Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Protein Powder

This is my unique spin on the stuffed Snickers dates but with a little extra protein by adding some protein powder to the peanut butter. The most insanely delicious protein snack or dessert! They're rich, decadent, chewy and feel so indulgent but they're actually very nutritious. Each date has 7 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fiber.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword high protein dessert, high protein snack idea

Prep Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 170kcal

Author Alex Evink, MS, RD

Ingredients

12 pitted Medjool dates I used Natural Delights and found them to be very soft.
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter can use crunchy for more texture
2 scoops protein powder I used vanilla
3 ½ tablespoons water or milk
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon avocado or coconut oil
Coarse sea salt for garnish fine sea salt would work too
Chopped nuts, optional topping

Instructions

Get ready for assembly. Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about 3/4 the way down. Sometimes, the dates have a seam already that you can just pull apart or use your knife to cut through it.
Mix the protein powder and peanut butter together. Heat the peanut butter in the microwave to soften - about one minute (microwaves may vary). Add the protein powder and water. Stir really well until a thick yet well-combined mixture forms.
Fill the dates with peanut butter. Fill each date with a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and place on the baking sheet.
Microwave the chocolate. Add dark chocolate and avocado oil to a microwaveable bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted.
Dip the dates. Using a (slotted) spoon, toothpick, or two forks, dip each date into the bowl of chocolate - coating the entire date in dark chocolate. Place back onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Microwave the chocolate for another 30 seconds as needed during this process.
Sprinkle each date with sea salt.
Freeze or refrigerate to set. Place the baking sheet into the fridge or freezer for at least 20 minutes to set.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Throw these dates in your cooler for a delicious summer treat on-the-go! My favorite way to eat them is from the freezer - pull out and let sit for about 5 minutes to thaw out a little.
The sea salt is the best part, in my opinion, so make sure to evenly distribute on the dark chocolate.
If the peanut butter is runny and coming out of the date as you are dipping the chocolate, place the peanut butter stuffed dates into the freezer for about 10 minutes before dipping.
If you have a hard time mixing the protein powder with the peanut butter or it's too gritty, add a teaspoon of water and stir. Repeat until desired consistency.
Use crunchy peanut butter (may need to add a little more water if too thick) or stuffed some chopped peanuts in there for some texture and crunch.
It's easier to dip when there is more dark chocolate but you may not use the entire cup.
Can sub with any nut butter or or try sun butter.
Drizzle the dates with softened peanut butter for a fun effect and more peanut butter flavor.

Nutritional information is just an estimation. Individual ingredients and preparation may lead to slight discrepancies. Calculated with 3/4 cup of dark chocolate.

Calories: 170, Protein: 7 grams, Carbohydrates: 20 grams, Fiber: 3.5 grams, Sugars: 16.5 grams, Sodium: 40 grams, Fat: 7 grams.

Nutrition