These Ghost Dates are the cutest little Halloween treat and they’re incredibly easy to make! Medjool dates are stuffed with natural peanut butter, frozen until firm, then coated in white chocolate and decorated with spooky little chocolate faces. The result is a chewy, creamy, chocolatey treat that looks adorable on a Halloween dessert table.
With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, these Halloween dates are a fun recipe to make with kids, too!
Why You Will Love These Ghost Dates
- Tastes like a candy bar — the caramel date topped with creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate is the most epic combo.
- No baking required — just assemble, freeze, and decorate.
- Only a few ingredients — only Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate are required.
- Easy Halloween dessert — they’re perfect for parties, school treats, or a spooky snack at home.
- Kid-friendly — little helpers can add the chocolate faces!
Tips for Making the Best Ghost Dates
Use soft Medjool dates. They are larger and softer than many other varieties, which makes them much easier to shape.
Don’t skip the freezing step. The cold peanut butter helps keep everything together when you add the white chocolate.
Don’t worry about perfection. These are supposed to look like little ghosts! The more imperfect shapes can actually make them even cuter.
Use a toothpick for the faces. It gives you much more control than trying to pipe tiny amounts of chocolate.
Make different expressions. Try round eyes, sleepy eyes, surprised mouths, or tiny little smiles for a whole family of ghosts.
FAQs
How do I Store the Ghost Dates?
Store Ghost Dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also keep them in the freezer for longer storage. Let frozen dates sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so the date and peanut butter can soften slightly.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These are a great Halloween treat to make a day or two before a party. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I Use Another Nut Butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or another creamy nut or seed butter can be substituted for peanut butter. Keep in mind that different nut butters can have slightly different consistencies, so freezing the dates before coating them is especially helpful.
Can I Make These Nut-Free?
Yes. Use a creamy sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread in place of the peanut butter.
Can I Use Milk or Dark Chocolate Instead of White Chocolate?
You can, but the ghosts won’t have the traditional white ghost appearance. For the classic look, white chocolate works best.
Are These Ghost Dates Healthy?
Dates provide fiber and naturally occurring sugars, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. That said, these are still a sweet treat, especially once they’re coated in white chocolate. They’re a fun option when you want something that feels festive without making a complicated dessert.
Ghost Dates
Ingredients
- 8 Medjool dates
- ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: Cut each Medjool date in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Gently shape each half into a ghost shape, with a wider top and narrower bottom that curves to one side.
- Add peanut butter: Place the dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread peanut butter onto each date.
- Freeze: Place the dates in the freezer for 30–60 minutes, or until the peanut butter is firm.
- Coat with white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. Spoon the melted chocolate over each frozen date, completely covering the peanut butter.
- Make the faces: Melt the dark chocolate. Using a toothpick, add two small dots for the eyes and a larger oval for the mouth.
- Set: Refrigerate or freeze the Ghost Dates until the chocolate is completely set.
- Serve: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Dates: Soft, large Medjool dates work best for shaping.
- Peanut butter: Natural creamy peanut butter works well, but almond or sunflower seed butter can also be used.
- Chocolate: You may need to add a tsp of coconut oil to thin out your white chocolate if it is too thick to spread.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
