1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Date Snickers Recipe

Date Snickers Recipe

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

Transform ordinary dates into an extraordinary treat 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.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 03:33:20 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A delicious chocolate dessert with peanuts and almonds, ready to be enjoyed. pin it
A delicious chocolate dessert with peanuts and almonds, ready to be enjoyed. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Biting into these Date Snickers delivers that magical combination of chewy, creamy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness that satisfies sweet cravings without the processed ingredients. The natural caramel-like sweetness of Medjool dates paired with rich peanut butter creates an uncanny resemblance to the classic candy bar we all remember. After discovering this treat during a clean eating challenge, it's become my go-to indulgence that I don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

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: These are 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 magnificent flavor contrast against the sweet elements.
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. pin it
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Detailed Instructions

Date Preparation
Select large, fresh Medjool dates. Make a lengthwise slit with a paring knife. Gently remove the pit while keeping the date intact. Press dates open slightly to create a pocket. Arrange in a single layer for bark version.
Creating the Perfect Filling
For stuffed dates, spoon peanut butter into each cavity. Press chopped peanuts into the peanut butter. Gently close dates around filling. For bark, spread peanut butter evenly over the pressed date layer. Sprinkle with a generous layer of chopped peanuts.
Chocolate Magic
Break chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Heat in microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. Stir thoroughly between each interval. Add coconut oil for a silkier consistency if desired. Continue until just melted – avoid overheating.
Final Assembly
For stuffed dates, dip each filled date into melted chocolate. Use two forks to coat completely and lift out. For bark, pour melted chocolate over nut layer. Spread to edges with an offset spatula. Immediately sprinkle with flaky salt before chocolate sets.

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. I arrange them in a small box lined with parchment paper, keeping them refrigerated until the last possible moment before gifting.

Entertaining Edge

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

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 actually nourish my body. The simple pleasure of making these connects me to food in a way that unwrapping a commercial candy bar never could.

A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. pin it
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

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
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 20 pitted medjool dates
02 12 oz. (340 g) chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
03 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
04 ¼ - ½ cup (64 - 128 g) natural peanut butter, well stirred
05 ½ cup (60 g) chopped peanuts
06 ½ teaspoon flaky salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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.

Step 05

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

  1. A healthy, sweet and salty treat made with better-for-you ingredients
  2. Can be made as date bark or as stuffed chocolate covered dates
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
  4. 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.
  • Peanuts

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~