These Mediterranean Chocolate Date Nut Cups have a rich, chewy, and crunchy texture. We prepare these cups with Medjool dates, roasted almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate, olive oil, orange zest, cinnamon, sesame seeds, and pistachios. These chocolate date nut cups have approximately 145 calories and 15 g of net carbs. We make them in about 20 minutes with no baking required. These Mediterranean Chocolate Date Nut Cups are ideal for snacks, tea time, holidays, dessert platters, family gatherings, special occasions, and sweet cravings. You can prepare these cups ahead because we refrigerate them for one week and freeze them for almost two months. You can serve these cups with Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Figs, Pomegranate Seeds, Orange Slices, Greek Yogurt, or Mint Tea.
STATS:
- Course: Dessert, Snack
- No. of Calories: 145 kcal
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Portion size: 1 chocolate date nut cup
- Cooking mode: No-bake, chilled
- Total servings: 12
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total time: 20 minutes
TOOLS:
- Mini muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Food processor
- Bowls
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
INGREDIENTS:
DATE NUT BASE:
- 1 cup Medjool dates
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE TOPPING:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
GARNISH:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp pistachios
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
MEDJOOL DATES:
- We use soft Medjool dates to provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the cups. As a replacement, you can use Deglet Noor dates.
ALMONDS:
- We use roasted almonds to provide crunch and a rich nutty flavor. As an alternative, you can use hazelnuts, cashews, or extra walnuts.
WALNUTS:
- Walnuts provide an earthy flavor and crunchy texture to the date mixture. You can substitute them with pecans or almonds.
DARK CHOCOLATE:
- Dark chocolate provides a rich chocolate flavor and smooth topping. You can use sugar-free dark chocolate or dairy-free dark chocolate.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil makes the melted chocolate smooth and glossy. As an alternative, you can use coconut oil.
ORANGE ZEST:
- Orange zest adds a fresh citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the dates and chocolate. You can use lemon zest instead.
PISTACHIOS:
- Pistachios provide a crunchy and colorful Mediterranean-inspired topping. You can substitute them with chopped almonds or walnuts.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Coat a twelve-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners.
- Include the vanilla, dates, salt, almonds, cinnamon, walnuts, and orange zest in a food processor.
- Process till the mixture is sticky while keeping some nutty texture.
- Distribute the date mixture between the liners and firmly press it into the bottom.
- Heat the dark chocolate using olive oil till completely smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate on all the date-nut bases.
- Garnish the chocolate with chopped pistachios and sesame seeds.
- Chill for almost thirty minutes till firm.
- Bring out from the liners and serve lightly softened.
TIPS:
- We utilize soft Medjool dates to prepare a sticky mixture.
- Avoid processing the nuts, as some texture delivers the cups a perfect crunch.
- Heat the chocolate gently till melted to avoid burning.
- We utilize roasted unsalted nuts to get a balanced flavor.
- Include a small pinch of flaky sea salt to provide a salty and sweet taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
FRESH & FRUITY:
- Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh Figs
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Orange Slices
- Fresh Raspberries
MEDITERRANEAN PAIRINGS:
- Greek Yogurt
- Fresh Mint
- Turkish Coffee
- Mint Tea
- Orange-Almond Salad
DESSERT PAIRINGS:
- Dark Chocolate Bark
- Pistachio Cookies
- Stuffed Dates
- Honey-Roasted Pears
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put these chocolate date nut cups in a closed box and refrigerate them for one week.
FREEZER:
- Store these cups for almost two months.
FAQs:
Will we utilize other dates?
- Yes, you can use Deglet Noor dates, although soak them briefly if they are dry.
Could we utilize milk chocolate?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate, although dark chocolate delivers a richer flavor.
May we prepare these cups without a food processor?
- Yes, you can finely chop the nuts and dates and whisk them till the mixture is sticky.
Will we prepare these cups vegan?
- Yes, you can use non-dairy dark chocolate to make them vegan.
Could we include coconut?
- Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut in the date mixture.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATIONS:
Proteins: 3 g
Caloric Content: 145 kcal
Net carbs: 15 g
Sodium: 48 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 11 g
Fats: 9 g
Portion Size: 1 chocolate date nut cup
Total carbs: 18 g