4-INGREDIENT MOUNDS DATES

4-INGREDIENT MOUNDS DATES
These homemade Mounds-inspired dates are unbelievably delicious and ridiculously simple to make! With just 4 ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this treat. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet, and they’re an excellent, healthier alternative to store-bought candy. You won’t be able to stop at just one—trust me! I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! ✨

Ingredients:

• 14 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup shredded coconut (I used Let’s Do Organic Unsweetened Shredded Coconut by @edwardandsons – I love this brand because it’s organic, and it has no added sweeteners or preservatives, making it a pure, clean option)
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (I used @edwardandsons Native Forest Organic Simple Coconut Milk, which is creamy and rich in texture, perfect for this recipe)
• Melted dark chocolate (for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coconut Filling:
   Start by placing the shredded coconut in a small mixing bowl. Add the coconut milk, starting with a little and mixing it in. Stir until you achieve a thick, filling-like consistency that’s moist but not too runny. The coconut milk should help bind the coconut flakes together into a smooth, workable mixture. If you feel the mixture is too dry, you can add a touch more coconut milk to get it just right.

1. Stuff the Dates:
   Take your pitted Medjool dates and carefully stuff each one with a generous amount of the coconut mixture. Make sure the dates are filled evenly, pressing gently to pack the coconut inside. This step adds a burst of tropical flavor and texture! After stuffing each date, place them on a plate or tray and pop them into the refrigerator. The cold will help set the coconut filling, making it easier to dip the dates later.

2. Melt the Dark Chocolate:
   While your stuffed dates are chilling, it’s time to melt the dark chocolate. You can use a microwave or a double boiler method. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short intervals (20-30 seconds), stirring in between to ensure it melts evenly without burning. For a double boiler, place your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring gently until smooth and glossy. The rich, bittersweet chocolate will complement the sweet coconut filling perfectly.

3. Dip the Dates:
   Once the dates are chilled and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to dip! Take each stuffed date from the fridge and carefully dip it into the melted dark chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, and then place the dipped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you like, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top for added texture or a sprinkle of sea salt for that sweet-and-salty contrast!

4. Freeze to Set:
   Place the baking sheet with your chocolate-covered dates in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has fully hardened. The cool temperature will also help the coconut filling set nicely inside the dates.

5. Enjoy:
   Once the chocolate is set, remove the dates from the freezer and enjoy these bite-sized pieces of coconut-chocolate bliss. Whether as a quick snack or a decadent treat to impress guests, these Mounds dates will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Pro Tips:

• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can lightly sweeten the coconut mixture with a bit of maple syrup or agave.
• For an extra touch, you could also roll the finished dates in crushed nuts or cocoa powder after freezing.
• These treats are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!).

Enjoy your homemade Mounds Dates—your taste buds will thank you!