Ferrero Rocher Stuffed Dates
These Ferrero Rocher Stuffed Dates are a healthy twist on the classic candy! Chewy medjool dates are stuffed with chocolate hazelnut butter, a whole hazelnut, and coated in crunchy chocolate. A delicious vegan, gluten-free, no-bake treat!
Chocolate and hazelnut just never misses, like ever. It’s a flavor combo I come back to again and again, whether it’s my chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies, chocolate hazelnut overnight oats, or homemade nutella.
Ferrero Rocher was a top 5 favorite candy for me, so naturally I had to turn the classic into a stuffed date. This version has that same chocolate-hazelnut flavor and dreamy combination of textures: a crunchy chocolate shell, creamy hazelnut filling, and a whole hazelnut tucked inside. Honestly… they’re a little dangerous to keep in the house!
Table of Contents
Why We’re Obsessed With These Ferrero Rocher Stuffed Dates
- Tastes like a Ferrero Rocher: Crunchy chocolate shell, chewy medjool date, creamy hazelnut filling, and a whole hazelnut in the center.
- No baking required:Â Just stuff, freeze, dip, and chill.
- Perfect for gifting:Â SO cute for holiday trays, homemade gifts, or a sweet snack.
- Vegan + gluten-free:Â A healthier candy alternative that everyone can enjoy.
The Ingredients That Make These Work
- Medjool Dates: Use large, soft medjool dates (not Deglet Noor or other varieties). Their soft, chewy texture and caramel-like flavor work sooo well here, and they’re the perfect size for stuffing. Got more dates? Try my samoas stuffed dates or tiramisu stuffed dates next!
- Chocolate Hazelnut Butter: Use store-bought or homemade chocolate hazelnut butter for the filling.
- Hazelnuts: One whole hazelnut gets tucked inside each date, then crushed hazelnuts are mixed into the chocolate coating.
- Dark Chocolate: Use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips or chocolate bar for the coating.
How to Make Ferrero Rocher Stuffed Dates
- Prepare the dates: If your dates still have the pits, slice each one lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, and remove the pit.
- Stuff the dates: Add a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut butter to the center of each date, then press a whole hazelnut into the center. Place the stuffed dates in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the filling is firm. This makes them much easier to dip and helps prevent the filling from sliding out.
- Make the crunchy chocolate: While the dates freeze, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in the finely crushed hazelnuts for that classic Ferrero Rocher crunch.
- Dip and chill: Dip each stuffed date into the crunchy chocolate mixture, coating completely. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray and chill in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is firm.
A Few Tips From Megan
I’ve made 25+ stuffed date flavors over the years, and here’s what I learned while testing this one:
- Use soft, fresh medjool dates. Their soft, chewy texture and caramel-like flavor are a game-changer!
- Freeze before dipping. It prevents the hazelnut butter from sliding out when you dip them into the melted chocolate.
- Use a chocolate you love. This is one of those recipes where the chocolate really matters! I opt for dark chocolate chips, this high-quality chocolate bar, or (when I’m feeling extra) this hazelnut butter chocolate bar for even more hazelnut flavor.
- Finely crush the hazelnuts. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the chocolate, giving you that classic Ferrero Rocher-style crunch.
- Is your chocolate too thick? Stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out and make dipping easier.
Storing in the Fridge or Freezer? Here’s What I Prefer
If they’re not all gone within 5 minutes (guilty)… here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
For the best texture, I prefer storing them in the fridge since the filling stays creamy. If you decide to freeze them, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so the filling can soften.
FAQs
You can, but I really recommend using medjool dates. They are larger, softer, sweeter, and chewier than other varieties, such as Deglet Noor.
Sure! If you don’t need the recipe to be vegan or dairy-free, regular Nutella will work instead of chocolate hazelnut butter.
Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
More Stuffed Date Recipes
If you loved these Ferrero Rocher-inspired dates, try these flavors next!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Ferrero Rocher Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 6 medjool dates
- 6 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut butter
- 6 hazelnuts
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed hazelnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: If your dates still have the pits, slice each one lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, and remove the pit.
- Stuff the dates: Add a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut butter to the center of each date, then press a whole hazelnut into the center. Place the stuffed dates in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the filling is firm. This makes them much easier to dip and helps prevent the filling from sliding out.
- Make the crunchy chocolate coating: While the dates freeze, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in the finely crushed hazelnuts for that classic Ferrero Rocher crunch.
- Dip and chill: Dip each stuffed date into the crunchy chocolate mixture, coating completely. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray and chill in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is firm.
Video
Notes
- Use soft, fresh medjool dates. Their soft, chewy texture and caramel-like flavor are a game-changer.
- Freeze before dipping. It prevents the hazelnut butter from sliding out when you dip them into the melted chocolate.
- Use a chocolate you love. This is one of those recipes where the chocolate really matters! I opt for dark chocolate chips, this high-quality chocolate bar, or (when I’m feeling extra) this hazelnut butter chocolate bar for even more hazelnut flavor.
- Finely crush the hazelnuts. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the chocolate and give you that classic Ferrero Rocher-style crunch.
- Is your chocolate too thick? Stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out and make dipping easier.
- Storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the best texture, I prefer storing them in the fridge since the filling stays creamy. If you decide to freeze them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so the filling can soften.
These stuffed dates taste even better than a ferrero rocher! They definitely satisfy the sweet tooth craving.