Zesty Date Snickers Recipe

You would never guess that four simple pantry staples could come together to create something that rivals a classic candy bar.

My homemade version delivers that perfect chewy, nutty, and chocolatey combination without any of the artificial additives found in store-bought sweets.

What Makes This Date Snickers So Special

This recipe satisfies those afternoon sugar cravings while providing a boost of natural energy from the fruit.

It comes together in minutes without ever needing to turn on the oven, keeping your kitchen cool.

The texture is spot-on, offering that satisfying snap of chocolate followed by a soft, caramel-like center.

If you enjoyed this healthy treat, you have to try my Zesty Blueberry Pierogi Recipe for another fruit-forward delight. Fans of sweet snacks will also love the Irresistible Creamy Orange Caramels Recipe for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Gathering Your Date Snickers Ingredients

Here are the few simple items you need to grab from the pantry to get started:

• Medjool Dates: Look for soft, fresh dates that are pliable enough to flatten easily into a base layer.
• Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: I prefer using a drippy variety that spreads smoothly, but any nut butter works well here.
• Chocolate Chips: Semisweet or dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweet fruit, though milk chocolate works too.
• Peanuts: Roasted and salted nuts add that essential crunch and savory element to balance the sugar.
• Kosher Salt: A final sprinkle on top enhances all the flavors and cuts through the richness.

My Method for Date Snickers

Let’s get these assembled quickly:

1. Start by prepping the base layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I pit the dates and split them open, arranging them sticky-side up in a tight rectangle shape so there are no gaps. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin or the flat bottom of a glass to smash them down firmly until they form a single, cohesive sheet of fruit “caramel.”
2. Remove the top parchment paper and spoon the peanut butter directly onto the flattened dates. I use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, creating a smooth and even layer that covers every inch of the date base. If your kitchen is cold and the peanut butter is stiff, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for ten seconds to make it more spreadable.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in thirty-second intervals, stirring vigorously between each burst to prevent scorching. Once the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, pour it over the peanut butter layer. I gently glide the back of a spoon over the surface to distribute the chocolate evenly without mixing it into the nut butter below.
4. While the chocolate is still wet, immediately scatter the chopped peanuts and a pinch of salt over the top so they adhere properly. Transfer the entire baking sheet to the freezer and let it set for at least thirty minutes until the chocolate shell is hard. Once solid, I transfer the slab to a cutting board and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice it into square bars.

My Best Tips for Perfect Date Snickers

Make sure your Medjool dates are fresh and soft so they smash down easily into a flat, cohesive base without cracking.

I always add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate chips before melting to help the coating slice smoothly later.

Pop the tray into the freezer for thirty minutes to ensure firm layers before you attempt to slice the Date Snickers.

Best Ways to Enjoy Date Snickers

I like to keep a stash in the freezer for a cold, chewy snack on hot afternoons.

You can also wrap individual squares in parchment paper to pack in lunchboxes for a wholesome midday surprise.

If you love this recipe, come say hello and follow me on Pinterest.

Date Snickers

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 42 min
• Yield: 16 bars
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Chewy Medjool dates layered with creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts, all coated in a rich chocolate shell for a healthy candy bar alternative.

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Ingredients

• 22 Medjool dates, pitted
• 0.6 cup creamy peanut butter
• 0.6 cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
• 0.8 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt

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Instructions

1. Start by prepping the base layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I pit the dates and split them open, arranging them sticky-side up in a tight rectangle shape so there are no gaps. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin or the flat bottom of a glass to smash them down firmly until they form a single, cohesive sheet of fruit caramel.
2. Remove the top parchment paper and spoon the peanut butter directly onto the flattened dates. I use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, creating a smooth and even layer that covers every inch of the date base. If your kitchen is cold and the peanut butter is stiff, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for ten seconds to make it more spreadable.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in thirty-second intervals, stirring vigorously between each burst to prevent scorching. Once the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, pour it over the peanut butter layer. I gently glide the back of a spoon over the surface to distribute the chocolate evenly without mixing it into the nut butter below.
4. While the chocolate is still wet, immediately scatter the chopped peanuts and a pinch of salt over the top so they adhere properly. Transfer the entire baking sheet to the freezer and let it set for at least thirty minutes until the chocolate shell is hard. Once solid, I transfer the slab to a cutting board and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice it into square bars.

Notes

Store these in the freezer for the best texture. If you don’t have peanut butter, almond or cashew butter works beautifully.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Freezing Time: 30 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4.5g
• Protein: 5.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Date Snickers, healthy candy bar, date bark, peanut butter dates, no bake dessert