Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe

If you’re longing for an easy, yet utterly decadent appetizer or sweet bite, Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle will absolutely wow you (and everyone you serve them to!). Each warm date is filled with cloudlike mascarpone, topped with nutty pecans, and finished with a luscious, caramel-like maple syrup glaze—simple, chic, and completely addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to create Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle, but don’t be fooled—each one brings something vital to the party. Together they make every bite rich, creamy, toasty, and swoon-worthy!

• Medjool Dates (24, pitted): Choose plump, glossy dates for the best soft, candy-like texture and natural sweetness—they hold the filling beautifully.
• Mascarpone Cheese (6 oz): This Italian cream cheese is ultra-creamy and mild, melting lusciously inside warm dates and offering a luxurious, cheesecake-like richness.
• Finely Chopped Pecans (1/4 cup): Pecans add irresistible crunch and nutty aroma; finely chopping helps them nestle into each stuffed date.
• Maple Syrup (2 tbsp, Grade A Dark Amber): Real maple syrup gives gorgeous depth and “brown sugar” warmth—use dark amber for the richest flavor and color.

Variations

One of the joys of Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle is how blissfully easy they are to adapt. Whether you want to play with flavors, textures, or special diets, these dates are a blank canvas for your tastebuds!

• Go Nuts: Swap pecans for pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts if you want different crunch and flavor vibes.
• Add Zest: Mix a little orange or lemon zest into the mascarpone for a pop of brightness.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle with cinnamon, cardamom, or even a little cayenne for a gentle sweet-heat twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use a thick, dairy-free cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for a vegan version—just as delicious!
• Salty Bite: Top with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt before serving for next-level flavor contrast.

How to Make Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by gently slicing each date lengthwise, just enough to remove the pit and create a pocket for the filling. Try not to slice all the way through—keeping them hinged makes stuffing and serving extra tidy and plush.

Step 2: Stuff with Mascarpone

Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date cavity with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cheese. Don’t be shy—the creamy richness is what makes these so luscious, and a little overstuffing is absolutely encouraged!

Step 3: Sprinkle on Pecans

Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans over the mascarpone-filled dates. Press lightly so they stick, and don’t worry if a few tumble onto the tray—they’ll toast up deliciously under the broiler.

Step 4: Drizzle with Maple Syrup

Arrange the stuffed dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them evenly with maple syrup. The syrup will caramelize under high heat, bringing an extra depth and glossy finish.

Step 5: Broil for Dreamy Warmth

With your broiler preheated and the oven rack on the top position, broil the dates for about 3 minutes, keeping a close eye! You want them just golden and bubbling, not burnt—this quick blast melds all the flavors together, turns the pecans toasty, and softens the mascarpone. Let cool a bit before serving warm or at room temp.

How to Serve Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of extra chopped toasted nuts, or even a whisper of citrus zest just before serving. These tiny touches brighten the dates and make the Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle look (and taste) absolutely irresistible!

Side Dishes

Pair these stuffed dates with a crisp, peppery salad (think arugula and shaved parmesan), a cheese and charcuterie board, or even alongside espresso or prosecco as a sweet finish. Their sweet-savory profile bridges appetizers and desserts beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle in concentric circles on a platter, tuck into mini cupcake liners, or spear each with a decorative toothpick for easy cocktail party munching. For dramatic flair, set them atop a small cutting board lined with edible flowers or fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle keep beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making them a delightful treat with coffee or as an after-dinner nibble.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze these stuffed dates, the mascarpone texture may change slightly once thawed. For freshest flavor and the creamiest bite, it’s best to enjoy them within a few days of preparing.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy leftovers warm, a quick pop in the oven (or toaster oven) at low heat for 2-3 minutes revives the filling and brings back that fresh-from-the-broiler melty texture—just skip the microwave, which makes the dates tough!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like irresistible finger food—and Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are sure to become your signature treat. I hope you’ll give these little delights a try (and make them your own with your favorite twists)—share, savor, and let every bite be pure joy!

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