Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Covered Dates

For years, I’ve looked at Valentine’s Day candy aisles and felt stuck. Everything looks so fun and festive, but almost always packed with refined sugar, artificial dyes, and ingredients I wouldn’t normally choose. Finding a Valentine’s Day dessert that feels fun and nourishing can be surprisingly hard.

Want to watch a step by step tutorial for this recipe? Watch here!

When I realized that I could shape dates into hearts, these heart-shaped peanut butter stuffed chocolate covered dates became a new favorite! They’re naturally sweetened, made with just a few simple ingredients, and feel perfect for Valentine’s Day. If you choose a vegan dark chocolate, they’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, while still tasting rich and indulgent.

They’re proof that a healthier dessert doesn’t have to feel like a compromise, and that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we come back to every year!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Date Hearts

These heart-shaped chocolate covered dates check all the boxes:

• Naturally sweetened with dates (no refined sugar)

• High in fiber and naturally satisfying

• Peanut butter filled for extra richness

• Vegan and dairy-free when using vegan chocolate

• Gluten-free and easy to customize

• Made with just a few real-food ingredients

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make these peanut butter chocolate dates:

• Medjool dates

• Natural nut butter, we prefer peanut butter

• Dark chocolate

• Coconut oil, we choose Dignity Made because it's organic and Fair Trade

• Optional toppings of your choice
  

Instructions

1. Shape the dates: Using a small knife, make a lengthwise cut along the top of each Medjool date. Remove the pit, being careful not to slice all the way through. Gently pull the two sides apart and pinch the bottom slightly to create a heart shape. Place the shaped dates on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
2. Fill the dates with peanut butter: Add about ½–1 teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each date. Once filled, place the dates in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up the peanut butter before coating.
3. Melt the chocolate with coconut oil: Break up the dark chocolate and add to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each round, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil until the chocolate is glossy and thin enough for dipping.
4. Dip the dates in chocolate: Remove the dates from the freezer. Using a fork or spoon, dip each date into the melted chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Lift out and allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back onto the parchment-lined tray.
5. Add toppings while warm: Immediately sprinkle toppings over the chocolate before it sets. Options include flaky sea salt, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles.
6. Chill until set: Transfer the tray to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
7. Serve or store: Enjoy right away, or store the chocolate covered dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Topping Ideas

I love that these chocolate covered dates are easy to customize! Some of my favorite options are:

• Flaky sea salt

• Valentine’s sprinkles

• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

• Chopped peanuts or almonds

• Shredded coconut

• Cacao nibs

Why Coconut Oil Is Perfect for Melting Chocolate

Coconut oil is the secret ingredient that makes homemade chocolate coating smooth, shiny, and easy to work with. It helps thin melted chocolate so it coats dates evenly and sets with a satisfying snap once chilled. Unlike highly processed oils, coconut oil is stable at low heat and blends seamlessly into chocolate without overpowering the flavor.

For this recipe, we love using Dignity Made coconut oil because it’s raw, organic, and ethically sourced. It supports coconut farming communities in the Philippines and transforming the lives of families at-risk for trafficking.

How To Store Your Chocolate Date Hearts

Store chocolate covered dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them and enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer, candy-like treat.

These heart-shaped peanut butter stuffed chocolate covered dates are a reminder that Valentine’s Day treats can be both beautiful and intentional. Naturally sweetened, high in fiber, vegan-friendly, and made with real ingredients, they’re an easy way to celebrate love without the sugar crash.