed butters (experiment beyond peanut butter — try almond, cashew, or sunflower butter), as well as turkey bacon, goat cheese, or dark chocolate. Happy snacking!
April Benshosan is a writer and editor covering all things health, nutrition, and wellness. She graduated with a master's degree from Pace University and went on to spearhead the nutrition verticals at both Eat This, Not That! and LIVESTRONG.com. Her passion for responsible health journalism and helping people live their healthiest lives comes to life through her work. In her free time, you can catch April hitting a deadlift PR, getting steps in with her mini Australian Shepherd, or planning her next international remote work location.
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