Alright, friend—get ready for a game-changing sweet treat that’s secretly kinda healthy, too. These Date Snickers are a dreamy little mash-up of nature’s candy and your favorite chocolate bar, and they’re dangerously addictive (in the best way possible). Imagine biting into a gooey, caramel-like Medjool date that’s been stuffed with creamy peanut butter, then dunked in rich, velvety chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy peanuts or flaky sea salt. It’s the kind of snack you keep “just one more”ing until… oops, they’re gone.
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Trust me, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to dive headfirst into a sugar crash. These little bites of bliss come together with minimal effort and no fancy ingredients. Plus, they’re no-bake (because we’re not trying to sweat for our snacks, right?). Let’s get into why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe.
Why You’ll Love Date Snickers
Versatile: Perfect for mid-day pick-me-ups, party platters, or even a sweet ending to dinner. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer and you’ll always have a little indulgence ready to go.
Budget-Friendly: Uses just a handful of pantry staples—dates, peanut butter, and chocolate. That’s it! You probably have everything on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to grab on your next grocery run.
Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment or steps here. Just stuff, dip, and chill. It’s the kind of recipe that gives maximum payoff with minimal effort.
Customizable: Swap the peanut butter for almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter. Prefer dark chocolate? Go for it. Add a pinch of sea salt or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love them. Adults can’t stop popping them. And if you bring a tray to your next get-together? Be ready to share the recipe about a dozen times.
Ingredients in Date Snickers
Here’s the magic of this sweet snack—it’s made with just a few ingredients, but each one plays its part in creating that rich, nostalgic Snickers vibe. Let’s break it down:
Medjool Dates: Nature’s candy! Soft, gooey, and caramel-like when fresh. They form the sweet base of each bite and give that signature chewy texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy, salty, nutty goodness that fills each date like a dream. You can use crunchy if you want some added texture.
Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Melted and luscious. It’s what brings the “candy bar” experience full circle.
Chopped Peanuts: Optional but highly recommended for that iconic Snickers crunch. You could also use toasted almonds or crushed pretzels for a fun twist.
Sea Salt: A little sprinkle on top takes these over the edge. Sweet, salty, chocolatey perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Dates: Gently slice each date down the center and remove the pit. You want to create a little pocket—but don’t cut all the way through. Think of it as a tiny boat for your peanut butter.
Fill ‘Em Up: Use a spoon (or even better, a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy) to stuff each date with peanut butter. Don’t skimp here—go for that generous dollop.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt your chocolate until smooth and glossy. Stir in a little coconut oil if you want a shinier, thinner coating.
Dip the Dates: Using a fork, dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the excess drip off before transferring to a parchment-lined tray.
Top and Chill: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sea salt over the top while the chocolate is still wet. Then pop the tray in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate sets—about 10–15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re set, they’re ready to devour. Store extras in the fridge for a fudgy texture, or freeze them for a snappier bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150 (estimate)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes + chilling
How to Serve Date Snickers
With Coffee or Tea: These little treats are magical alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth brings out the gooeyness of the dates and makes it feel extra indulgent.
Party Platter Treat: Add them to a snack board with fresh fruits, nuts, and cheese for a sweet-savory combo your guests will love.
Frozen Delight: Keep a stash in the freezer and enjoy one straight from the cold—almost like a chilled candy bar.
As a Sweet Finish: Serve them after dinner with a little espresso shot. It’s a classy, no-fuss dessert everyone will rave about.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Dates: Medjool dates should be soft and pliable. If they’re dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry.
Go Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for a nut-free version that’s just as delicious.
Make it Fancy: Drizzle a bit of white chocolate over the top for that “gourmet chocolatier” vibe.
Store Like a Pro: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying if frozen.
Double the Recipe: These disappear fast—trust me. You’ll thank yourself later for making a bigger batch.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different nut butter?
A1: Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini works wonderfully.
Q2: Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool?
A2: You can, but the texture might not be as soft or caramel-like. Medjool dates are preferred for the best results.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I make them ahead of time?
A4: Yes! These are perfect for prepping ahead. Just store them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Q5: Can I skip the chocolate?
A5: You can! They’ll be more like stuffed dates than candy bars, but still tasty.
Q6: What chocolate is best?
A6: Use a good-quality dark chocolate (at least 60%) for a richer flavor, or milk chocolate for something sweeter.
Q7: Can kids help make these?
A7: Totally! It’s a great no-bake recipe for little hands to help with—just supervise the chocolate melting.
Q8: Can I add protein powder to the filling?
A8: Yep! Mix a small scoop into the peanut butter for an energy-boosting twist.
Q9: Are they vegan?
A9: They can be—just make sure your chocolate and peanut butter are vegan-friendly.
Q10: Can I take these to a picnic?
A10: Definitely! Just keep them cool in a container with an ice pack if you’re out in the sun.
Conclusion
There you have it—Date Snickers, the ultimate easy treat that checks all the boxes: sweet, salty, chewy, chocolatey, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, these little bites are guaranteed to bring smiles (and probably recipe requests). So grab a handful of dates and let’s make snack magic happen. You’ve got this!
Print
Date Snickers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Date Snickers are a healthier, naturally sweetened version of the classic candy bar. Made with Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and topped with a rich chocolate coating, these bites are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter, stirred
- 1/2 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and remove the pits.
- Fill each date with a teaspoon of peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
- Place the filled dates on a parchment-lined tray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, coating it completely, and return it to the tray.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is set.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate chips and natural peanut butter.
- Keep refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg