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Dates with Greek Yogurt and Cinnamon Starter Recipe
Prepare dates with Greek yogurt and cinnamon for a quick, healthy Iftar starter packed with natural sweetness and protein.
Dates with Greek Yogurt and Cinnamon is a simple, nutrient-dense starter commonly served at Iftar, the evening meal that marks the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. The dish pairs naturally sweet Medjool or Deglet Noor dates with cool, tangy Greek yogurt, then finishes with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for warmth and aroma. Prepared in minutes and requiring no cooking, it provides a balanced combination of quick-release sugars, protein, and calcium, making it an ideal first bite after a day of fasting.
Dates with Greek Yogurt and Cinnamon Starter Recipe
Think of this dish as a grab-and-go kit you can prep hours in advance—spoon the yogurt into small ramekins, tuck in the dates, and they’ll stay fresh and satisfying until sunset. Greek yogurt’s live cultures help jump-start digestion after a long fast, while cinnamon adds a gentle kick that keeps the flavor profile from feeling overly sweet.
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
Medjool dates, pitted 8 pieces
- Plain Greek yogurt ½ cup (about 120 g)
- Ground cinnamon ¼ tsp
- Honey or date syrup 1 tbsp (optional, for added sweetness)
- Chopped pistachios 2 tbsp (optional topping)
- Fresh mint leaves few leaves (optional garnish)
Method
Gather ripe Medjool dates and ensure you have thick Greek yogurt and ground cinnamon ready
- Rinse the dates under cool water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel
- Using a small paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date without cutting all the way through
- Gently pull out and discard the pit from the center of every date
- Fill each hollowed date with about a teaspoon of Greek yogurt, smoothing the top with the back of the spoon
- Arrange the stuffed dates neatly on a serving plate, cut side facing up
- Lightly dust a pinch of ground cinnamon over the yogurt-filled centers of all the dates
- Serve the dates immediately or refrigerate for up to 15 minutes to chill before presenting
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
759 kcal Protein
18 g Fat
9 g Carbs
170 g Fiber
14 g Sugar
153 g
759 kcal Protein
18 g Fat
9 g Carbs
170 g Fiber
14 g Sugar
153 g
Notes
Lightly toast a handful of pistachios or almonds while you prep; the warm, nutty crunch cuts through the creaminess and makes each bite more dynamic. If your dates seem dry, briefly soak them in orange-blossom–scented water, then pat dry—the subtle floral note lifts the whole dish without extra sweetness.
why this recipe
There’s an elegance in simplicity, and few dishes capture it better than dates with Greek yogurt and cinnamon; this trio marries the caramel sweetness of ripe dates with the creamy tang of yogurt and the warm perfume of cinnamon, creating a starter that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Beyond their irresistible flavor contrast, these bites offer a natural energy boost and a wealth of fiber, protein, and antioxidants—ideal for sustaining you through a long fast while remaining refreshingly light. The recipe comes together in minutes, requires no cooking, and presents beautifully on any Iftar table, making it a fuss-free way to honor tradition without sacrificing modern taste or nutrition.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute regular or plant-based yogurt for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Yes—any plain yogurt, dairy or plant-based, will work in place of Greek yogurt. Just note that regular yogurt is looser, so you may want to strain it for 15–20 minutes to thicken, and plant-based yogurts will slightly alter the flavor depending on the base (e.g., coconut or almond).
How far in advance can I prepare the yogurt-stuffed dates, and what’s the best way to store them so they stay fresh?
You can assemble the dates up to 12–24 hours ahead; after that the yogurt starts to loosen and the dates lose their plump texture. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, cover tightly, and refrigerate—then let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften the fruit and brighten the flavors.
Can I freeze yogurt-stuffed dates for longer storage?
Freezing yogurt-stuffed dates isn’t recommended—ice crystals make the Greek yogurt watery and grainy, and the thawed dates lose their supple texture. For longer storage, freeze the pitted dates alone (up to 3 months) and add fresh yogurt and cinnamon after they’ve thawed.