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    Home » Appetizers

    Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Walnuts

    Published: Nov 10, 2020 · Modified: Feb 7, 2023 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    You just need 10 minutes and three ingredients to make these Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Walnuts! Make them for an easy appetizer, quick snack or gluten-free dessert. They're addictive!

    dates with cream cheese and walnuts in white platter, gold napkin

    I have to introduce you to a beloved tradition in my husband's family.

    These cream cheese dates appear during the holidays like clockwork. And they disappear quickly as everyone stuffs their faces with them!

    It all started when my mother-in-law's Aunt Nancy worked for a wealthy family in Greenwich, CT. She noticed these being served at fancy parties, and told Mom C that rich people eat dates stuffed with cream cheese and walnuts.

    So, of course, Mom C had to try them! And the rest is history.

    (If you love date appetizers, don't miss these bacon-wrapped dates!)

    Recipe ingredients

    You just need three ingredients and a knife!

    You get the candy-sweetness from the dates combined with the creamy texture of the cheese and the crunch of the walnut half adorning each one. They're as simple and delicious as can be.

    Easy as 1-2-3

    Cut a slit in each date, spread on the cream cheese and press on a walnut half. Done!

    They're so easy to make, you can get the kids involved too. Just be prepared for every third one going into their mouths instead of on the serving tray.

    And the adults are just as guilty. I'm looking at you, Honey!

    Recipe tips

    • If you need these for a party, buy extra ingredients, because several of these will get eaten before they even make it to the tray!
    • Buy the dates already pitted to save yourself time and hassle. No need to make this complicated!
    • Fill the dates as close to the serving time as possible, because the cream cheese will get dry after a while. Cover and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve.
    • Place the walnut with the curly side up, so it looks nicer.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you use other nuts instead?

    I've tried these with pecans and cashews but much prefer the taste of walnuts here.

    What if someone has a nut allergy?

    You could try making these with sunflower seeds instead of nuts.

    Can you use whipped cream cheese?

    Block-style cream cheese is the most sturdy and works best for these dates, but you could use whipped cream cheese in a pinch.

    Friends, these stuffed dates with cream cheese are the perfect elegant appetizer or healthy, gluten-free snack. Whether you serve them on a platter (affiliate link) at fancy-pants parties, eating them with your pinky in the air, or stand around the kitchen in sweat pants stuffing your face, I hope you enjoy them!

    More appetizers you'll love

    Don't miss these Keto Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese, Mushroom-Feta Rolls, or this Spinach-Ricotta Pie. And, if you prefer cheesy dips, you have to try this Asiago Spinach and Artichoke Dip and this Clams Casino Dip!

    Finally, if you love the fruit-nut combo, you have to make my mother-in-law's Chinese Chews (date-nut bars) or this Grape Salad with Cream Cheese!

     

    Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Walnuts

    Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Walnuts are so addictive! Make them for an easy appetizer, quick snack or gluten-free dessert.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 15
    Calories: 124kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • 1 9.5 ounces container of pitted dates
    • 1 8 ounces block of cream cheese (We use full-fat for parties & low-fat for snacking)
    • 50 shelled walnut halves
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Using a small serrated knife (with teeth), make a slit into each date, creating an opening. Using a butter knife or spreader, fill the dates with about a teaspoon of cream cheese, smoothing the tops. Press a walnut half (curly side facing up) into the cream cheese on each date.
    • Serve immediately or store the dates in the refrigerator, covered in a plastic container until later. Note that the cream cheese will start to dry out after awhile, so fill the dates as close to serving time as possible for best results. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Notes

    For anyone with a nut allergy, you might want to try using sunflower seeds in place of the walnuts.
    As for other nuts, I've tried pecans and cashews with the dates, but walnuts work best. Also, I prefer the texture of block cream cheese for this recipe, as opposed to whipped cream cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

    (Recipe Source: My mother-in-law, who got it from her Aunt Nancy, who saw rich people eating these for dessert. Originally published on September 25, 2014 and updated now with new photos and text.)

     

     

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    « Pork Scallopini with Mushrooms and Apple Juice
    Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf with Spinach »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. CATHY

      November 10, 2022 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      Hi.. I make these with blue cheese and a touch of olive oil.. so yummy

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        November 11, 2022 at 6:25 am

        Hi Cathy - Oh, that sounds good! I also make these Bacon-Wrapped Dates with blue cheese or gorgonzola.

        Reply
        • CATHY

          November 11, 2022 at 9:40 am

          5 stars
          I had these first a few years back in the concierge room on a Disney cruise. They are so yummy. I liked them so much they sent a whole bowl to my room.

          Reply
          • Mamma C

            November 11, 2022 at 1:53 pm

            Hi Cathy - Oh, I like the sound of that!

    2. CheeseSticks

      October 24, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      These are a perfect fall nibble. I'll impress the family and make them for Thanksgiving.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 24, 2014 at 4:56 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Mia Zaper

      October 21, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Andrea, I made these date creations for a meeting last night. They were delicious and popular among the group. Now I need to go find the recipe for date nut pudding recipe that my mother-in-law used to make. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 21, 2014 at 9:18 pm

        Hi, Mia. You're welcome! I'm so glad your group liked these dates. I'd love a copy of the date nut pudding recipe if you find it. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser

      October 01, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Helloooooo Andrea, Foo-Foo pinky finger in the air-have no time for that foolishness-yes really. I loveeeee these lil' guys. Love the story behind them as well. Your bud in Florida. Cheryl

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 02, 2014 at 7:57 am

        You are too funny, Cheryl. I'm glad you like these dates. They are so addictive.

        Reply
    5. Tekesha

      September 26, 2014 at 8:30 am

      I don't think I've ever eaten dates before because they look too much like raisins, which I hate. But this looks really good, and if it's good enough for rich people, it's good enough for me! ha ha ha 🙂

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        September 26, 2014 at 3:05 pm

        Tekesha, I love dates, and think they're far better than raisins. Dates are very sweet and have a texture I would describe as sticky liquorice. I eat a few plain when I have a craving for sweets but am trying to be good. I hope you try them!

        Reply

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    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

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