Pitted Dates with Almond Butter for Stuffing

I stuffed medjool pitted dates with almond butter. They turned out genuinely delicious. These are easy to make with only a few ingredients and a much healthier sweet alternative. The best part is, there is no subsequent sugar slump!

January came and went, and for most of us it included a whole lot of healthy meals, new habits, positive changes in our lives and so on. We arrive in February either feeling like we got this or looking at it as a gap to slide right back into old habits.

It certainly doesn’t help that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and everywhere you go feels like you’re walking into a live game of Candyland. It’s absolutely torturous!

What are pitted dates?

Believe it or not, there is a middle ground for this mind battle. I have spotted several dessert recipes on the internet using pitted dates as the star ingredient instead of a sweetener, and I wanted to make my own variation for those times when I really wish I could eat something sweet without ruining all my efforts to eat better and feel better.

Pitted dates simply mean removing their seeds. I stuffed it and came up with these delicious Almond Butter Stuffed Dates!

Stuffing pitted dates are very easy to do. They are also a much healthier sweet alternative. These require only a few ingredients and the best part is, there is no subsequent sugar slump!

I pitted Medjool dates for this recipe.

Here are my personal tips to navigate Valentine’s Day (or any given day) without falling in to the sugar slump

• Avoid the sweets isle at the grocery store at all costs!
• Make a healthier dessert at home so you have something (better, healthier) to reach to when you can’t stay away from the temptation. Pitted dates work well and if you're looking for more, these Chocolate Almond Butter Cups are my go-to treats, and for Valentine’s Day you can try these fun and super romantic Pink Heart Cookies!
• Keep some sugar-free gum in hand. Having something to chew on and 'distract' my mouth from wanting to eat sweets, quite often does the trick for me.
• Valentine's Day doesn't not have to be about candy at all, instead focus on sentimental gifts or fun activities.
• Eat a fruit! Or dried pitted dates. I grew up eating fruit as a dessert and it's honestly the best thing! Not only will this habit help curb the sugar craving with a (naturally) sweet fruit but you also benefit from it's endless source of vitamins and nutrients.
• Oh, so you did all you could and still fell for it? Not the end of the world. Often times we take that 'slip' as an excuse to go full on junk eating again, that's a no no no. Instead, deal with it with maturity and keep making the right choices. After all one dessert is a lot better than a whole day of junk eating.

How to pit dates for stuffing

I use a pairing knife to cut on one side of the date and then get the seed out. I scooped enough almond butter to fill the date.

I am obsessed with almond butter on everything, and I often make my own homemade almond butter too (see Salted Chocolate Almond Butter). This recipe requires only 3 main ingredients (dates, almond butter and dark chocolate) and I used 2 additional and optional ingredients (sea salt and coconut flakes). It's very easy, simple yet satisfying.

If you make these pitted dates stuffed with almond butter, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thanks a bunch!