I’ll never forget the first time I made Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates. It was a last-minute appetizer for a dinner party, and I was a little nervous. But as soon as I popped that first sweet, creamy date in my mouth, I knew I had a new go-to recipe on my hands. The way the rich mascarpone cheese paired with the sticky-sweet maple drizzle – it was like a party in my mouth! And the best part? This whole recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. 12 servings of pure, indulgent deliciousness, all for the price of 15 minutes of prep time. Needless to say, my guests went wild for these Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates, and I’ve been making them ever since.
Table of Contents
Why This Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
This Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates recipe is special because it takes a classic flavor combination and elevates it to new heights. The creamy, tangy mascarpone cheese is the perfect foil for the sweet maple syrup, and the plump, juicy dates act as the ideal vehicle to bring it all together. But the real secret is in the technique – gently stuffing each date to maintain its shape, then drizzling just the right amount of maple syrup on top. It’s a simple recipe that packs a serious flavor punch, and it’s one that you’re going to want to make again and again. This recipe yields 12 servings, so it’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates recipe is using high-quality ingredients. You’ll need:
- 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Instructions
Preparing Your Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
This recipe takes 15 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking. All you’ll need is a sharp knife, a spoon, and a small baking sheet or plate. Let’s get started!
1- First, use a sharp knife to carefully slice each of the 12 Medjool dates in half lengthwise, removing and discarding the pits.
2- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
3- Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each of the 12 date halves with about 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture.
4- Arrange the stuffed dates on a small baking sheet or plate, making sure they’re in a single layer.
5- Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup evenly over the top of the 12 stuffed dates.
6- Finish with a light sprinkling of flaky sea salt, then serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates is to use ripe, juicy Medjool dates and high-quality mascarpone cheese. Be gentle when stuffing the dates to maintain their shape, and don’t be shy with the maple syrup drizzle. And remember, this recipe makes 12 servings, so you might want to double the batch if you’re serving a crowd!
Serving and Storing Your Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
Perfect Pairings for Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
These Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates make the perfect appetizer or snack. Serve them up at your next dinner party, holiday gathering, or game day celebration. They pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine, a crisp white, or even a bold red. And don’t be afraid to get creative – these 12 servings (one date per serving) would also be delicious alongside a cheese board, a fresh fruit salad, or even a charcuterie platter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates are a breeze to make ahead and store. Once you’ve assembled the 12 stuffed dates, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, give them a quick drizzle of fresh maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt. You can also make the filling up to 5 days in advance and stuff the dates right before your event. Just remember, this recipe yields 12 servings, so plan accordingly!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
Creative Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Variations
The beauty of this Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try swapping out the mascarpone for cream cheese or ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also experiment with different nut butters, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or cayenne for a touch of heat. And for a seasonal twist, try using figs or apricots instead of the Medjool dates. The possibilities are endless!
Making Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can try. For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan cream cheese or cashew-based “cheese” in place of the mascarpone. And to cut down on the sugar, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative. Just remember, this recipe yields 12 servings, so be mindful of portion sizes when making adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of date besides Medjool?
A: While Medjool dates are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other varieties. Just be sure to choose dates that are plump, juicy, and easy to stuff.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 date.
Q: Can I make these Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These dates are easy to make ahead. Assemble them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Just drizzle with fresh maple syrup before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to stuff the dates?
A: The key is to use a small spoon to gently fill each date half with about 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to maintain the date’s shape.
Q: How long does this recipe take to make?
A: This Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates recipe takes a total of 15 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking.
Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with these Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates – a quick and easy appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 12 large Medjool dates, pitted
– 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. 1. In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the cinnamon. Stir until well blended.
2. 2. Carefully slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. Stuff each date with a heaping teaspoon of the mascarpone mixture.
3. 3. Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter. Drizzle the tops with additional maple syrup.
4. 4. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
For best texture, use room temperature mascarpone cheese. Feel free to experiment with other nut butters or creamy fillings in place of the mascarpone. These dates can be made in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Maple-Drizzled Mascarpone Stuffed Dates are quite simply the perfect little bite-sized treat. With their creamy, tangy filling and sweet maple drizzle, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. And the best part? You can whip up 12 servings of these delectable dates in just 15 minutes. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to wow your friends and family with this irresistible recipe. Let me know how it goes – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
