During the end-of-year holidays, when the table is filled with traditional dishes and elaborate desserts, there is often a need to propose something different: a little treat that surprises guests without requiring too much time in the kitchen. Mascarpone-stuffed dates are just that: an elegant and delicious dessert finger food, combining the natural sweetness of dates with the creaminess of mascarpone, enriched with a spicy touch of cinnamon and the aroma of rum.
Their preparation is simple and quick, but the result is refined and spectacular: each date becomes a small treasure chest of flavor, perfect to serve as a final delight or to include in a New Year’s Eve buffet. The garnish with pistachio powder adds color and crunchiness, while the classic version with walnut recalls tradition.
This recipe is ideal for those who love to impress with curated details and intense flavors, without spending hours at the stove. Just a few easily available ingredients and a bit of creativity are enough to transform a simple fruit into a dessert that captivates at the first bite.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking methods: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: New Year's Eve
Ingredients
- 2 packages dates
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2.5 oz powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp white rum (and more if needed to soften the mixture)
- to taste pistachio or walnut powder (for garnish)
Steps
Take the two packages of dates and, with a sharp knife, gently score them lengthwise, just like small sandwiches. Open them slightly without cutting them completely, remove the pit, and arrange them on a platter. This step is important because the dates must remain intact and serve as a “container” for the cream: the more carefully you open them, the more elegant and neat the final result will be.
In a large bowl, place the mascarpone and add the sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Add the cinnamon and start mixing with a spatula or a whisk. Gradually add the rum: the cream should become soft and velvety, but not too liquid. If you overdo it with the rum, you risk having a difficult-to-manage mixture; in that case, you can correct it by adding more mascarpone. The cream must have a consistency that allows for easy insertion into a piping bag.
Transfer the cream to a piping bag with a star tip: this will allow for a more refined decorative effect. If you don’t have a piping bag, don’t worry: you can use a teaspoon and fill the dates patiently, trying to distribute the cream evenly. Fill them generously, as the cream is the part that gives character to the dessert.
Once stuffed, sprinkle the surface with pistachio powder: the bright green color will create a beautiful contrast with the brown of the dates and the white of the cream. If you prefer the more traditional version, you can replace the pistachio with walnut pieces, which will add crunchiness and a nod to the classic recipe. Arrange the dates on a serving dish and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours: the resting time is essential for the cream to firm up and the flavors to blend.
Tips
If the cream becomes too liquid, add more mascarpone to rebalance it.
You can replace the rum with a different liquor (e.g., amaretto) or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
Alternatives to rum
Milk (also lactose-free) → add it gradually, it makes the cream more fluid without altering the taste too much.
Fresh liquid cream → adds smoothness and a richer taste.
Orange juice → gives freshness and a citrus aroma, perfect for the holidays.
Vanilla extract → softens and perfumes the cream, great if you want a more delicate version.
Non-alcoholic liqueur or syrup (e.g., orange blossom or almond syrup) → ideal if you want to maintain a particular aroma without alcohol.
Serve them cold: the contrast between the sweetness of the date and the freshness of the cream makes them irresistible.
What to do with leftover cream?
Use it as a spoon dessert: serve it in small glasses with pistachio crumbs or crumbled cookies.
Spread it on slices of pandoro or panettone: perfect for the holidays.
Fill cream puffs or tartlets: it quickly becomes an elegant dessert.
Freeze it in small portions and use it as a quick cream for other desserts.
FAQ – Mascarpone-Stuffed Dates
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, you can fill them the night before and keep them in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Can I use another cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can replace it with creamy ricotta or spreadable cheese, but the taste will be different.
