Date and Walnut Filling

Date and Walnut Filling

A thick, sticky filling of simmered dates and toasted walnuts for cookies and cakes.

Total 35 min Makes 16 oz Calories 110/serving

Dietary

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Halal, Kosher

Allergens

Tree nuts

Chopped dates are simmered with water and sugar until jammy, then finished with toasted walnuts and a touch of lemon for brightness. This filling firms up as it cools, making it ideal for spreading between cookie layers or rolling into pinwheels. It's a classic addition to holiday baking and traditional filled cookie recipes.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  1. Combine the chopped dates, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a 6-quart saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to low and cook until the dates soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like paste.

  3. Mash the mixture with a spoon or fork until mostly smooth, leaving some texture from the date pieces.

  4. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted walnuts and vanilla extract.

  5. Let the filling cool to room temperature before using; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

  6. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Rate this recipe

★ 3.6 (1)

Date and Walnut Filling

Chopped dates are simmered with water and sugar until jammy, then finished with toasted walnuts and a touch of lemon for brightness. This filling firms up as it cools, making it ideal for spreading between cookie layers or rolling into pinwheels. It's a classic addition to holiday baking and traditional filled cookie recipes.

35 min 16 oz 110 cal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  1. 1

    Combine the chopped dates, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a 6-quart saucepan over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to low and cook until the dates soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like paste.

  3. 3

    Mash the mixture with a spoon or fork until mostly smooth, leaving some texture from the date pieces.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and stir in the toasted walnuts and vanilla extract.

  5. 5

    Let the filling cool to room temperature before using; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

  6. 6

    Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.