Easy Date Chocolate Bark

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Turn ordinary dates into an amazing dessert with this no-bake Date Chocolate Bark. With just medjool dates, peanut butter, chocolate, and chopped nuts, you’ll bake nothing but enjoy everything! Layer softened dates with nut butter, pour over melted chocolate, and sprinkle on your favorite nuts for a sweet and salty combo. Ready in half an hour (including chill time) and keeps great in the fridge for up to two weeks.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:09:15 GMT
Gorgeous layers of chocolate, nuts, and dates ready to enjoy! Pin it
Gorgeous layers of chocolate, nuts, and dates ready to enjoy! | linacooks.com

These homemade Date Snickers deliver an irresistible blend of textures - chewy dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate. Made with wholesome ingredients, they capture the beloved flavors of the classic candy bar while offering a more nutritious treat. The natural sweetness of Medjool dates creates a perfect caramel-like base that pairs beautifully with rich peanut butter and dark chocolate.

Even dedicated candy lovers are amazed when they discover these treats are made primarily from dates. The natural ingredients create such an authentic flavor that most can't tell the difference from conventional candy bars.

Key Ingredients

  • Medjool dates: Select large, soft dates for the best caramel-like texture and natural sweetness
  • Natural peanut butter: Use fresh-ground or pure peanut butter for optimal consistency
  • Dark chocolate: 70% cacao offers ideal richness, but any chocolate works
  • Roasted peanuts: Roughly chopped for authentic crunch and texture
  • Sea salt: Enhances flavors and provides gourmet finishing touch
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. Pin it
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. | linacooks.com

Preparation Method

Prepare the Dates
Split fresh Medjool dates lengthwise and remove pits carefully. Create pockets for filling while keeping dates intact. For bark version, arrange in single layer.
Add the Filling
Fill date cavities with natural peanut butter. Press in chopped peanuts. Close dates gently. For bark style, spread peanut butter evenly over date layer and top with chopped nuts.
Chocolate Coating
Carefully melt chocolate using 30-second microwave intervals at half power. Stir between heating. Optional coconut oil creates smoother consistency. Avoid overheating.
Complete Assembly
Dip filled dates in melted chocolate using forks. For bark version, pour chocolate over nut layer and spread evenly. Finish with sea salt while chocolate remains wet.

Practice improves technique - initial attempts may be messy but keeping ingredients chilled between steps helps achieve neater results.

Perfect for Sharing

Package these treats in parchment-lined boxes for impressive homemade gifts. Keep refrigerated until ready to present.

Serving Suggestions

Create bite-sized versions using smaller dates for elegant dinner party desserts, served alongside coffee or tea.

These wholesome treats redefine dessert by combining satisfying sweetness with nourishing ingredients. The hands-on preparation process adds an extra layer of appreciation to each bite.

A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. Pin it
A stack of chocolate bars with nuts on top. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I have to use medjool dates, or can I try different types?
Medjool dates are ideal because they’re larger, softer, and have a caramel-like flavor, but you can switch them out if needed.
→ Would chunky peanut butter work instead of the natural kind?
Totally! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra crunch and texture, making the bark even more interesting.
→ Is coconut oil absolutely necessary for melting chocolate?
Coconut oil is optional. It makes the chocolate smoother for spreading and gives it a nice snap when chilled.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers of the chocolate bark?
Store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 14 days or freeze it for longer storage.
→ How can I adapt this for nut allergies?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and swap chopped nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Date Chocolate Bark

Put together this quick and tasty Date Chocolate Bark using medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and melted chocolate for a healthier dessert that’s totally satisfying.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 20 large medjool dates, pitted
02 12 ounces (340 grams) of chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips
03 1 tsp coconut oil, optional
04 ¼ to ½ cup (64 to 128 grams) of creamy natural peanut butter
05 ½ cup (60 grams) of crushed peanuts
06 ½ tsp flaky salt, optional

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a baking tray or a large plate and cover it with parchment or wax paper. If your dates aren’t already seedless, remove the pits yourself.

Step 02

Slice each date carefully down the middle and pull apart gently so they can sit open and flat. Lay them all down on your parchment paper to create the first layer for your bark. Add another sheet of parchment on top, then press the dates into a single, combined layer using your hands or even the bottom of a cup.

Step 03

In a microwave-safe dish, melt your chocolate and coconut oil (if you’re using it) in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each session, and it should melt fully after about 2 to 3 rounds.

Step 04

Spread peanut butter evenly over the pressed dates. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and spread it out so it’s even. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top, and if you’d like, finish with a pinch of flaky salt.

Step 05

Put the tray in your fridge for an hour, or if pressed for time, freeze it for 20 to 30 minutes until hardened. Once set, slice the bark into pieces of the size and shape you want using a sharp knife.

Notes

  1. A sweet and salty dessert that’s made with better-for-you ingredients.
  2. You can make this as date bark or as chocolate-stuffed dates.
  3. Store it chilled in a sealed container, and it’ll last up to two weeks.
  4. Tastes best when eaten straight from the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large plate or small baking tray
  • Parchment or wax paper
  • Microwave-friendly bowl
  • Spatula or something to spread with
  • Knife (sharp)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~