Date Snickers Recipe

Transform Ordinary Dates into an Extraordinary Treat

Get ready to indulge in a healthier version of your favorite candy bar with this Date Snickers Recipe. Using just a handful of wholesome ingredients—Medjool dates, natural peanut butter, chocolate, and chopped peanuts—you can create a dessert that rivals traditional candy bars. This no-bake recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, including chill time, and requires minimal effort. Simply layer smashed dates with creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and crunchy peanuts for a sweet and salty bark that stores beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Whole Food Ingredients: Capture the essence of a Snickers bar using only natural ingredients.
  • Simple Preparation: No baking or complex techniques required.
  • Customizable Sweetness: Choose your preferred chocolate to adjust the sweetness level.

Last weekend, I shared these with my teenage nephew, who’s notorious for his candy habit. He grabbed three in succession and asked if he could take some home. When I told him they were made primarily from dates, his jaw dropped in disbelief.

Essential Ingredients

  • Medjool Dates: Non-negotiable for their size, softness, and natural caramel flavor. Look for plump, shiny dates that feel soft when gently squeezed.
  • Natural Peanut Butter: Choose varieties with just peanuts and salt for the cleanest flavor. The drippy consistency works best for even spreading.
  • Dark Chocolate: I prefer 70% cacao for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but you can adjust to your preference.
  • Roasted Peanuts: Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness. Chop them roughly for varied texture.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: This optional finishing touch creates a magnificent flavor contrast against the sweet elements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Date Preparation:

  1. Select large, fresh Medjool dates. Make a lengthwise slit with a paring knife and gently remove the pit while keeping the date intact.
  2. Press dates open slightly to create a pocket. Arrange in a single layer for the bark version.

Creating the Perfect Filling:

  1. For stuffed dates, spoon peanut butter into each cavity and press chopped peanuts into the peanut butter. Gently close dates around the filling.
  2. For bark, spread peanut butter evenly over the pressed date layer and sprinkle with a generous layer of chopped peanuts.

Chocolate Magic:

  1. Break chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Heat in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval. Add coconut oil for a silkier consistency if desired. Continue until just melted—avoid overheating.

Final Assembly:

  1. For stuffed dates, dip each filled date into melted chocolate. Use two forks to coat completely and lift out.
  2. For bark, pour melted chocolate over the nut layer and spread to edges with an offset spatula. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt before chocolate sets.

You Must Know

  • Temperature Matters: Cold dates are harder to work with than room temperature ones.
  • Storage: Store in the refrigerator or freezer, as these treats soften quickly at room temperature.
  • Cutting Bark: For cleaner cutting of bark, freeze briefly before slicing with a sharp knife.

My first attempt at these resulted in a messy (but delicious) experiment. I’ve since perfected the technique of keeping everything chilled between steps for the cleanest presentation.

Gifting Potential

These treats make beautiful homemade gifts. Arrange them in a small box lined with parchment paper, keeping them refrigerated until the last moment before gifting.

Entertaining Edge

For dinner parties, make mini versions using smaller dates and serve them as a surprising sweet bite alongside coffee.

Chef’s Essential Tips

  • Dry Dates: If dates are on the dry side, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat completely dry.
  • Chocolate Coating: For the cleanest chocolate coating, make sure dates are completely chilled before dipping.
  • Small Batches: Work in small batches, keeping remaining dates refrigerated between dipping.

These date treats have transformed how I think about dessert. Rather than denying my sweet tooth, I’ve found a way to honor it with ingredients that nourish my body. The simple pleasure of making these connects me to food in a way that unwrapping a commercial candy bar never could.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Medjool dates necessary or can I use another variety?
    Medjool dates work best because they’re larger, softer, and have a caramel-like taste, but you can use other varieties if needed.
  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of natural?
    Yes, crunchy peanut butter works great and adds extra texture to the bark.
  • Is the coconut oil necessary when melting the chocolate?
    Coconut oil is optional but helps create a smoother chocolate texture that’s easier to spread and gives a better snap when chilled.
  • How do I store leftover date Snickers bark?
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
  • Can I make this recipe without nuts for allergy concerns?
    Yes, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of chopped peanuts.

Date Snickers Recipe

Create this simple Date Snickers Bark using Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate for a healthier sweet treat that satisfies candy bar cravings.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • Main Ingredients:
    • 20 pitted Medjool dates
    • 12 oz. (340 g) chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
    • ¼ – ½ cup (64 – 128 g) natural peanut butter, well stirred
    • ½ cup (60 g) chopped peanuts
    • ½ teaspoon flaky salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper or wax paper. Remove the pits from all the Medjool dates if not already pitted.
  2. Open the dates in the center and gently pull apart the sides so each date can easily lay flat. Arrange on the parchment paper, placing them next to each other to form the first layer of the bark. Place another parchment paper on top and press down with your hand or the bottom of a cup to smash the dates into a single layer, filling spaces between dates.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted (about 2-3 rounds). Set aside.
  4. Evenly spread the peanut butter on top of the smashed dates. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and spread evenly. Top with chopped peanuts and a pinch of flaky salt if using.
  5. Transfer to the fridge for 1 hour or the freezer for 20-30 minutes until set. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the bark into your desired number and size of pieces.

Notes:

  • A healthy, sweet, and salty treat made with better-for-you ingredients.
  • Can be made as date bark or as stuffed chocolate-covered dates.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Best enjoyed served from the fridge.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Small baking sheet or large plate
  • Parchment paper or wax paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Flexible spatula or icing knife
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information:

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

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