Stuffed Bournville Dates with Pistachio Guilt-Free Party Sweet

Craving a snack wrapped in chocolate? Then you might want this trio of dates stuffed with pistachios and dipped in Bournville dark chocolate. These are perfect for when you want a portion-sized dessert that is snacky, or when you might be thinking of hosting a festive celebration or a cozy weekend gathering.

Why This Treat Just Works

Dates have been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. They're soft, sticky, with that gooey caramel-like flavor that fills the nutritional quota and cuts down on the guilt when having a little dessert. Medjool dates, in particular, are packed with fiber, minerals like potassium and magnesium, and antioxidants, as well.

Add to the mix: Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate, a high-quality chocolate with a robust cocoa flavor and minimal sugar. Its smooth, bittersweet profile perfectly offsets the natural sugars in the dates, creating a balanced bite that doesn’t feel too rich or too sweet.

Then comes in the heart the crunch-roasted pistachios, which are slightly salty, deeply nutty, and full of healthy fats and plant-based protein. Pistachios add both texture and nutrients to the mix. They’re not just a pretty topping; they’re an essential part of the flavor structure.

Bournville Dates with Pistachio

Ingredients:

• 25 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup roasted salted pistachios
• 8 oz Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Optional Toppings: sea salt, coconut flakes, chia seeds, chopped nuts

Method:

1. Begin by inserting 2 pistachios in every date and secure them with a toothpick, and arrange them on sheet of parchment paper.
2. Add the chopped dark chocolate to a heatproof bowl and place it over a small pot of simmering water. Make sure the bowl does not touch the simmering water below. Heat on medium-low heat and keep stirring until melted. Remove the chocolate from the stove.
3. Dip each of the pistachio-filled dates into the chocolate mixture until completely coated. Use a fork or chopsticks to lift them. Let the extra chocolate drip back into the pot. Arrange them on parchment paper to dry.
4. Sprinkle the Bournville dates with pistachio, with any toppings you like.
5. Place these in the freezer for 15 minutes or the fridge for 25 minutes, and remove the toothpicks. Store inside an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips and Tricks:

• The fresher the dates, the easier they are to work with. Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and chewy, caramel-like texture. If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then pat dry before stuffing.
• The salty crunch of roasted pistachios beautifully offsets the rich sweetness of the dates and the depth of the dark chocolate. If using unsalted pistachios, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate.
• When inserting pistachios, use a toothpick to hold the date closed. This not only keeps the nuts snug inside but also gives you a convenient handle for dipping into the melted chocolate.
• Always melt your Bournville chocolate slowly over a double boiler (bowl over simmering water). Stir continuously, and don’t let the bowl touch the water – that can overheat the chocolate and ruin its texture.
• After dipping each stuffed date, let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them on parchment. This gives you a cleaner finish and prevents chocolate puddles from forming underneath.
• To help the chocolate set quickly and cleanly, pop the tray into the freezer for 15 minutes or the fridge for 25 minutes. Once set, remove the toothpicks gently – you’ll get a neat, hand-held treat perfect for serving.
• Store your finished dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re making these in advance for a party, they actually taste better after a day – the flavors settle and intensify.

These chocolate-dipped dates look fancy, but they’re surprisingly quick to prepare – no oven, no fuss. Just stuff, dip, and chill. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray full of glossy, jewel-like sweets that are naturally gluten-free, dairy-optional, and refined sugar-free.

What makes them especially great for entertaining is how customizable they are. You can roll them in crushed nuts, sprinkle them with sea salt, or finish with coconut flakes for an eye-catching party platter that caters to different tastes and dietary needs. And because each date is a self-contained bite, there’s built-in portion control – perfect for guests who want just a little something sweet.