Best Ricotta Stuffed Dates Recipe

Wholesome. Naturally sweet. Delicious. These words come to mind when describing this easy recipe for the best ricotta Stuffed Dates. Whether preparing them as appetizers or as a snack for the kids, nothing can be healthier or easier to make.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, an elegant appetizer to serve at your next party, or a homemade gift for your loved ones, these stuffed dates with ricotta are the perfect choice – easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress.

You only need two simple ingredients -walnuts and homemade ricotta cheese to create the perfect flavor combination in each little bite!

Adding chopped walnuts and orange zest adds a crunchy, citrusy twist that elevates the flavor profile!

I’ve been making these treats for decades, and they’re always the first appetizers to disappear.

Get ready to learn how to make these delicious no-bake treats – your taste buds are in for a surprise!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to make ricotta stuffed dates
• Variations
• Tips
• FAQ
• More date recipes
• Recipe origins
• Ricotta cheese recipes
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Medjool dates: These are large, sweet, and sticky dates that will serve as the delicious, natural wrapper for the filling.
• Walnut halves: Each date will be stuffed with a walnut half to add a nutty and crunchy element.
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy and slightly tangy ricotta cheese will be the delightful filling for the dates, adding a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the dates.
• Walnuts finely chopped: These will garnish the stuffed dates, providing an extra crunch and flavor.
• Orange zest to garnish: A sprinkle of orange zest on top of the stuffed dates will offer a bright and zesty note, enhancing the overall flavor and presentation.

How to make ricotta stuffed dates

To prepare the dates, use a sharp paring knife to slit lengthwise down the center and remove the pit. Next, gently press a walnut piece in the center of each pitted date. Then, with a small spoon, cover the walnut with fresh ricotta cheese, as shown in the photo above. 

Repeat with the rest of the dates.

Next, we are going to top the ricotta with finely chopped walnuts.

To do so, press the ricotta-stuffed dates, one at a time, into a small bowl of finely chopped walnuts and gently roll so that the ricotta cheese is completely coated with the nuts, as shown in the above photo. Refer to the video located on the recipe card to see how this is done. 

Garnish with grated orange zest, and enjoy! 

Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be modified in a variety of ways. For example:

• You can use different kinds of nuts or dried fruits to customize the recipe.
• You could replace the ricotta with different cheeses, such as soft goat cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, or blue cheese.
• For a vegan variation, you can use your favorite nut butter, almond butter, or vegan cream cheese.
• For a different flavor, add fresh herbs, garlic powder, and/or pepper to the ricotta instead of the orange zest.

Tips

• Use fresh, soft dates for this recipe. Avoid dry or hard dates, as they may be difficult to stuff.
• The large Medjool dates are great to use in this simple recipe because they’re fleshier; not only can you fit the walnut half inside, but there’s also room for ricotta cheese.
• Make sure to finely chop the walnuts before topping the stuffed dates. This will ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the nutty flavor.
• Stuffed dates are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Toasting the walnuts before stuffing the dates adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled based on your needed amount.

FAQ

More date recipes

Dates are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts, and even as a healthy snack like these date energy balls – a go-to option that’s packed with nutrients and perfect for satisfying hunger cravings any time of day!

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, try my recipe for orange date muffins – in less than half an hour, you could be enjoying a warm and delicious muffin perfect for starting your day on the right foot.

For a moist and naturally sweet bran muffin, look no further than our recipe for a delicious date bran muffin – made with natural bran and dates; these muffins are a good source of fiber and a guilt-free treat that tastes amazing!

And for a classic dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for Christmas, try my recipe for date squares – these sweet and chewy treats are the perfect addition to a platter of Christmas cookies!

Recipe origins

My mom would love to experiment with new recipes, especially easy Italian appetizer recipes. This simple and tasty recipe was one of her most requested.

I remember the first time she made these stuffed dates with ricotta and walnuts -it was my grandfather’s birthday. I was so intrigued by this decadent and delicious appetizer. 

Over the years, I have modified the appearance of my mom’s recipe by placing the walnut half in the date, covering it with ricotta, and then garnishing it with chopped walnuts and orange or lemon zest. 

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, look no further than this recipe for stuffed dates. Once you taste them, you will make them part of your regular appetizer repertoire. Enjoy!

★★★★★ If you have made this recipe for stuffed dates with ricotta, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Ricotta cheese recipes

Recipe

I originally published this post on November 5, 2015 and republished on November 27, 2022, with updated photos, content and a video. Thanks for sharing.