Chocolate dates: a lovely no-bake dessert and gift!

We can't think of a better time than Father's Day to give these beautiful chocolate dates as a gift. But Valentine's Day or a birthday is also a perfect occasion to give these chocolate dates to a loved one.

We have written before about the date hype that doesn't seem to be stopping after years. They are simply versatile, and anyone who says they don't like dates simply hasn't found the right one yet. You can make these chocolate dates with Medjool dates. This variety of date is soft and can be shaped into a heart. They are also readily available in supermarkets.

Combined with chocolate, this snack becomes very sweet. We love that, but those who want a less sweet chocolate date have plenty of other options. For this, we recommend the Tunisian Deglet Nour. And if you can find it, the Salafawi date from Saudi Arabia is also very tasty. This date is somewhat similar to licorice, without being too sweet.

In a previous recipe, we showed you 5 delicious variations on stuffed dates. You can also fill these chocolate-covered dates in various ways. Prefer not to use almonds? A pistachio nut fits perfectly inside the date too. Or fill them with a pistachio or hazelnut nut butter, or perhaps peanut butter?

For decoration, you can opt for a nice pattern by melting a different type of chocolate and drizzling it over the chocolate dates. Then, you can finish it off with freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries, but also with rose petals, chopped pistachios, or shredded coconut.

Making filled chocolate dates (no-bake dessert)

• Carefully cut the date in half, along the short side, and remove the pit.
• Rotate the date halves a quarter turn. Place the almond, or nut of your choice, between the two date halves and press them together. Shape into a heart by hand. Do this with all the dates.
• Place the date hearts on a baking sheet. Then melt the chocolate with coconut oil.
• Dip the dates in the chocolate. Optionally, drizzle a different color of melted chocolate over the dates and sprinkle with the toppings of your choice.
• Then let the chocolate dates harden on the baking sheet.