Stuffed Medjool Dates Recipe (Tamr Mahshi) for Iftar & Eid

For Muslim families breaking fast during Ramadan, stuffed Medjool dates — known across the Arab world simply as tamr mahshi (تمر محشي) — are a beloved Iftar staple and an even more cherished Eid sweet. The combination of jumbo California Medjool dates (tamr al-majhool, تمر المجهول), fresh nuts, and a hint of citrus or rose creates a bite-sized treat that is at once luxurious, traditional, and effortless to prepare. This recipe is endlessly adaptable, beautiful on a serving tray, and perfect for gifting in hadiyya (هدية) boxes during Ramadan and Eid.

Stuffed Medjool dates tamr mahshi recipe with almonds and walnuts for Iftar Eid

Why This Recipe Works

Premium jumbo Medjool dates from our private date ranch have a soft, caramel-like flesh and a generous cavity once the pit is removed — the ideal vessel for a single whole nut or a small spoonful of nut butter. The natural sugars in the date balance the savoriness of toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios; a quick dip in melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios takes the presentation from everyday to Eid-worthy.

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo California Medjool dates (tamr al-majhool)
  • 20 whole raw almonds, walnut halves, or pistachios (lightly toasted)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese, labneh, or tahini
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate (70% or higher), melted
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios for garnish
  • Optional: A small drop of orange blossom water (maa zahr, ماء زهر) or rose water (maa ward, ماء ورد) per date

Instructions

  1. Slice each date lengthwise from one end to the other — just deep enough to remove the pit. Do not cut all the way through.
  2. Toast your nuts. Place almonds, walnuts, or pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. Stuff each date with one whole nut. For a richer version, add a small dollop of cream cheese, labneh, or tahini before the nut. For a fragrant Levantine touch, add a single drop of orange blossom or rose water inside the date before stuffing.
  4. Optional chocolate dip: Melt dark chocolate in a small bowl over simmering water or in 30-second microwave bursts. Dip each stuffed date halfway, then place on parchment paper. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
  5. Chill briefly in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to set the chocolate, then arrange on a serving tray and serve at room temperature.

Variations Across the Muslim World

  • Levantine style: Stuff with walnuts and a touch of orange blossom water. Roll in finely chopped pistachios.
  • Khaleeji (Gulf) style: Stuff with whole roasted almonds. Serve with Arabic coffee (qahwa, قهوة) flavored with cardamom.
  • Moroccan style: Stuff with marzipan (almond paste) lightly scented with rose water.
  • South Asian style: Stuff with a mixture of pistachios and a pinch of cardamom (elaichi) powder.
  • Modern/Western: Wrap each stuffed date in a thin slice of bacon-alternative or stuff with goat cheese (for non-Iftar entertaining).

Storage & Serving

Stuffed Medjool dates keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They are at their best served at room temperature, when the date flesh is at its softest and most fragrant. For Iftar, plate them alongside other dried fruits, mixed nuts, and Arabic coffee. For Eid, layer them into a gift box with ma’amoul, baklawa, and chocolate-dipped figs.

Order Premium Medjool Dates From Our Private Ranch

Jumbo California Medjool dates Tamr Al-Majhool from Desert Sun Dates private date ranch Coachella Valley

Stuffed dates are only as good as the dates that go into them. Our jumbo California Medjool dates are hand-harvested at peak ripeness on our private date ranch in the Coachella Valley and shipped farm-direct to your door — soft, pliable, and easy to stuff.

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More Ramadan Recipes & Resources

Ramadan Mubarak (رمضان مبارك) from our private ranch to your Iftar table.