Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully slit each date lengthwise with a paring knife and gently remove the pits, making sure the date stays intact.
Wrap each pitted date with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick to hold everything together.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is golden, crispy, and caramelized, filling your kitchen with a smoky aroma.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dates rest for 5 minutes, allowing the bacon to set and the flavors to meld.
If desired, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with lemon zest for extra flavor and brightness.
Remove the toothpicks and serve these smoky-sweet bites warm or at room temperature for a delightful appetizer or snack.