Simple Chocolate Date Clusters Recipe

Easy 2 Ingredient Chocolate Date Clusters

dates clusters

Homemade chocolate date clusters are delicious, and they are easy to make with just two simple ingredients and a microwave oven.

It doesn’t take any special skills to make these chocolates, but they are always a special treat.

Make them just because or for a holiday or event.

They are a wonderful addition to a dessert buffet table at your home or at a potluck party.

You can also package them up as a gift for a teacher, caregiver, service person, friend or family member.

Dates

Dates are the deliciously sweet fruit we get from date palms.

They are grown around the world in places like Northern Africa and the Middle East, but they are also grown in California deserts.

The fruit is a great option for people who like things sweet, but want avoid or cut back on white sugar.

A date is definitely sweet, but there is also nutrition in the fruit.

Dates contain potassium, fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and even some protein.

Of course, they also taste delicious, too.

They can be eaten raw as a snack or as an ingredient for recipes.

Chocolate Chips

At my house, we think of chocolate chips as a staple, so there are always some in the pantry.

You need chocolate chips that melt well, when you are making this recipe.

Most of the ‘regular’ brand semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips will melt well.

However, an off brand bag of chips or something for a special diet may be made with different ingredients that don’t melt well.

This time I used Hershey’s Gluten Free Milk Chocolate Chips and they were great, so they didn’t change up the formula much to make it safe for those who are gluten intolerant.

I haven’t found a sugar free band that tastes and melts the way I want it to, but there may be some.

If you are using a brand that you aren’t familiar with, you’ll want to make sure it’s going to melt properly.

Parchment Paper

When your chocolate is setting, you don’t want the clusters to stick.

Parchment paper is a non-stick easy to use option to rest your chocolate on until it has hardened and is ready to eat or store for later.

You can get it in a roll or in flat pieces that can be used as is or cut down to a smaller size.

It typically comes in a natural color, white or even some fun prints.

Since I use it often, I have several different types in my kitchen most of the time.

Microwave Cook Time

As you are aware, not all microwaves are the same.

Some are high powered and cook very quickly, while others take longer.

Since this recipe only takes about a minute to cook, any variation in the power level of your microwave can impact the cook time.

My microwave is an average one and the cooking guidelines are based on my experience with my average microwave.

If you know that yours is high powered, expect the chocolate to be melted faster.

If yours is a compact microwave with less power, expect it to take a bit longer.

Either way, keep a close watch on the chocolate by heating it in short increments.

You can stop and open up your microwave to check.

It is much better to be cautious and check a few times than to overcook the chocolate and have it burn.

After you’ve made a batch or two, you’ll have a pretty good idea how long it takes in your microwave.

This recipe is quick and easy, whether your microwave is high powered or not.

How Many Servings Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe will make 8 to 12 date clusters.

There is no right or wrong way to make them, so you can make yours smaller or larger.

Make 8 big clusters or a dozen or more small ones.

It is just a matter of your personal preference.

Since both the dates and the chocolate are sweet, I tend to make these a little smaller than other clusters.

If you need more, just repeat the process as many times as you’d like.

Storage

Eat the chocolate clusters right away or save them for later.

They can be stored in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container, so that they stay fresh.

Refrigeration is not required.

Date Clusters Recipe

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 Minutes
Set Time: 30 Minutes
Yield: 8-12 Servings

Ingredients

1 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Pitted Dates, chopped

Supplies

Microwave Safe Plate
Measuring Cups
Spatula
Spoon
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet or Tray

Instructions

1) Line a baking sheet or flat tray with parchment paper.

2) Chop the pitted dates into whatever size pieces you want in your clusters. I like a combination of small and big pieces.

3) Pour the chopped dates onto a plate in a single layer. Add the chocolate chips on top on top of the dates, so that they are evenly dispersed in a flat layer.

4) Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat in 15 second increments until chocolate is melted.

5) Stir again and spoon clusters onto the parchment, so that they aren’t touching.

6) Let the clusters rest for 30-45 minutes, so that the chocolate sets.

7) Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.