Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates (AIP/Paleo) + What Really Happens When You Remove Sugar

By Amanda Paa – Updated November 1, 2022
 What Really Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar ~ part of the Autoimmune Protocol healing process
Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates: best 2 ingredient AIP/Paleo treat ever.

Whether you’re looking for an AIP treat or something easy to satisfy your sweet tooth, Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates are THE answer. They are truly “real food” decadence. Imagine a chewy coconut caramel that melts in your mouth, yet its made from just two ingredients that are literally the salt of the earth.

These little gems have been my saving grace, along with avocados, squash, garlic and sweet potatoes during my Autoimmune Protocol healing journey.

Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates - best 2 ingredient Paleo/AIP treat everHave you tried coconut butter? It’s kind of like nut butter, and you can buy it at Whole Foods/natural grocery stores or make your own. It’s made from 1 thing: dried coconut flesh that’s pureed until silky smooth, so you’re getting the meat and healthy fats (whereas coconut oil is just the fat). Coconut is an extremely power healing ingredient, boosting the immune system and acting as an antibiotic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial.

As I was enjoying dates stuffed with coconut butter for dessert, it reminded me that it’s been 21 days since I had my last bite of refined sugar. (I can have honey & maple syrup, which are unrefined, but in small amounts because any type of sugar will feed bacteria. It also needs to be metabolized by my liver, which isn’t working correctly right now.) It was a piece of Dove dark chocolate, and I nearly cried throwing the wrapper away, but I swore instead.

Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates - Paleo treat!

If you would have told me that I was going to be able to survive without chocolate (and coffee), I would have said there’s no way. Plus, baking and sharing my best GF Chocolate Chip Cookies with others is one of my nurturing traits.

But I’m okay you guys, really. And this isn’t a “sugar is evil” talk like those you’re seeing in the media – our bodies need it to live. I’m also not saying that I will never eat refined sugar again. (Paleo Mom does a great job explaining that all sugars/sweeteners are basically half fructose and half glucose, so they have nearly identical effects on your body chemistry.)

It’s given me such incredible insight to the effect sugar has on our brain – our thoughts, emotions and sense of taste.

For the first few days of AIP, my brain was totally preoccupied fighting the horrible sickness of the bad bacteria dying off, no longer being fed by sugar and starches. That was fascinating in itself. I couldn’t even think about a sugar craving.

Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates ~ just 2 ingredients, tastes like a chewy coconut caramel.

After I recovered, my brain knew something was off. I walked through the skyway and all I could think about were the smells of what I wanted — caramel popcorn, fresh baked cookies, donuts, you name it. Things I eat so seldom, yet my brain was telling me I needed them more than anything. But maybe if I just snuck a bit of chocolate everything would be better….  And in that moment I realized the incredible psychological power that sugar has. I also realized that our brains love the sugar in things that are whole foods too, like gluten-free grains or other sources of carbohydrates.

The crazy thing was that only lasted about two days, thank god. Another lesson there – our body listens and reacts faster than I imagined. The cravings decreased, and I fell in love with my coconut butter stuffed dates, and this pumpkin version. And something else happened – I started to taste the natural sweetness in all foods, not just the ones that we traditionally think of like sweet potatoes, parsnips and oats.

I’ll never forget standing in the kitchen, hungry as all get out and taking a bite of plain celery. It tasted sweet and grassy. The same thing happened when I ate a piece of butter lettuce. Or the richness of homemade chicken bone broth. Those are characteristics I had totally missed, mostly because our palates have become muted.

Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates - Paleo (coconut butter is also known as coconut manna)

Talk about another blessing in disguise from this journey to heal my gut. That, along with discovering new foods and ways to achieve delicious flavor are giving me so much enjoyment. They’re what cheer me on when I have a sick day and I want to let go.

Thanks for listening, and if you have any thoughts on your experiences, I’d love to hear them.

How to Make Coconut Butter Stuffed Dates

Know that coconut butter is like coconut oil in that it will solidify at cooler temperatures.

To make: Warm up the coconut butter so it’s more spreadable and pour it into the cavity of the dates, or just scoop some of it out and press into the dates.

Then let sit and lightly set.

Make sure you use fresh dates, and at room temperature, when their texture is best.

My favorite brand of coconut butter is Nutiva, which you can buy at Whole Foods or any coop/natural foods store. Or you can make your own with Charlotte’s recipe!

Did you make this?

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March 22, 2015

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62 comments

  1. Maham

    I love dates and coconut butter by themselves and was looking online to see if combining them is a thing and how it’d taste – so glad I found your page! I had to comment about how much I loved reading your positive perspective on the healing journey! :) It’s so easy to get bogged down when it takes a while, but our bodies are amazing, and I needed the positivity and reminder. Thank you! :)

    • Amanda Paa

      Thanks for reading!

  2. Sarah

    I saw this and was like WHAT!!!! So of course I had to open to see and read. These are my 2 favorite things. I find not many things go well with coconut butter. I sometimes just eat it out of the can hahah.. Do you warm the butter when you put them in the dates or just throw it in raw ( room temp)? Excited to try these. If it wasn’t so late I’d go eat one now.

    • Amanda Paa

      I prefer the coconut butter at room temp to stuff them!

      • Sarah

        I just tried this and OMG sooo good and definitely not overly sweet.

  3. Jamie

    I bought the stuff to make these today for the first time and I promptly ate 3. WOW!!! These are so super-duper delicious I am dying over here. Thank you!!!

    • amandapaa

      so good right?! they remind of caramels, yet packed with nutrition. so glad you liked the stuffed dates! xo

  4. Del's cooking twist

    Hello! I just watched recently the Australian movie “sugar film” and decreased my quantity of refined sugar as much as possible. The funny thing: the first ten days I felt super super tired as a reaction of my body and my brain I guess, but I didn’t feel hungry at all since I was eating some healthy fats instead (avocado, nut butter, etc.). Now after 3 weeks I just feel fine and energized and don’t have any cravings. I can sweeten my food a little bit with dates, banana or a little bit of maple/agave syrup and it’s fine. Need to try your recipe, looks awesome! Thank you for a great article!

    • amandapaa

      it certainly can be a change, but it’s so good to be aware of how our body reacts to things like sugar, or caffeine. i’m glad you are feeling well! and i’ll have to check out that movie.

  5. Nina

    You should know that I’ve pinned this, the title alone is so inspiring to me!! I have dsyautonomia, and I’ve been told cutting sugar will really help alleviate symptoms. It’s tough though! Major sweet tooth here. I take Plexus Slim which has definitely helped give me a healthier gut, it’s a journey. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks!

  6. Vanessa

    Hey Amanda, lovely post! I’m assuming you had Candida? I have candida and just started an AIP diet to get rid of it. Right now I’m only having one small serving of fruit a day (blueberries mainly, other berries and a small banana are in the mix). Do you think eating dates is a good idea during a time when you are trying to starve bad bacteria? Did you wait for a month before eating things like this? Or longer? Advice please :)

    Thank you!

    • amandapaa

      Hi Vanessa! I did not have candida, but it was SIBO, which the treatment is similar for in that you need to starve the bad bacteria. So while I was treating that, I didn’t eat dates, and one month after. Now it is okay for me though!

  7. Sandi M

    OH my sweet addiction! How many different words can I find to describe how delicious these little gems are? I stumbled upon this post through Pinterest (where else these days?) and went, hmmm, I have dates in the pantry and an unopened tub of coconut butter that’s been sitting in the fridge for ages. I put them together exactly like yours. I popped one in my mouth. You have changed my world. Hope your body has healed and you are feeling well.

    • Amanda Paa

      Sandi, what a sweet comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed the dates, they are certainly a treat. And yes, I am feeling better and really appreciate you asking. xo

  8. Renee Wise

    hello, I have had severe rheumatoid arthritis for many years. My husband died suddenly and I found myself alone to raise my 15 year old son. Prednisone and methotrexate was my lethal morning cocktail . I was very sick. I quit all processed foods, sugar and gluten, I have lost 80 pounds and walk 5 miles a day. I hike in our local mountains. My diet changes have given me a new life!

  9. Wendy Decker

    Amanda, I just came across this on Pinterest. I am going shopping right now to look for some coconut butter. Sound scrumptious! Have you tried organic dried mango with cashew butter? It is amazing!

  10. Emily

    Hi! These look delicious. If you haven’t already tried dates with peanut butter, it’s another great combination. It was always our favourite as kids.

  11. Jana @ OhThatsTasty

    I’m not AIP, but I’ve been varying degrees of sugar-free for several years, and completely sugar-free for seven months. The other thing that happens when your taste buds adjust is that traditional sweets taste *nasty*! I sampled a cookie my husband was raving about at a party, and I spit it out because it was so disgustingly sweet! That also makes it easier to give up the things you thought you couldn’t live with.

  12. Kristen Marshall

    Reading this nodding my head up and down saying “yup yup” exactly how I felt the first few days and then it DID get easy and I DON’T crave that stuff anymore (except on rare occasion) and food does have so much more flavor. Plus started craving new healthy foods I never had liked or even tried before! Been gluten free sugar free for 6 months now and my liver and skin has seen huge improvement…not to mention 15 lbs lighter (plus excercise) thanks for sharing!

    • Amanda Paa

      glad to hear you are feeling better!

  13. Linda Wetzel

    I recently gave up sugar and potatoes and all grains that I am allergic too: wheat, rye, oats, barley, and soy. I found that eating legumes as soup totally alleviated any carb cravings. I have not craved any sweets, no pasta, bread, chips, or baked goods. I make my bean soups from scratch where I can totally control the ingredients. I have lost 13 pounds, have more energy, and am more alert. I do not ever plan on going back to those harmful foods. This will be a great treat when I lose the rest of my weight and get my gut healthy again. Good luck to all and keep pluggin’ away.

  14. Tina Quevedo

    they look so decadent! Thanks for sharing. I’m on day two. It will be a long journey. I’m so ready though. It has taken me a year to get bad enough, illness wise, to now do what I need to do. Just made my nut cheese, cashew milk…

    • Amanda Paa

      sending you love and healing!

  15. Sarah Johnson

    I did not fully realize the grip sugar had on me until I went off of it for several days. It was one of many steps to get healthier and I know I couldn’t slim down while I was always seeking a treat. After I gave up all refined sugar I knew that I used to actually feel a sense of regret if I missed out on a cookie, even for days afterwards. I replaced the want of sugar with fruit for a couple weeks. I know that all sugar has an effect on your brain but nothing like refined sugar does. Now I am watching all carbs because I know that grains etc have an effect also, albeit not on the same level. My taste has changed so much since then. Sweet potatoes actually taste sweet to me and I even know when I have to quit eating it because it gets to be too much. Still don’t like butternut squash but other veggies that I shied away from are much more appealing to me.

    • Amanda Paa

      yes, i found it fascinating how much sweeter things seem to me now!

  16. SimplyDeb

    Have you ever read the book “Sugar Blues?” Refined sugar was at one time banned in China as a drug. It’s definitely addictive. I cut way back on sugar years ago, but every now and then I have a little “binge,” and the addiction cravings start IMMEDIATELY. I’ll find myself going crazy if I have nothing sweet in the house. I even got addicted to fruit trying to stay away from refined sugar and gained 10 lbs.! I haven’t tried the AIP diet, but I’m looking into it for my lupus.

  17. Katherine

    Perfect timing! I am so sick from poor eating the last couple of weeks. I was sugar/grain free for months, and somehow I ended up back on(?) I know, I know, it’s ALWAYS that first bite that hooks me. I’m beginning again today to reclaim my health and get back into healthy eating. Thank you for sharing the date recipe, can’t wait to try it.

    • Amanda Paa

      Cheers to good health! And remember to be gentle on yourself. xo

  18. Gina

    Oh WHY have I not thought of THIS before?! I love dates wrapped in prosciutto (I also love dried apricots in prosciutto too, if you’re looking for a sweet and salty hit!) and I have a freshly made batch of coconut butter on my counter!! Gonna’ lose the prosciutto tonight and then guess what I’m making for dessert? I find the simplest pairings to be the most satisfying. Thank you for this!!

    • Amanda Paa

      so now i want to try the dried apricots in prosciutto – yum. hope you enjoy these for dessert!

  19. Audrey @ Unconventional Baker

    I love this, Amanda. I stuff my dates with all kinds of things, but never thought to use coconut butter.

    I can relate to the quitting refined sugars feeling. It’s honestly not as bad as one would think. There are so many options and amazing foods and natural sweets out there — just need to think outside the box a little, and go “unconventional” ;) It really made me appreciate the beauty and simplicity in food.

    • Amanda Paa

      Yes, it truly does make you appreciate all the nuances & flavors of what you’re eating. And it’s amazing how sweet things taste to me now. Eating a whole apple is similar in sweetness now to an ice cream cone.

  20. Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa

    What a perfect little snack/dessert! I’ve been really into dried figs smothered in homemade maple pecan butter lately, but I’m going to have to change things up and try this. I LOVE dates!

    • Amanda Paa

      ooo… figs! so good too. i just bought an organic bag of dried figs at Costco. Now you’ve got me thinking about how I could use them!

  21. kristie {birch and wild}

    Two of my favorite things in the world together in one snack? I am in!

    • Amanda Paa

      nature’s candy!

  22. Lindsey | Mabel & the Wooden Spoon

    I’m loving the sneak peeks into your journey to healing. Every year, I do Kris Carr’s cleanse and wipe out refined sugars from my diet for three weeks. I always feel so much better and wonder why I don’t just make it a habit. There’s always this year ;-). Also, I’m eating tons of dates right now (rumor has it they help with labor) and I can’t WAIT to stuff them with coconut butter!!!

  23. Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen

    Such a perfect little treat!

  24. Lauren

    Thanks for sharing these great treats using coconut butter! It is definitely crazy what an effect sugar has on our brain.

    • Amanda Paa

      Appreciate you stopping by and leaving a note Lauren! Hope you enjoy these little bites :)

  25. Sarah

    Dates are not my favorite thing. However, I had dates wrapped in bacon and it was the most amazing thing ever. Wrap them up, bake them in the oven until crispy, and enjoy.

    • Amanda Paa

      love that you tried something new!

  26. Tessa@tessadomesticdiva

    Hi Amanda! I was just imagining this combo the other day, sounds So amazing!

  27. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    I love the sound of this healthy treat! Just today, in fact, learned to make coconut butter. Yum!

  28. Tessa | Salted Plains

    These sound fantastic and their simplicity makes it all the better! Unless I’m baking with an unrefined natural sweetener, I have pretty much cut out sugar for the most part and can tell such a difference (especially in those instances that I cheat!). I’ve always been fascinated with its effects on our bodies, aging, skin, etc. So glad you posted this. My mom used to stuff dates with walnuts for a sweet treat, I bet with the coconut butter it would be even tastier!

    • Amanda Paa

      Yum, the walnuts sound great, especially the crunch with the chewiness of the date. And yes, I’ve noticed a big change in my skin too. I can’t say that I don’t want to eat a piece of chocolate, or one of my gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, but I’m making it! xo

  29. kristen @ good habits and guilty pleasures

    Amanda! This looks delicious! I recently just got into using dates (although mine are stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon), but I love the taste of coconut so i’ll have to try these. Never really heard about coconut butter – more so the oil, but this recipe goes on my shopping list for my next trip! Thanks for sharing!

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Kristen! Bacon wrapped dates are one of my favorites, and I when I can eat it, I love dates stuffed with blue cheese. But yes, give the coconut butter a go. I think you’ll find yourself putting it on lots of things :)

  30. Kathryn

    We’ve been cutting back on sugar a lot recently for various reasons and I can absolutely relate to this post + how quickly our bodies seem to adjust if you can break that psychological hold that sugar can have on us so that you can really appreciate the natural sweetness of so many foods. These little treats seem like just the thing to satisfy one of those sugar cravings.

  31. Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean

    Hey Amanda these look incredible! I was just over at Sharon’s blog (What the Fork) looking at her recipe for coconut butter and wondering what one might do with coconut butter. And here’s my answer! :-)

    Good for you on holding up through your AIP diet. It’s amazing how your test buds and body adapt slowly over time. I used to crave a sprinkle of vanilla sugar on my cappuccino every morning, and when I first vowed to cut it out I couldn’t stand the taste of the coffee without it. And then slowly I got used to it and eventually I didn’t crave it at all. Now to do something about the coffee :-).

    • Amanda Paa

      Yes, I saw she posted a DIY coconut butter, love it! And the coffee thing… it’s hard. Man I do crave that. I’ve working on an herbal blend that tastes like it, made from different roots. Hopefully I’ll get something close! xo

    • Robin

      Teecino is a good coffee substitute. There are maybe 8 types, 2 are AIP compliant.

      • Amanda Paa

        oh, this is good to know – thanks Robin!

  32. Caroline

    These look and sound so delicious, Amanda! I’ll be making them to satisfy our cravings as well! Reading this had me nodding my head and wanting to hug you! We are on a similar journey in my house. We recently learned that my daughter has a condition that affects how her body metabolizes sugar. We’ve completely cut out refined sugar and flour. The process does start off feeling like a punishment…but after some time, just as you said, you really do begin to taste the subtle sweetness in everything and it’s wonderful! We all feel so much better. Wishing you healthy healing! xo

  33. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    When coconut butter is involved…you know it’s going to be good ;)

  34. sharon

    Hi Amanda, I’ve been reading your posts on FB and instagram off and on and am very intrigued! Your recipes look great, and I am having a lot of issues with my stomach and colon and still have not found the reason. I take a lot of pain meds, which I suspect contributes to bacteria growth, so this diet makes sense to me. I am petrified to try it because i think I will fail, also, I work full time and feel I don’t have the time and energy to devote to it. I don’t know what to do. I admire you so much! I wanted to ask you if you had issues with your gallbladder?

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Sharon! Thanks so much for stopping by. Health issues can be so tough, and I definitely think taking all of the pain medications may be leading to why you aren’t feeling well. The medications actually kill the good bacteria in our guts, letting the bad survive (which are then fed by what we’re eating) and we start producing less and less stomach acid to help us digest. I talk a little more extensively about the science behind leaky gut in this post https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2015/recipes/soothing-turmeric-milk/, which may help. I haven’t had any issues with my gallbadder. I hope you find some answers!

      • Amy

        I started a detox for the same reasons two days ago. I suffered from so many side effects that i was just so tired of it. Thank you for your coconut butter/ date suggestion. I am excited to try it

  35. Becki Melvie

    Hello, Amanda! Long time follower, first time commenter!! I. Heart. Dates. Like times a million billion. And it’s beyond crazy how fulfilling they are as a sweet treat! I make a version of your dates, but add a little coconut oil and a lot of kosher salt to dried dates and coconut pulp which I whir in the food processor and make little date balls. So divine. Sometimes I add tahini, too! Thank you for the lovely post on how crazy our sugar obsessed brains can be – I’ve been there, too! Xo, Becki

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi Becki! Dates are nature’s best hidden gem aren’t they? I love your version of date balls, they’d be a good snack for travel! Thanks for stopping by, xo.

  36. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats

    Amanda, I’m going to have to look for coconut butter next time I’m at the health food store. I’m trying really hard to avoid sugar as well, due to a health issue. These sound great!

    • June K

      It’s actually pretty easy to make yourself. You need to use unsweetened coconut and have a good food processor. It takes a while but it is so good.