Easy Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Stuffed Dates
With Lemon-Basil Honey Drizzle & Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric
Hot honey whipped ricotta stuffed dates topped with Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric make an elegant 15-minute appetizer perfect for entertaining.
Recipe at a glance
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- No-Bake
- Party-Ready
- Prep Time
- 15 minutes
- Rest Time
- 10 minutes
- Total Time
- Servings
- 6-9
- Yield
- 18dates
Looking for an elegant appetizer that takes just 15 minutes? These Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Stuffed Dates deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Creamy lemon-herb ricotta meets caramelized Medjool dates, topped with crunchy Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric and a fragrant basil-honey drizzle.
Perfect for holiday entertaining, dinner parties, or even a sophisticated snack, this no-bake recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. The whipped ricotta technique creates an ultra-creamy filling that pipes or spoons beautifully, while the Garden Granola® adds unexpected crunch and golden turmeric warmth. The combination of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy hits every flavor note—and looks as impressive as it tastes.
The secret to this recipe's wow-factor is the contrast: naturally sweet Medjool dates provide the base, tangy whipped ricotta adds creaminess, spicy-sweet hot honey brings the heat, and crunchy granola delivers textural surprise. Fresh herbs brighten everything up, making these stuffed dates sophisticated enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Each date is filled with creamy lemon-herb ricotta, topped with crunchy granola, and finished with a hot honey basil drizzle.
Whipped Ricotta Filling
1 container (15 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
⅓ cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
For Assembly
18 large Medjool dates, pitted
Hot Honey Basil Drizzle
2 tablespoons hot honey (such as Mike's Hot Honey)
1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
3-4 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
Make the Whipped Ricotta Filling:
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and salt. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is pale, smooth, airy, and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired. The mixture should be fluffy and well-seasoned. Set aside while you prepare the drizzle.
Prepare the Hot Honey Basil Drizzle:
- In a small bowl, stir together the hot honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Add the finely chopped basil leaves and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors while you prepare the dates. This allows the basil to release its aromatic oils into the honey.
Assemble the Stuffed Dates:
- Using a small sharp knife, slice each date lengthwise on one side to create an opening, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open each date like a book.
- Using a spoon or piping bag fitted with a large round tip, fill each date with about 1 tablespoon of the whipped ricotta mixture. The filling should be generous and slightly mounded.
- Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric over the ricotta in each date, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Arrange the filled dates on a serving platter. Drizzle the hot honey basil mixture generously over the top of all the filled dates.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips for Success
Room temperature ricotta blends smoother: Let your ricotta sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before blending for the fluffiest texture.
Choose the right dates: Look for large, plump Medjool dates that are soft and pliable. Avoid dates that feel hard or dried out.
Piping vs. spooning: For elegant presentation, use a piping bag with a large round tip. For casual gatherings, a spoon works perfectly.
Make ahead tip: The whipped ricotta mixture can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer less spice, use regular honey and add just a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the drizzle.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Best served fresh for optimal texture, but filled dates can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Add the granola topping just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Whipped ricotta filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and stir before using.
Note: If dates are assembled too far in advance, the granola may soften from the moisture in the ricotta and honey drizzle.
These stuffed dates combine sweet Medjool dates, tangy ricotta, and spicy-sweet hot honey for irresistible flavor contrast.
Substitutions & Variations
No hot honey? Mix 2 tablespoons regular honey with ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Tangier filling: Substitute goat cheese for half of the ricotta for a more pronounced tangy flavor.
Herb swaps: Try cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile, or use fresh mint instead of basil in the drizzle.
Different granola flavors: Try other Garden Granola® varieties like Beet Ginger or Kale Matcha for seasonal variation, and for something sweeter sub in Granuesli® Cranberry Apple Pecan.
Serving Suggestions
These hot honey whipped ricotta stuffed dates are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in multiple serving contexts:
Appetizer platter: Serve 2-3 dates per person alongside cured meats, aged cheeses, olives, and crackers for an elevated charcuterie experience.
Holiday entertaining: These make stunning passed hors d'oeuvres at cocktail parties and look gorgeous on holiday buffets.
Wine pairing: Pair with a crisp Prosecco, dry Riesling, or even a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the sweet-savory profile.
Sophisticated snack: Serve 3-4 dates with a simple green salad for an elegant light lunch or afternoon snack.
Dessert alternative: These work beautifully as a lighter dessert option, especially for guests who prefer something not overly sweet.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully balanced contrasts. Naturally sweet Medjool dates provide a caramel-like base that's rich without being cloying. The whipped ricotta filling adds bright, tangy creaminess that cuts through the sweetness while staying luxurious. Hot honey brings a sophisticated sweet-heat element that's become a restaurant favorite for good reason.
The Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric is the unexpected hero here—its crunchy texture provides essential contrast to the creamy filling, while the warm turmeric notes complement the hot honey's spice. The carrots add subtle sweetness and a beautiful golden color that makes each date visually stunning.
Fresh herbs elevate everything from "good" to "memorable." The parsley in the ricotta adds freshness and prevents the filling from feeling heavy, while the basil-infused honey drizzle brings an aromatic finish that makes these dates taste restaurant-quality.
Love This Recipe?
Garden Granola® Carrot Turmeric brings the perfect golden crunch to these stuffed dates. Made with real carrots, warm turmeric, tart Montmorency cherries, and crunchy almonds, it adds unexpected texture and vibrant flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
Shop Garden Granola® Carrot TurmericMore Recipes to Try
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