10 Unexpected Benefits of Eating Dates (2024)

CuccidatiThese Sicilian cookies are a great example of why oranges and dates make a perfect pair. Make cuccidati your own by adding chopped chocolate or ground cinnamon to the filling.Go to Recipe

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Chocolate-Covered DatesAlthough simple, chocolate-covered dates may quickly become one of your favorite date recipes. Peanut butter and chocolate come together to make the caramelly fruit taste almost like a Snickers—especially if you add chopped nuts. Check out our copycat candy bar recipes if you want more homemade versions of your favorite wrapped sweets.Go to Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped DatesIsn't everything better with bacon? Dates are no exception. These savory and sweet snacks are irresistible—just make sure you let them cool off before taking a bite.

Date ShakeIn our opinion, date shakes are one of the best ways to enjoy dates. Don't forget to soak the dates first, which will make blending easier.

Pistachio and Date Ricotta CrostiniIf you’re looking for a dressed up appetizer, pistachio and date ricotta crostini are a perfect choice. While we love dates paired with cheese and nuts, you can use figs in their place if that’s all you have on hand. After you try these, keep other creative crostini recipes in mind for future get-togethers.

Raisin Date Bread PuddingDay-old bread is beautifully repurposed in this raisin date bread pudding. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg—a perfect topping for most of our best bread pudding recipes.

Date Pudding CobblerMake date pudding cobbler in your favorite cast-iron skillet or 8-in. square baking pan. It's a sweet treat that can be served for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.

Date SmoothieThis date recipe is also vegan, thanks to the use of almond milk. However, feel free to use your favorite milk instead. Then, try more of our smoothie recipes, and make sure you know about all of the health benefits of dates.

Poteca CakeThis sweet European cake recipe is swirled with a filling made of walnuts, dates, cinnamon, sugar and more. It tastes just as delicious as it looks—just like so many of our other cinnamon bread recipes.

Chocolate Date Energy BallsThese chocolate date energy balls will help satisfy a sweet tooth without adding sugar. The dates, cherries and coconut make each bite sweet enough on its own.

Date-Filled RugelachWhile these golden-brown date-filled rugelach are full of flavor already, feel free to roll the dough in cinnamon sugar instead of flour if you want to add a little more personality. It would pair nicely with the dates, ginger and orange zest.

Stuffed DatesOur stuffed dates recipe has a citrus filling, but there are dozens of ways to fill them. If you'd rather, try cream cheese and mini chocolate chips or peanut butter and chopped almonds.

Bacon Date BreadThis recipe has both the sweet and salty flavors of date-nut bread and bacon-wrapped dates. It would pair nicely with a bacon jam.

Finnish PinwheelsThese stunning Finnish pinwheels will the star of any cookie tray you put them on. A final dusting of confectioners' sugar makes them perfectly pretty. Once you finish the last one, try making more cookies from around the world.

Date-Filled Sandwich CookiesThe brown sugar in this cookie dough pairs perfectly with the sweet date filling. Feel free to use whatever shape cookie cutter you like—whether it's circles, flowers or hearts.

Date Pecan Tea BreadThis date pecan tea bread packs our favorite wrinkly fruit into not only the bread itself, but the chunky cream cheese spread on top too. Make sure the bread lasts as long as possible by storing it wrapped in an airtight container.

Date-Walnut PinwheelsChopped dates, walnuts and apricot preserves are an unexpected combination of flavors you won't be able to resist. Plus, it's a quick and easy treat to whip up—as long as you have pie crust on hand!

Spiced Rum FruitcakeIf you're a fruitcake lover, you'll love this spiced rum fruitcake with plenty of nuts, dried fruits and more. Keep it in the fridge for up to a few months at a time—or if you finish it up before then, try your hand at more of our fruitcake recipes.

Chunky Breakfast CookiesThese breakfast cookies full of oats, chocolate, dates and coconut give you an excuse to have dessert first thing in the morning. They'll fill you up more than you'd think.

LebkuchenMolasses, anise extract, brown sugar, and plenty of other mix-ins are what make this German bread so flavorful. Serve squares of lebkuchen fresh out of the oven, with a generous drizzle of glaze. If you love this bread, don't forget to try our top star anise recipes.

Lemon Date CouscousDate recipes can be savory, too! Dates make an unexpected but wonderful combo with citrus, carrots and couscous. Serve this couscous recipe with your favorite roasted, meaty main dish for a well-rounded meal.

Sugared Date BallsThese tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dotted with chewy dates and crunchy walnuts are a delicate treat perfect for tea parties and other springtime celebrations.

Date-Nut PinwheelsBudget a little extra time to prepare this date recipe, since the dough needs time to chill in the fridge. We promise—these slice-and-bake cookies are truly worth the wait.

Best Date BarsOne sheet of these ooey-gooey date bars will make 48 good-sized desserts. You can also add nuts, coconut or candied fruit for a little something extra.