This viral Date Snickers recipe features Medjool dates rolled flat, slathered with peanut butter, coated in chocolate, and topped with crunchy peanuts. Date Bark is a way better alternative to a Snickers candy bar!
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Date Snickers Video
Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make these no-bake Date Bark squares in just a few simple steps.
I can’t resist easy homemade candy and treats like Cream Cheese Mints, Rice Krispy Treats, or Candied Pecans, and this Date Snickers recipe is a must-try.
Date Snickers Recipe
Date Snickers are a viral recipe sensation, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. I first discovered Date Snickers thanks to my brother-in-law, Roman, who brought them along on one of our McCall cabin trips. My sister Tatiana couldn’t stop raving about how dates are a healthier dessert or candy option.
The taste is so close to a Snickers bar, hence the name ‘Date Snickers.’ They’re like a healthier, copycat version of the classic candy bar! I don’t even feel guilty enjoying it because it’s made with real food ingredients: dates, peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy peanuts. Plus, it’s super easy to make and keeps well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients for Date Bark Snickers
You’re going to love these- they literally taste like a Snickers bar, but best of all, they use real food ingredients, are gluten-free, vegan, and can easily be customized to any other dietary need.
- Medjool Dates – pitted, offer natural sweetness and a chewy texture that replaces caramel. They also help bind all the ingredients together.
- Chocolate Chips – Use semisweet or milk chocolate. They add sweet indulgence to this recipe.
- Natural Creamy Peanut Butter – Stirred, it provides a smooth, creamy texture, nutty flavor, and helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Peanuts – Add crunch and texture to the recipe while complementing the sweetness of the dates and chocolate.
- Kosher Salt – Sprinkled on top (optional, but adds a nice extra layer of flavor)
Snickers Copycat Tip:
If you want your Date Bark to taste more like a Snickers bar, opt for milk chocolate in your Copycat Snickers bars. You can’t go wrong with either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, but milk chocolate gives you that extra hint of sweetness.
How to Make Date Snickers
- Roll the Dates – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pit the dates and open them so the sticky centers are facing up. Arrange the dates side by side on the parchment paper to form a rough rectangle shape. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or cup to press the dates into an even layer, ensuring all spaces are filled.
- Spread Peanut Butter – Remove the top layer of parchment paper and spread the peanut butter evenly over the dates. An offset spatula helps achieve an even layer.
- Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate according to the package instructions until melted. Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds; it usually takes 60 to 90 seconds to fully melt.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter, then use a spoon or offset spatula to spread it into an even layer over the peanut butter.
- Finish with Nuts – While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the chopped peanuts (or nuts of your choosing) on top and gently press them into the chocolate. If using, sprinkle on the kosher salt.
- Bold Step – Refrigerate the bar uncovered until the chocolate is firm, about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 30 minutes. Once the bark is set, use a knife to cut it into Snickers-sized bars.
Tips for the Best Date Snickers Bark
- Soft Dates – mejool dates are ideal because they have a soft and moist texture and will be easier to roll out. Avoid dates that are dry or shriveled. These are the same dates we used to make Bacon Stuffed Dates.
- Add peanuts to melted chocolate to ensure it sticks nicely, and then press the peanuts down gently with your fingertips to help them adhere.
- Don’t overheat chocolate – heat the chocolate chips in 30-second increments and stir between increments. As soon as all of the chocolate blends together and melts when stirred, it’s ready. Overheating will make the chocolate dry.
- Freeze to set – set the date bark in the freezer for 30 minutes to set, and it will be much easier to slice without the peanut butter oozing out.
I know what you’re thinking. So, there are four ingredients, one of which is fruit, and it’s supposed to taste like a candy bar? Truuuuust me on this one – you will love it!
Date Snickers
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter, stirred
- ½ cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Flatten Dates: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pit the dates and open them so the sticky centers are facing up. Arrange the dates side by side on the parchment paper to form a rough rectangle shape. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or the back of a cup to press the dates into an even layer, ensuring all spaces are filled.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Remove the top layer of parchment paper and spread the peanut butter evenly over the dates. An offset spatula is helpful for achieving an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate according to the package instructions until melted. Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds; it usually takes 60 to 90 seconds to fully melt.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter, then use a spoon or offset spatula to spread it into an even layer over the peanut butter.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate and gently press them into the chocolate. Sprinkle on the kosher salt if using.
- Refrigerate the bar uncovered until the chocolate is firm, about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 30 minutes. Once the bark is set, use a knife to cut it into Snickers-sized bars.
Notes
- Chocolate: Opt for milk chocolate chips for sweeter date bark that tastes closer to a Snickers bar. For less sugar, try dark chocolate chips.
- Nuts: Try ashews, pistachios, or sliced or slivered almonds to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture.
- Sweet Toppings: Add a drizzle of homemade Caramel Sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- To Store: Store Date Snickers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Once the chocolate has set and you’ve cut the Date Snickers into pieces, you can store them individually wrapped or in an airtight container in the freezer. Keep a stash on hand for when you crave a sweet treat. Pull out a piece and let it thaw for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Nutrition Per Serving
No-Bake Dessert Recipes to Try Next
If you love these no-bake Snickers Dates, you won’t miss these other delicious no-bake dessert recipes. They’re simple to make and perfect for when you need a sweet treat without turning on the oven!