Chocolate Covered Dates with Tahini and Walnuts

Whether a simple treat for yourself or a crafted gift for others, these chocolate-covered dates offer a healthier alternative to indulge your sweet tooth. Experiment, enjoy, and share the joy of the delightful combination between dates, chocolate, tahini, and walnuts.

My Journey to Chocolate Covered Dates

In 2008, after moving to Dubai, I discovered chocolate-covered dates, a delicacy that was unfamiliar to me at the time, and I thought it was a genius combination of flavors and textures. Dubai introduced me to the rich, sweet world of dates in general, particularly a specific brand I found only in the Duty-Free area of the airport.

These dates, available in both dark and milk chocolate variants and filled with a crunchy blanched almond, quickly became my favorite treat and a sought-after gift for friends and family whenever I traveled. The dark chocolate-covered dates stood out as my personal preference, an indulgence I deemed healthy enough to enjoy liberally, albeit later learning moderation when it comes to dates is key.

Years later, chocolate-covered dates have become a social media trend, inspiring me to create my version and share it with you.

While I chose to incorporate tahini, substitute walnuts for almonds, and add a touch of sea salt for this particular recipe, creativity has no limits. Below are more substitutions and suggestions for creating your own version. 

Additionally, halving the Medjool dates made for a perfect balance, reducing the overall sugar content while maintaining the taste and texture of every bite.

Are Chocolate Covered Dates Healthy?

The healthiness of chocolate-covered dates depends on several factors. While dates are naturally rich in nutrients and fiber, they also contain significant sugar levels. However, pairing dates with high-cacao-content dark chocolate, tahini, and walnuts can mitigate the sugar’s impact on blood sugar levels.

Enjoyed post-meal rather than on an empty stomach, they pose less concern for health-conscious individuals. 

If you have diabetes, you could test with a continuous glucose monitor and assess if these chocolate-covered dates can be part of your diet. 

A typical Medjool date weighs about 25-27g and contains approximately 15g of sugar. Hence, it is advisable to enjoy these dark chocolate-covered dates with tahini and walnuts in moderation—ideally no more than two pieces per serving (which in this recipe is one date)—to maintain a healthy balance.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is merely a starting point, inviting endless variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Dates: While Medjool dates are my choice for their size and sweetness, feel free to experiment with other types. For the best experience, opt for high-quality, preferably organic dates.
• Tahini: A versatile sesame seed paste, tahini can vary in taste and consistency based on whether the seeds are hulled or unhulled, raw or toasted. Ensure your tahini contains only sesame seeds, and possibly salt, avoiding any with added oils or fillers. Nut butters make a great alternative.
• Nuts: Almonds, especially blanched ones, can easily replace walnuts, depending on your taste or what’s available.
• Dark Chocolate: Opt for chocolate with 85% cacao or higher for a rich, complementing bitterness to the dates’ natural sweetness. Be cautious with chocolates sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, as they can be overly sweet.
• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances flavors, echoing the beloved salty-sweet combination of caramel, chocolate, and sea salt.
• Optional Toppings: For special occasions, adorn your dates with ground pistachios or freeze-dried raspberries for an extra touch of elegance and color.

Ingredients You Need

• 10 Medjool dates
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 10 walnut halves
• 100 grams dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher), chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Optional toppings: ground pistachios or walnuts, freeze-dried raspberries

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Dates with Tahini and Walnuts

Prepare the Dates: Start by pitting the Medjool dates and slicing them in half. Arrange the date halves on a baking sheet or a platter lined with parchment paper, cut side up.

Fill the Dates: Spoon a small amount of tahini into the center of each date half. Press a walnut quarter into the tahini filling, ensuring it is snug but not overflowing.

Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, gently melt the dark chocolate over very low heat. Once melted, stir in the coconut oil and remove from the heat. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly, just enough that it remains fluid.

Coat the Dates: Using a fork and a spoon, top each date with melted chocolate, then, with the help of the fork, dip the bottom in the melted chocolate so the filled date is evenly coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before transferring the date back to the parchment paper. Aim to conserve as much chocolate as possible during this process.

Add Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the chocolate-coated dates. For those looking for a bit more flair, wait until the chocolate sets (a quick chill in the freezer can speed this up), then drizzle with additional melted chocolate and garnish with your choice of freeze-dried raspberries or ground pistachios and walnuts.

Chill and Serve: Place the dates in the freezer or refrigerator until the chocolate fully sets. Once set, transfer the dates to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a softer bite or in the freezer for a firmer texture. Enjoy these sweet treats whenever you need a delightful snack!

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Covered Dates with Tahini and Walnuts, a perfect blend of sweet and savory for any occasion!

More Healthy Dessert Ideas

For another delicious combination of dates, chocolate, and nuts, check out our Date Bark Recipe (without peanuts).

Explore a world of delicious sugar-free desserts in our round-up of 30+ Healthy Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes.

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