Effortlessly elegant and incredibly delicious, these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates are the perfect no-bake appetizer for any occasion. Sweet Medjool dates are filled with a creamy, tangy mixture of cream cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart dried cranberries. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for a truly impressive result. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a quick, sophisticated snack, this recipe is your new go-to.
This simple recipe balances sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements in one perfect bite. The natural, caramel-like sweetness of the dates pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese, while the pecans add a welcome crunch and the cranberries provide a burst of tartness. They look stunning on a platter and taste even better!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer
When it comes to party food, it doesn’t get much better than a recipe that’s quick, easy, and can be made ahead of time. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these stuffed dates:
- No-Bake & Simple: This recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires no cooking at all. Just mix, stuff, and serve!
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet dates, tangy cream cheese, nutty pecans, and tart cranberries is absolutely irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These bites are always a hit at holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or as a simple snack. They disappear fast!
- Customizable: It’s easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste. Don’t like pecans? Try walnuts! Want a savory twist? Add bacon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of high-quality ingredients to create these delightful Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates.
- Medjool Dates: These are essential for the best results. They are large, soft, and have a rich, caramel-like flavor that makes them perfect for stuffing. Look for plump, glossy dates.
- Cream Cheese: Use a full-fat block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans provide the best flavor and a wonderful crunch. You can buy them pre-toasted or toast them yourself in a dry skillet for a few minutes.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a festive color and a chewy, tart contrast to the sweet dates.
- Orange Zest (Optional): A little bit of fresh orange zest brightens up the cream cheese filling and complements the cranberry flavor perfectly.
- Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): A tiny sprinkle on top enhances all the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious stuffed dates. It’s as easy as slice, mix, and stuff!
- Prepare the Dates: Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each Medjool date. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open the date and remove the pit. Set the pitted dates aside.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and optional orange zest. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the Dates: Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each pitted date. A small spoon or a piping bag with a wide tip works well for this. Don’t be shy with the filling!
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with extra chopped pecans, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Dates
Want to make your stuffed dates truly unforgettable? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen.
- Use Quality Dates: Medjool dates are the star of the show. Their soft texture and sweet flavor are unmatched. Avoid smaller, drier varieties like Deglet Noor for this recipe.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling that’s easy to mix and pipe.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting pecans for 3-5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat releases their natural oils and deepens their flavor. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding to the filling.
- Don’t Overfill: While you want a generous amount of filling, don’t overstuff the dates to the point where they can’t close slightly. You want the filling to be nestled inside. For an even more elegant appetizer, you can try these Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese bites.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations!
Savory Variations
- Bacon & Chive: Swap the cranberries and pecans for crumbled cooked bacon and freshly chopped chives.
- Jalapeño Popper: Mix in finely diced jalapeño and a little shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy kick, similar to our Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls.
- Goat Cheese & Thyme: Substitute goat cheese for cream cheese and mix with fresh thyme for an earthy, tangy flavor.
Sweet Variations
- Chocolate Chip & Walnut: Use walnuts instead of pecans and fold in mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat.
- Pistachio & Rosewater: Use chopped pistachios and add a tiny drop of rosewater to the cream cheese for a fragrant, Middle Eastern-inspired twist.
- Maple Walnut: Mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup and use toasted walnuts instead of pecans.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance, making party prep a breeze.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pecans may soften slightly over time, but they will still be delicious.
Planning a holiday get-together? These dates are a wonderful addition to any appetizer spread, alongside festive favorites like Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
While stuffed dates are a treat, they offer some benefits. Dates themselves are a good source of fiber and natural sweetness. This recipe combines them with protein and healthy fats from the nuts and cream cheese, making it a more balanced indulgence compared to many other desserts or appetizers.
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare these stuffed dates up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap pecans for toasted walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. For the cheese, goat cheese is a fantastic tangy alternative, or you could use mascarpone for an even richer, sweeter filling.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Please note that the pecans may lose some of their crunchiness over time, but the dates will still be delicious.
Medjool dates are the best choice for stuffing. They are large, soft, and have a rich, caramel-like flavor that provides the perfect base for fillings. Their size makes them much easier to stuff than smaller, drier varieties.
The Perfect Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates (Easy & Elegant!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit down one side of each Medjool date. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open the date and remove the pit.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and optional orange zest. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each pitted date.
- Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with extra chopped pecans, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Share This Recipe!
We hope you love making and sharing these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates! If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful creations on Pinterest!
