These vegan dark chocolate date cups are a decadent and sweet treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They feature a rich and creamy dark chocolate shell filled with a sweet and chewy date filling, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Vegan Dark Chocolate Date Cups
Course: Vegan dessertsCuisine: ContinentalDifficulty: Medium12
servings20
minutes1
hour30
minutes191
kcalIngredients
- For the Date Filling
1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Chocolate Cups
1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions
- For the Date Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Cook the date mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates have broken down and the mixture has thickened and become jam-like in consistency, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the date filling from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- For the Chocolate Cups
- In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
- Remove the melted chocolate from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each cup of a muffin tin or silicone mold, using a spoon or pastry brush to spread the chocolate up the sides of the cups.
- Chill the chocolate cups in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of date filling into each chocolate cup, pressing it down lightly with a spoon.
- Spoon another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the date filling, using a spoon or pastry brush to spread the chocolate evenly and cover the filling.
- Chill the chocolate cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Carefully remove the chocolate cups from the muffin tin or silicone mold, using a small spatula or knife to loosen the edges if necessary.
Notes
- Make sure the date filling is completely cooled before adding it to the chocolate cups to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Use a high-quality vegan dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store and Freeze
- Store the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the chocolate cups tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Complete Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories191
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
14g
22%
- Saturated Fat 10g 50%
- Sodium 5mg 1%
- Potassium 0mg 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
18g
6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 1g 2%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Alterations and Modifications
Variations
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Almond Cups: Add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds to the date filling for a nutty twist.
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Orange Cups: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the melted chocolate for a citrusy flavor.
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the date filling for a classic flavor combination.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of coconut oil in the chocolate cups for a different texture and flavor.
- Use semisweet or milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.
Adjusting Sweetness
- Increase or decrease the amount of dates in the filling to your taste preference.
- Use a different type of sweetener, such as honey or brown rice syrup, instead of dates.
Cooking Methods
- Microwave Method: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Stovetop Method: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful and stir continuously to avoid sticking.
Storage
- Freeze leftover chocolate cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Store leftover chocolate cups in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Use leftover date filling as a spread for toast, bagels, or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cups without a muffin tin or silicone mold?
A: Yes, you can use paper cupcake liners instead, but the cups may not hold their shape as well.
Q: Can I make the chocolate cups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chocolate cups up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to fill.
Q: Can I freeze the chocolate cups before filling them?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chocolate cups for up to 2 months and fill them with the date filling before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
A: Yes, you can use any type of vegan fruit filling you like, such as raspberry or apricot jam.
Q: Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates?
A: Yes, you can use fresh dates, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked down.
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon juice?
A: Yes, you can use any type of citrus juice you prefer, such as lime or orange juice.
Q: Can I add a different type of spice to the date filling?
A: Yes, you can add any type of spice you like, such as ginger or cardamom, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the filling.
Q: Can I use a different type of mold to make the cups?
A: Yes, you can use any type of mold you like, such as silicone candy molds or mini cupcake molds, as long as they are freezer-safe.
