Name: Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 3 min
Ingredients: 24 Medjool dates (pitted – soft and naturally sweet, perfect for stuffing.); 6 oz mascarpone cheese – this creamy Italian cheese gives a rich; 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans – adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure they’re finely chopped for the best texture.; 2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup – provides natural sweetness and a lovely glossy drizzle.

Do Share Recipe

I recently made this Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle Recipe, and I couldn’t wait to share how easy and delicious they turned out. Honestly, they remind me of a lighter, healthier version of pecan pie but without all the fuss, much like how comforting flavors come together in the Charleston Cheese Dip Recipe when you want something rich yet simple.

I love that this recipe only takes a few minutes yet feels so indulgent. Each bite is creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty—a perfect treat anytime. Let me walk you through how to make these heavenly little desserts step by step.

Ingredients for Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

Here’s everything you need to create these irresistible treats:

24 Medjool dates, pitted – soft and naturally sweet, perfect for stuffing.
6 oz mascarpone cheese – this creamy Italian cheese gives a rich, smooth texture. Pro tip: use room temperature cheese for easy filling.
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans – adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure they’re finely chopped for the best texture.
2 tbsp Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup – provides natural sweetness and a lovely glossy drizzle.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can customize this recipe to fit different tastes or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: use a plant-based cream cheese instead of mascarpone.
Sugar-free: swap maple syrup with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup.
Nut-free: replace pecans with sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely.
Flavor twists: add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a few chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it will take to make this recipe:

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need much—just a few kitchen essentials:

Oven – for broiling the stuffed dates to a perfect golden finish.
Baking sheet – to hold the dates while they cook evenly.
Knife – to slice dates lengthwise and remove pits.
Small bowl – for mixing or softening mascarpone if needed.

How to Make Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

These dates are super simple to make. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by turning on your broiler and adjusting the oven rack to the top position. This ensures your dates will get that beautiful light golden color. I like to keep a close eye during broiling so they don’t burn.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

Slice each date lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Creating a good opening makes it easier to fill the dates without tearing them. Soft, fresh Medjool dates work best for this step.

Step 3: Stuff the Dates

Fill each date with mascarpone cheese and sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the nutty crunch. I find using a small spoon or piping bag makes the filling process cleaner and faster.

Step 4: Add the Maple Drizzle

Place stuffed dates on a baking sheet and drizzle with maple syrup. Broil for 3 minutes or until the tops turn slightly golden. Watch closely, as they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Let them cool a little before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tips really make a difference:

I always use room temperature mascarpone for easier filling.
Don’t skip the broil step—it adds a subtle toasted flavor.
Use fresh, soft Medjool dates; older dates can be dry and hard to stuff.
If you like a sweeter finish, drizzle a little extra maple syrup after broiling.

How to Serve Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle

These stuffed dates are incredibly versatile for serving:

Arrange on a small platter for an elegant appetizer or dessert tray.
Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for a pretty presentation.
Serve slightly warm for a melty, indulgent experience or at room temperature for easy snacking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional content for one stuffed date:

Calories: 110 kcal – a light treat compared to traditional desserts.
Protein: 1 g – adds a little boost thanks to mascarpone and pecans.
Carbohydrates: 19 g – naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.
Fat: 4 g – mostly healthy fats from pecans and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftover stuffed dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the mascarpone fresh and the dates soft.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked stuffed dates for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and broil briefly to warm.

Reheating

If serving warm, place refrigerated dates under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. I prefer the broiler for the light toasted flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has so many benefits, and here’s why I adore it:

Super Easy: Only 4 ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
Healthier Dessert: Naturally sweet with dates and maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or dessert at parties.
Customizable: Can adapt to dietary needs or flavor preferences easily.
Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, no baking skills required.

These Mascarpone Stuffed Dates with Maple Drizzle are my go-to when I want something sweet, indulgent, yet guilt-free. The creamy mascarpone, natural sweetness from dates, crunchy pecans, and maple drizzle all work together to make every bite irresistible. Once you try them, I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ben Carraoli