Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe
Looking for a dazzling little snack to wow your favorite people this season? These St. Patrick’s Day Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates are about to become your new obsession! Sweet, creamy, crunchy, and fragrant, each morsel is like a bite-size pot of gold—delicious enough for a festive centerpiece, yet easy enough for a spur-of-the-moment St. Paddy’s gathering. The naturally green pistachios play beautifully with the holiday theme, while honey and ricotta give every date a dreamy richness. It’s the kind of treat that somehow feels both wholesome and totally indulgent, making St celebrations just a little more magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This handful of ingredients might look simple, but each one works its magic to balance flavor, texture, and presentation. The secrets to an unforgettable St treat are all right here—each ingredient matters!
- Medjool dates: These naturally sweet fruits form the luscious base and are a perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Ricotta cheese: Light and creamy, it delivers a beautiful contrast to the chewy dates and acts as the base for the scrumptious filling.
- Chopped pistachios: Their festive green hue and nutty crunch make your St table pop with color and texture.
- Honey: Not only does it sweeten the filling, but a drizzle on top gives a gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth, transforming the ricotta filling into something truly special.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds a hint of spice and a cozy aroma—totally optional but highly recommended for extra flair!
How to Make Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by grabbing each Medjool date and carefully slicing it lengthwise so you open it up like a book, making sure not to cut all the way through. Gently remove the pit from the center; you want to keep each date intact because it’ll soon be stuffed to the brim with creamy goodness. This part is oddly meditative, and you’ll notice the dates already smell oh-so-inviting.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling
Scoop your ricotta cheese into a small bowl. Drizzle in the honey, add that aromatic splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling festive. Give it a good stir until everything is dreamy, smooth, and lightly sweetened—the filling should be creamy enough to easily spoon but rich enough to stay put once stuffed.
Step 3: Stuff the Dates
Now for the fun part! Using a small spoon or, if you’re feeling fancy, a piping bag, fill each opened date with a generous mound of your ricotta mixture. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—rustic and overstuffed is the St style. Line your beauties up on a plate, ready for their final touch.
Step 4: Garnish With Pistachios and Honey
Shower your stuffed dates with chopped pistachios, letting the bright green bits tumble onto the creamy filling. For extra sparkle and sweetness, finish with a little drizzle of honey over each date. Suddenly, your kitchen smells incredible and your plate looks worthy of the Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates table!
How to Serve Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe
Garnishes
The real finishing touch for your Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates . Patrick’s Day treat is a flurry of toasted pistachios and another drizzle of golden honey. If you’re feeling extra whimsical, a sprinkle of edible gold leaf or a hint of citrus zest adds an unforgettable flare. Serve just as they are or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a magical, snowy look.
Side Dishes
These Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates are fantastic alongside a cheese platter, crisp apple slices, or even paired with sharp Irish cheddar for a full St grazing board. They’re rich enough to shine alone, but love a fruity or crunchy partner on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill a small platter in a shamrock shape for a cute St nod, or tuck a stuffed date onto each guest’s plate as a sweet little amuse-bouche. They can also be stacked on skewers or in mini cupcake wrappers for easy picking at parties. Don’t be shy—let your imagination set the scene!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover St. Patrick’s Day Stuffed Dates in an airtight container in the fridge. Thanks to the fresh ricotta, they’re best enjoyed within two days, but the dates keep everything moist and flavorful, so your treats won’t dry out in the slightest.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze St. Patrick’s Day Stuffed Dates! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy, but try to add garnishes fresh right before serving for best texture.
Reheating
No need to reheat—these are absolutely loveliest served chilled or at room temperature. If you find they’ve gone a little cool straight from the fridge, let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving so the ricotta softens a bit and the flavors sing.
FAQs
Can I use another type of nut instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! While pistachios give that iconic St pattern and a beautiful green color, chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans would be delicious as well. Just keep the pieces small for easy biting.
What if I don’t have Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and soft, caramel-like texture, but other large dates work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re fresh, moist, and big enough to hold the filling.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to ricotta?
You bet! Swap in a thick plant-based ricotta or even cashew cream cheese for a dairy-free twist on your St treat. Whipped coconut cream is another unique, luscious option.
Can I prepare these in advance for a Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates party?
Yes! You can make the filling the day before and stuff the dates a few hours ahead—just keep everything chilled. Garnish with pistachios and honey right before serving for the freshest crunch.
How long do St. Patrick’s Day Stuffed Dates last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these treats will keep well for up to 2 days. After that, the ricotta may start to release a bit of moisture, so enjoy them at their freshest!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a full-on St celebration or simply want to treat yourself, these Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates are pure joy in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, St magic is truly within reach—give them a try and bring a touch of gold to your table!
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Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed dates 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Pistachio Ricotta Stuffed Dates are a delightful treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion. The natural sweetness of dates pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a touch of honey.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates – Slice each Medjool date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pits and gently open them up for stuffing.
- Make the Ricotta Filling – In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Dates – Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each date with the ricotta mixture.
- Garnish – Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top of the stuffed dates. Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Stuffing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day, Dates, Ricotta, Honey, Pistachios, Dessert
