Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Maple Recipe

Sweet Maple-Glazed Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Recipe

Sweet, succulent dates meet their match in a creamy maple mascarpone stuffing that dances between indulgence and elegance.

Each bite promises a luxurious blend of flavors that whispers decadence.

The delicate mascarpone stuffed dates with maple create a sophisticated appetizer or dessert that impresses without effort.

Soft, pillowy dates cradle a velvety cheese filling kissed with rich maple notes.

These bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

Prepare to elevate your next gathering with this simple yet extraordinary treat that promises to become an instant favorite.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible morsels that blend comfort and gourmet in one perfect bite.

Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Delight

  • Quick Gourmet Delight: Elevate your snacking experience with these sophisticated yet simple stuffed dates that transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Prepare these incredible bites in mere minutes with just a few ingredients, making them perfect for spontaneous entertaining or last-minute cravings.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for various occasions from elegant cocktail parties to casual gatherings, these mascarpone-stuffed dates offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that will impress guests.
  • Customizable Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pecans for almonds or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

Mascarpone Date Ingredients & Maple Tips

Main Ingredients:
  • Dates: Sweet, soft fruits that provide a delicious base for this appetizer.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a rich and smooth filling.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup: Sweet Canadian syrup that adds a rich, caramel-like glaze to the stuffed dates.
Optional Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Optional seasonings that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Making Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Easily

Step 1: Preheat the Broiler

Position your oven rack at the top position.

Turn on the broiler to high heat, allowing it to warm up completely before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

Carefully slice each date lengthwise, gently removing the pit to create a perfect pocket for filling.

Use your fingers or a small knife to open the dates carefully without splitting them completely.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Chopped pecans
  • Maple syrup

Scoop a generous amount of mascarpone cheese into each date cavity.

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the stuffed dates, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Arrange and Drizzle

Place the stuffed dates on a lined baking sheet.

Drizzle maple syrup generously over each date, ensuring they are well-coated with the sweet golden liquid.

Step 5: Broil to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the broiler.

Watch closely as the dates cook for approximately 3 minutes.

The edges should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the maple syrup will caramelize slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dates from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Store any remaining dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Stuffed Dates With Maple

  • Select plump, soft dates without any signs of dryness or hardness for the best texture and flavor.
  • Watch dates carefully during broiling to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from golden to charred in seconds.
  • Let mascarpone cheese sit at room temperature for easier spreading and smoother filling inside the dates.
  • Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  • Use dairy-free mascarpone alternative for a vegan version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful appetizer.

Stuffed Date Creative Twists

  • Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates: Replace mascarpone with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile, perfect for those seeking a more robust taste.
  • Almond Butter Vegan Dates: Swap mascarpone for almond butter and use maple syrup alternative like agave nectar to create a plant-based version that's creamy and sweet.
  • Honey Walnut Variation: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts and drizzle with local honey instead of maple syrup for a different nutty and floral sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Bacon Wrapped Option: Wrap dates in thin bacon slices before broiling for a savory-sweet combination that adds protein and extra crunch for meat lovers.

Serving Mascarpone Maple Dates for Parties

  • Sweet Appetizer Platter: Arrange these decadent dates on a beautiful wooden board alongside other Mediterranean-style small bites like olives, soft cheeses, and cured meats for an elegant starter.
  • Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling to complement the rich mascarpone and maple flavors.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by placing these stuffed dates next to fresh croissants, fruit compote, and light yogurt for a luxurious morning treat.
  • Cheese Course Companion: Include these dates as part of a sophisticated cheese course, offering a delightful sweet and creamy option that pairs beautifully with aged cheeses and nuts.

Storage for Mascarpone Stuffed Dates

  • Transfer any leftover stuffed dates to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Enjoy the dates within 3 days for the best taste and texture, as the mascarpone can start to lose its creamy consistency after this time.
  • Place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of stuffed dates to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their delicate shape.
  • Warm refrigerated dates in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their original softness and bring out the rich flavors of maple and pecans.

FAQs

  • What are mascarpone stuffed dates?

A delightful appetizer or dessert where sweet dates are split, filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, topped with pecans, and drizzled with maple syrup, then quickly broiled to enhance their flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mascarpone provides a rich, smooth texture, you could substitute with cream cheese or ricotta, though the taste and consistency will slightly differ from the original recipe.

  • Are these dates suitable for special diets?

They are naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for vegetarian diets. However, they’re not vegan due to the dairy cheese and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Maple Recipe

Mascarpone Stuffed Dates Maple Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious Maple Mascarpone Stuffed Dates blend sweet Mediterranean fruit with creamy Italian cheese and rich Canadian maple essence. Elegant appetizers promise rich flavors that dance between delicate sweetness and smooth richness you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) mascarpone cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup

Preparation Ingredients:

  • Salt, to taste

Garnish:

  • Additional chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack at the top, ensuring maximum heat for quick cooking.
  2. Carefully slice each date lengthwise, delicately removing the pit to create a hollow space for filling.
  3. Generously fill the date cavities with creamy mascarpone cheese, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.
  4. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the stuffed dates, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  5. Arrange the prepared dates on a lined baking sheet, then drizzle maple syrup evenly across the surface.
  6. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve a golden-brown caramelization.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the dates to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, enjoying the rich, sweet, and nutty treat.

Notes

  • Prep Dates Carefully slice dates without cutting through completely to maintain their structural integrity for easy stuffing.
  • Cheese Temperature Bring mascarpone to room temperature for smoother, more spreadable consistency when filling dates.
  • Nut Alternatives Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Watch Closely Broiling times vary by oven, so monitor dates closely to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 4.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star