Java Chip Almond Butter Dates - The perfect pre-workout shake replacement!

If you have been here long enough, you know I love medjool dates! Whether they’re in sweet dishes like chai latte donut holes, matcha and mint chip energy balls, and dark chocolate chip protein bites or in savory dishes like bacon wrapped stuffed dates found on my Instagram, I love them all the same. The main reason I use them in these types of dishes is because dates are a natural sweetener like pure maple syrup ( my second favorite ingredient), coconut sugar, and honey.

As you may have guessed, dates are a healthier alternative to sugar. Stuffed dates are my ultimate go-to for a pre-workout snack because they’re also great for athletic performance. I would rather have a plant-based food source to naturally energize me than a pre-workout drink that gives me the shakes and keeps me up all night!

So, if dates taste sweet and are used in desserts, then how can they ever be good before a workout!? Well, I’m so glad you asked! :) Here are the wonderful benefits of using dates as fuel before a workout:

Dates are packed with slow-burning carbs which are a main fuel source for our muscles during moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercise. The sustained release of carbs refills your body’s glycogen, the main source of energy that is expended during strenuous activity.
Dates contain a significant amount of potassium which is great for muscle cramps! During a sweaty sesh, you need to replenish your potassium and rebalance electrolytes so dates are helpful to prevent post-workout cramping and aid with muscle recovery.
They’re a super easy “on the go” snack. Whether you make the recipe or eat dates on their own, dates are super portable.

If dates don’t provide you enough energy and alertness before a workout, then this almond butter mixture will! With the addition of a superfood like maca powder (which is great for enhancing energy/mood), I have also added espresso powder. This combo will get you alert and going to the gym! I love using maca powder for this recipe because the flavor provides a honeycomb taste to the butter. By mixing, almond butter, espresso, maca, and ground cinnamon, this combination tastes just like a latte from Starbucks!

Now, you can imagine that this almond butter mixture would be bitter considering no sweeteners, but if you dollop this on top of a date, it’s the winning combo! Cacao nibs are also bitter but, I’m telling you, if you have never tried a date before - it literally taste like sugar.

I hope you enjoy these amazingly delicious java chip almond butter dates before your workout! If you need some workout inspo, I’ve got a plank tabata and a booty workout already planned out for you.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

Print Recipe

Java Chip Almond Butter Dates - The perfect pre-workout shake replacement!

Ingredients

12 medjool dates (pitted)
12-24 raw almonds
½ cup almond butter
1 tsp espresso powder (or more!)
½ tsp maca powder
¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Toppings

Cacao nibs

Directions

Insert an almond (or two) into each medjool date.
In a small bowl, mix almond butter, espresso powder, ground cinnamon, and maca powder. Spoon about a teaspoon of mixture onto each medjool date. Top each date with cacao nibs.
In an airtight container, store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Notes

If you have leftover almond butter mixture, you can add about a teaspoon of pure maple syrup and spread over a piece of toast, pancakes, waffles, anything!