Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Dates

If you are looking for an easy appetizer that manages to be sweet creamy and just a little bit fancy these cranberry pecan cream cheese stuffed dates have always been my answer for festive gatherings and lazy Sunday snacking alike The combination of rich cream cheese toasted nuts chewy dates and jewel bright cranberries is a crowd pleaser every holiday season at my house

This was one of the first finger foods my daughter helped me make and now it is her go to contribution for family dinners and potlucks She calls them fancy bites and they disappear fast

Ingredients

• Medjool dates: look for big soft dates for the best texture and easy filling
• Cream cheese: make sure it is softened for easy blending and velvety stuffing
• Chopped pecans: toasted pecans bring a smoky nutty touch toast them in a dry skillet for extra crunch
• Dried cranberries: choose unsweetened if you want a tangier bite chop them finely for even flavor
• Honey: a drizzle for a touch of floral sweetness completely optional if you want to keep it dairy forward
• Vanilla extract: deepens the cream cheese filling use pure extract for the best aroma

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it is ready when you need it This gentle heat helps warm the filling without cooking the dates all the way through

Mix the Filling:

In a medium bowl stir together the softened cream cheese chopped pecans chopped dried cranberries honey and vanilla extract Mix thoroughly until the cranberries and pecans are evenly distributed and the filling is smooth Scraping down the sides ensures nothing is wasted

Prepare the Dates:

Using a small sharp knife carefully slice each Medjool date lengthwise but do not cut in half You want to create a pocket that will hold the filling without letting it spill out Gently remove the pit at this point if your dates are not already pitted

Stuff the Dates:

Take a small spoon or butter knife and scoop the cream cheese mixture into each date Aim to slightly overfill them so the filling shows at the top but do not press so hard that the date breaks Press the sides of the date around the filling to secure it

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking Arrange the stuffed dates in a single layer allowing a bit of space between each one This helps them heat evenly and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy

Bake:

Place the sheet in your preheated oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes Watch for the cream cheese to become slightly bubbly but do not let the dates dry out The warmth will make the dates extra tender and bring the flavors together

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven and give the dates a few minutes to cool down The filling will thicken as it stands making them easier to pick up and eat Warm or at room temperature is best for serving

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the way chopped pecans add just the right crunch to balance the smooth cream cheese We always laugh about the year my niece snuck extra pecans into half the batch because she thought more crunch was better Everyone agreed with her in the end

Making Ahead and Storage

Stuffed dates can be assembled up to twenty four hours before you plan to bake them Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake fresh before serving Once baked let them cool completely before storing leftovers in the fridge They will keep for up to three days though I rarely have any left

Ingredient Swaps

No pecans Use toasted walnuts or almonds If you are out of cranberries try chopped dried cherries or apricots For a dairy free option replace cream cheese with a plant based alternative like almond or cashew cream cheese Go for orange zest in place of vanilla if you want a citrus lift

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on a cheese board with sharp cheddar or brie Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes right before serving for a nice finish These work well as part of a brunch spread or as a sweet snack after dinner Pair with spiced tea or sparkling wine for parties

Cultural Notes

Dates are a classic ingredient in Middle Eastern desserts where they symbolize hospitality and abundance In our house using them at holiday time always feels like welcoming everyone to the table stuffed treats and all

Seasonal Adaptation Tips

Swap cranberries for chopped dried figs or apricots for a warmer fall touch Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling during the holiday season Garnish with finely chopped fresh rosemary for a wintery twist For summer add fresh zest from lemon or orange for brightness

Success Stories

A friend once made these for a book club snack and messaged me that they had completely vanished in ten minutes They have become her signature dish for gatherings and she now experiments with every dried fruit in her pantry

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze the stuffed unbaked dates in a single layer on a baking sheet Once solid transfer to a freezer safe bag and store for up to two months When you want to enjoy them bake straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the baking time

These dates are always the first thing gone at parties and make a delightful snack for any season Try them once and you will be looking for excuses to make another batch

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well for a different crunch and subtly different flavor profile.

→ Are there alternatives to cream cheese?

Mascarpone or goat cheese can be substituted, offering a distinct texture and tanginess to complement the dates.

→ How do I prevent the cheese mixture from leaking during baking?

Make a small pocket in each date and avoid overfilling. Gently press the dates closed to keep the filling inside.

→ Can these dates be served cold?

Absolutely. While baking enhances flavor, they can also be enjoyed chilled for a firmer, refreshing snack.

→ Is honey necessary in the filling?

Honey adds subtle sweetness, but it can be omitted or replaced with maple syrup or agave if preferred.

→ What is the best way to serve these dates?

Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra chopped nuts or cranberries for added appeal and texture.