Easy Date Snickers Bars
These easy 6-ingredient Date Snickers Bars are such a delicious healthy dessert! Medjool dates with natural peanut butter & melted dark chocolate all topped with roasted peanuts and a pinch of sea salt!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 bars | Difficulty: Easy
As someone who loves creating healthier versions of classic treats, I’m absolutely obsessed with these Date Snickers Bars! When I first discovered this recipe on social media, I knew I had to try it immediately. The combination of naturally sweet Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and rich dark chocolate creates the most incredible flavor that rivals any store-bought candy bar.
What makes these date snickers bars so special is how they satisfy that candy bar craving while actually providing nutritional benefits. Dates are nature’s candy, packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Unlike traditional snickers bars loaded with refined sugar and artificial ingredients, these homemade versions use only whole food ingredients that fuel your body.
I love making these when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want the sugar crash that comes with conventional candy. The natural sugars in dates provide sustained energy, while the peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Pro tip: I always keep a batch in my freezer for when those afternoon sweet cravings hit!
The best part about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. You literally just need to pit and flatten the dates, spread on some peanut butter, coat with melted chocolate, and top with crunchy peanuts. The hardest part is waiting for them to set in the refrigerator!
Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medjool Dates | 20 dates | Natural Delights brand preferred; remove pits |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | ½ cup | Justin’s Brand works perfectly |
| Chopped Peanuts | ¼ cup | Adds essential crunch |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | High-quality for best flavor |
| Avocado Oil | 1 teaspoon | Helps chocolate melt smoothly |
| Flaky Sea Salt | 1 teaspoon | Maldon brand recommended |
Medjool Dates – These large, soft dates provide the perfect caramel-like base for our snickers bars. Their natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugars, and their chewy texture mimics traditional caramel perfectly.
Creamy Peanut Butter – I always use natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients for the cleanest flavor. The creamy texture spreads easily over the flattened dates, creating that classic snickers layer we all love.
How to Make Date Snickers Bars
Below are the step-by-step instructions for making these incredible Date Snickers Bars! I’ve included some helpful tips that I’ve learned through making these countless times.
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a sharp knife, slice each Medjool date lengthwise down the middle. Remove any pits you find – some dates may already be pitted. Arrange the split dates on your parchment-lined baking sheet with the cut side facing up.
Step 2: Here’s where it gets fun! Take the bottom of a glass cup and gently smash each date to flatten it. Pro tip: Spray your glass with a little cooking spray first – trust me on this one! The dates are incredibly sticky and will cling to everything. Press the dates as close together as possible to create one cohesive layer.
Step 3: Warm your peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make it easier to spread. This little trick makes all the difference! Using a spatula, spread the peanut butter evenly over the flattened dates, creating a smooth, even layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – rustic looks delicious too!
Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and avocado oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The oil helps create that glossy, professional-looking finish. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use your spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 5: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly across the surface, then finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. The salt really makes all the flavors pop!
Place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes until everything is completely set. Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut into evenly-sized bars.
Storage and Serving Tips
I always store these date snickers bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 6 months! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When serving from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly – they’re much easier to bite into this way.
Recipe Variations and Expert Tips
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some of my favorite variations that I’ve tried over the years:
Nut-Free Version: If you’re dealing with peanut allergies, sunflower seed butter works beautifully as a substitute for peanut butter. Replace the chopped peanuts with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that essential crunch.
Vegan Option: Simply use vegan dark chocolate chips to make these completely plant-based. I’ve found that most high-quality dark chocolate is naturally vegan, but always check the label to be sure.
Different Nut Butters: While I love peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter both create delicious variations. Each brings its own unique flavor profile to the bars.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
After making these date snickers bars dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that ensure perfect results every time. First, don’t skip the cooking spray when flattening the dates – seriously, your glass will thank you! Second, slightly warming the peanut butter makes spreading so much easier and creates a smoother layer.
If you prefer less chocolate coverage, you can simply drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars instead of creating a full coating layer. This creates a more rustic look and lets more of the peanut butter show through.
For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. The chocolate can get a bit messy, but clean cuts make for much prettier presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates?
While Medjool dates work best because of their large size and soft texture, you can use other varieties. You might need more dates to create the same base layer, and the texture may be slightly different.
How long do these bars need to set?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but I prefer an hour for the firmest texture. In the freezer, 15-20 minutes is usually sufficient.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are perfect make-ahead treats. They actually taste better after sitting for a day as all the flavors meld together beautifully.
What if my chocolate seizes while melting?
If your chocolate becomes thick and grainy, try adding a tiny bit more oil (just ¼ teaspoon at a time) and stirring gently. Prevention is key – use low power and short intervals in the microwave.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce all make delicious additions. Just add them along with the peanuts before refrigerating.
These Date Snickers Bars have become my go-to healthy dessert when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave me with a sugar crash. They’re perfect for parties, meal prep, or just keeping in the freezer for those moments when you need a sweet treat that actually nourishes your body!
Date Snickers Bars
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Base – Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Slice each date lengthwise, open flat, and arrange cut-side up. Press dates together into a single contiguous layer.
- Flatten – Lightly grease the bottom of a glass and gently smash the dates until they form an even slab.
- Add Filling – Warm peanut butter 20-30 seconds in the microwave; spread evenly over the date layer.
- Coat with Chocolate – Combine chocolate chips and avocado oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour over peanut-butter layer and smooth with a spatula.
- Finish & Set – Immediately sprinkle chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt over the warm chocolate. Refrigerate 30 minutes (or freeze 15-20 minutes) until firm.
- Portion – Remove from sheet and cut into 12 uniform bars with a hot, clean knife.
