Almond Joy Stuffed Dates (Vegan, Sugar and Gluten Free)
These Almond Joy stuffed dates are so delicious and nutritious. They taste similar to the popular candy bar but without any refined sugar, dairy products or gluten. In fact, the ingredient list of the original candy bar is a bit scary. It is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, preservatives and emulsifiers. I like the taste of Almond Joy, but I try to avoid these ingredients. They are known to cause health problems and some of them are even banned in Europe.
In this blog post I’m offering you a healthy alternative to this candy bar. In my opinion these Almond Joy stuffed dates taste just as good (maybe even better). The best part is that you can prepare this dessert faster than going to the store to buy Almond Joy.
Why should you make this recipe?
You can serve these Almond Joy stuffed dates as a dessert or a snack. You need only few ingredients to prepare them.
- Dates – they have sweet caramel flavor and are full of beneficial nutrients. Dates are a great source of dietary fiber and potassium. They also contain a lot of antioxidants and vitamins. Dates have lower glycemic index then sugar and won’t cause a significant spike in blood insulin. That is why I love to use them as a sweetener in many of my recipes.
- Coconut – it is highly nutritious fruit. In this recipe I use coconut cream, coconut oil and shredded coconut. Unlike most fruits it is not high in carbohydrates but in fats. The coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides which are absorbed quickly by the body and can be used as energy. Coconuts are also a great source copper and manganese, which are amazing nutrients for the immune function and cardiovascular system.
- Almonds – high in protein, fiber and monounsaturated fats. Nuts consumption is associated with weight loss and improved cardiovascular function.
- Maple syrup – I love to use it in my recipes because it has lower glycemic index then sugar and it tastes amazing. Maple syrup actually has higher concentration of minerals and antioxidants, but fewer calories than honey.
- Sugar free chocolate – I use chocolate chips from Choc Zero in many of my recipes. I prefer it because they use monk fruit instead of sugar in their ingredients. If you follow me, you know that I try to stay away from refined sugar as much as possible.
Helpful tips
HOW TO MELT CHOCOLATE?
I usually create a water bath to melt the chocolate. I put a pot of water on the stove and I bring it to simmer. Then I add another on top of the one with the simmering water. I add the chocolate to the empty bowl. Then I stir until the chocolate is melted. If the water in the water bath starts boiling I remove it from the stovetop. This might ruin the texture of the chocolate.
You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave. Put your chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat it for about a minute on high. Stop the microwave and stir it occasionally (every 15 or 30 seconds) so it doesn’t burn.
Other helpful tips
Use unsweetened shredded coconut for this recipe. Always reed the ingredient list to make sure that coconut is the only ingredient.
You can use raw or roasted, unsalted almonds for this recipe.
To make sure that recipe is vegan and gluten free read the ingredient list of the chocolate you use.
I ended up with 20 stuffed dates. You can get a different number depending on the size of your dates.
This blog post is not sponsored. I love the products of Choc Zero and I use them all the time in my recipes. If you use the link I’ve provided you will get $15 off your first purchase and $15 off any of my furniture purchases.
Almond Joy Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus more for topping
- 3 Tbsp coconut cream from a can
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 7 oz chocolate chips of choice I used dark chocolate chips from Choc Zero
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 20 dates pits removed
- 20 raw almonds or roasted and unsalted
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the shredded coconut, coconut cream and maple syrup. Stir until combined.
- Melt the chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave. Heat for one minute and stir halfway. You can also melt it on the stove top. Read the blog post to learn how.
- Line a plate or a small tray with a parchment paper.
- Use a knife to make a vertical cut in the date. Open it and carefully remove the pit.
- Use a teaspoon to fill the inside of the date with the coconut mixture. Add an almond in the center and dip the date into the melted chocolate. Place the chocolate covered date on the tray withe the parchment paper. Repeat this step until you fill 20 dates or you are out of coconut mixture.
- Chill the dates for about 10 minutes in the fridge, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in a container with a lid for about a week.
