Description
These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Pomegranate and Honey are a delightful and elegant no-bake dessert. Sweet Medjool dates are filled with creamy mascarpone cheese infused with vanilla and honey, then topped with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pistachios, a touch of sea salt, and fresh mint leaves. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy flavors, making it ideal for a sophisticated appetizer or a light dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dates
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
Mascarpone Filling
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- A pinch of sea salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Use a sharp knife to make a small slit on one side of each Medjool date and remove the pits carefully, ensuring the dates remain whole for stuffing. Set them aside.
- Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, incorporating the flavors evenly.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon or piping bag, gently fill each date with the mascarpone mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent overflow.
- Arrange and Drizzle Honey: Place the stuffed dates on a serving platter and drizzle a light coating of honey over each for added sweetness.
- Add Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkle a generous amount of pomegranate seeds across the stuffed dates to add bursts of tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Top with Pistachios: Scatter chopped pistachios over the dates to provide a crunchy texture and nutty notes.
- Season with Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Garnish with Mint: Finish by decorating with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and aesthetic appeal.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the stuffed dates immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors meld and mascarpone set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure dates are soft and fresh for the best texture.
- For easier stuffing, chill the mascarpone mixture beforehand to firm it slightly.
- Honey drizzle can be adjusted to taste depending on preferred sweetness.
- Chilling the stuffed dates enhances flavor melding but avoid storing for too long to maintain freshness.
- Can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated, covered tightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: mascarpone stuffed dates, date dessert, no-bake dessert, pomegranate, honey, pistachio, easy elegant appetizer, vegetarian dessert
