Easy Date Snickers Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Date Snickers Bars are a delightful no-bake treat that combines sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert, they capture all the flavors of a classic Snickers bar with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates (Natural Delights brand recommended)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (Justin’s Brand suggested)
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp avocado oil (or coconut oil)
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt, to taste (Maldon is a great brand)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the dates lengthwise and remove pits if necessary. Arrange the dates on the sheet with the slit side facing up.
2. Step 2: Using the bottom of a glass sprayed with cooking spray, gently smash the dates together so they adhere closely on the parchment.
3. Step 3: Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften, then spread evenly over the smashed dates with a spatula.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and avocado oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth it out.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt evenly over the chocolate. Refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes until set.
6. Step 6: Once firm, cut into evenly sized bars. Let thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the chopped peanuts lightly before sprinkling on top.
• You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter to suit your preference.
• Use coconut oil instead of avocado oil if preferred for melting chocolate.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter layer for a warm, spiced flavor twist.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. They keep well for up to two weeks in the fridge and up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, allow bars to thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

Yes, you can use other varieties of dates, but Medjool dates are preferred because they are soft and naturally sweet, which helps the bars bind well.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, provided you use chocolate chips and peanut butter that do not contain animal products or gluten additives.

Easy Date Snickers Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

These Easy Date Snickers Bars are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic candy bar, combining naturally sweet Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and crunchy peanuts with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars are simple to make and require no baking.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: No-Bake Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Layer

• 20 Medjool Dates (Natural Delights brand recommended)

Peanut Butter Layer

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (Justin’s Brand recommended)

Toppings

• ¼ cup chopped peanuts
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp avocado oil (or coconut oil)
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended), to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Slice each date in the middle lengthwise with a sharp knife and remove pits if present. Arrange the dates slit side up, close together, on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Smash the Dates: Using the bottom of a glass cup sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking, press down firmly to crush the dates into a compact layer, keeping them tightly packed together.
3. Spread Peanut Butter: Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften and make spreading easier. Then gently spread a layer of peanut butter evenly over the smashed dates using a spatula.
4. Melt and Pour Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and avocado oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Add Toppings and Chill: Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly over the chocolate, then add flaky sea salt to taste. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes until the bars are firm and set.
6. Slice and Serve: Once set, cut into evenly sized bars. For best texture and flavor, store bars in the fridge or freezer and allow them to thaw at least 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Using soft Medjool dates is important for easy smashing and natural sweetness.
• Microwaving peanut butter slightly makes it spread more easily without tearing the date base.
• Avocado oil helps create a smooth, shiny melted chocolate topping.
• Flaky sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Store bars in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness and texture.
• Letting bars come to room temperature slightly before eating enhances the flavor and softness.

Keywords: Date Snickers Bars, No Bake Dessert, Healthy Snack, Medjool Dates, Peanut Butter Bars, Dark Chocolate, Gluten Free Snack