Snickers-Inspired Date Bark
Date bark inspired by Snickers features Medjool dates pressed into a single layer, topped with peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and semi-sweet chocolate. Flaky sea salt gives it a grown-up finish.
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I was late to the party when I first made the viral Snickers Date Bark recipe, but it’s now one of those dessert swaps I like to keep on hand when I need a little something sweet but not too indulgent. It’s built on a base of Medjool dates, then layered with peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and melted chocolate.
While it’s not an exact 1:1 of the popular candy bar, it does result in a chewy, caramel-like vibe while keeping the ingredient list in check. You can definitely still say … it satisfies.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
The ingredient list is short and simple for this one, so each layer matters. Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Medjool dates, soft and pitted. Their size makes them easy to press into one connected layer.
- Creamy peanut butter, ideally a runny, natural-style jar that spreads without tearing the dates.
- Peanuts, roasted and roughly chopped for crunch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil, melted together so the chocolate spreads smooth and glossy, then sets firm.
- Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon. Don’t skip it, since it balances the sweetness.
How to Make Date Bark
If your dates feel firm, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry. Soft dates press together much more easily.
Split each date open and lay them cut side up in rows on a parchment-lined pan, 3 across and 6 down.
Cover the dates with a second sheet of parchment and press down with a pan or a heavy book until they fuse into one flat layer.
Spread the peanut butter edge to edge over the dates, then scatter the chopped peanuts on top.
Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil, pour it over the peanut layer, and smooth it to cover everything.
Sprinkle the flaky salt on while the chocolate is still wet so it sticks. Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes, until set, then cut into pieces with a sharp knife.
Storage and Swaps
Keep date bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. It firms up in the freezer, so let a piece sit for a few minutes if you want a softer, chewier bite.
For a different version, use almond butter and chopped almonds instead of peanuts and peanut butter, or switch to dark chocolate chips for a top layer with less added sugar.
If you have extra Medjool dates, my Pecan Date Bites use them in a different way, blended with pecans, rolled into bites, and coated in shredded coconut.
Snickers-Inspired Date Bark
Ingredients
- 18 Medjool dates, pitted
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons flaky sea salt, like Maldon
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Split the dates open and arrange them in a rectangle, 3 wide and 6 deep, with the inside facing up.
- Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and press down with a book or another pan to create a connected layer of dates. Remove the top sheet.
- Spread the peanut butter over the dates in an even layer. Top with the chopped peanuts.
- Add the coconut oil and chocolate chips to a small bowl and melt. Spoon the chocolate onto the peanut layer and smooth it to cover edge to edge.
- Sprinkle the top with the flaky sea salt.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Medjool dates work best here. They’re large and soft enough to press into a connected layer. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat them dry before pressing.
- To melt the chocolate, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- If the peanut butter is too thick to spread, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds first.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Let pieces sit for a few minutes before eating if they’re too firm to bite.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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