Caramelized Dates with Ice Cream & Olive Oil

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@alexawhatsfordinner Alexa Santos, New York, New York, United States

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Looking for a quick yet luxurious dessert? These seared dates with ice cream & olive oil are a warm, buttery, sweet-salty treat that feels effortlessly elegant yet takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Recipe Description

This dessert is all about simplicity with bold flavors. Dates are caramelized, creating a deep, toffee-like richness that is divine when paired with creamy ice cream and a drizzle of warm, date-infused olive oil. The contrast of warm and cold, sweet and savory, makes every bite irresistible. The finishing touch—a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness while enhancing the olive oil’s depth.

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Ingredient Notes
FAQs
Recipe Card
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Ingredient Notes

Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and soft, Medjool dates caramelize beautifully when seared in olive oil. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: The olive oil adds richness and depth to this dessert. Choose a high-quality oil with fruity, nutty notes for the best flavor.
Flaky sea salt: A pinch of flaky salt, like Maldon or fleur de sel, enhances the sweetness of the dates and balances the dish.
Ice cream: Opt for a rich, creamy ice cream like vanilla bean, pistachio, or salted caramel for the perfect pairing.

FAQs

Medjool dates work best because they’re naturally soft and caramelize beautifully, but you can try Deglet Noor dates. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to soften them.

A high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, slightly peppery taste enhances the flavor. Avoid overly bitter or grassy oils.

Vanilla, salted caramel, pistachio, or even tahini ice cream complement the warm, caramelized flavor of the dates.

Yes! You can caramelize the dates in advance and reheat them slightly before serving. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep time: 2mins

Cook time: 5mins

Serves or Makes: 1

Recipe Card

ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 Medjool dates, pits removed and cut in half lengthwise
Ice cream of choice
Flaky sea salt

Method

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high. Add in the halved dates, cut side down. Sear for about 3 minutes, until the sides facing down are caramelized. Flip and repeat for 2 minutes on the other side. Remove pan from heat, reserving dates and the olive oil.
Step 2
Scoop ice cream into a cup. Serve the dates on top, then pour on the date-infused olive oil. Sprinkle on some flaky sea salt. Enjoy!