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This Viral Chocolate Date Bark tastes just like a Snickers bar but is made with healthier ingredients. Delicious Medjool dates are layered with creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts, all topped with a rich, decadent chocolate shell. It is the best indulgent healthy dessert you can eat every day!
We are always whipping up some kind of bark recipe in our house and recently my family has become obsessed with this chocolate date bark. The original creator of this trend was Nicole from @kalejunkie and now I have crafted my version. Which is crazy easy and addictive!
Since you all loved this viral chocolate banana bark so much I knew this had to be the next recipe to share!
This date bark recipe gives me samoas cookie vibes minus the coconut but also reminds me of these date cookies.
But best of all it tastes just like a Snickers bar! It is made by spreading out the Medjool dates in a rectangular shape, then adding a layer of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts followed by luscious melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.
You can easily make and store this bark for quick snacking all week long! It makes the perfect healthy treat to cure those nighttime sugar cravings.
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Why you’ll love this date bark recipe
- It tastes like a Snickers bar but made with wholesome ingredients.
- Healthy no-bake treat
- Easy to make
- Vegan + gluten-free – if you use dairy-free chocolate chips like Lily’s or Enjoy Life.
- Versatile – easily customize it! See suggested variations below.
Are dates healthy?
Yes, dates are a healthier treat that is sometimes referred to as “nature’s candy’ because they have a sweet caramel-like flavor that is absolutely delicious! Here are some more benefits of eating dates:
- Naturally low in fat + naturally sweet with no added sugar
- Low glycemic index score – does not cause high blood sugar spikes
- Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and iron to name a few.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Rich in beneficial compounds like polyphenols.
- Fiber – 2 dates have about 3 grams of fiber.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All of the recipes I make often are the ones that require fewer ingredients and steps and this one fits into that box. Just 4 simple ingredients are NEEDED to make this incredibly delicious date bark.
- Medjool dates – the dates are the base of the bark and an essential ingredient to this recipe. You can use pitted dates or get regular dates and remove the Pitts yourself, which is very easy. My favorite brands of dates are Natural Delights and Joolies but any brand will work.
- Creamy peanut butter – you want to use a nice drippy, natural peanut butter where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. This is important so it is easily spreadable and sets nicely. You can also use almond butter or sun butter for a peanut-free version. To keep the calories lower use pb2 fit (8 tablespoons of pb2 mixed with 6 tablespoons water)
- Dry roasted peanuts – add a nice crunchy layer. You can also use roasted almonds or cashews.
- Chocolate chips – I used Lily’s chocolate chips but any chocolate chips or chocolate bar will work. Enjoy Life is also a great brand.
Get the complete list of recipe instructions, ingredients, and nutrition in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
How To Make Chocolate Date Bark
Here is a summary of the steps to make this viral date bark recipe that I know you are going to love!
Step 1: Slit each date, spread them with your fingers, and arrange them on a lined baking sheet in a rectangular shape. I used a 4×6 pattern.
Step 2: Spread the peanut butter in an even layer over the dates to cover them, then sprinkle on the peanuts.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until almost fully melted, then stir to fully melt.
Step 4: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer.
Step 5: Top the bark with coarse sea salt, if desired.
Step 6: Place the date bark into the freezer to chill and set for 60-90 minutes.
Once the bark has set, cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Expert tips for success
- Use large, plump pitted dates so they are easier to work with and spread out.
- Drippy natural peanut butter is much easier to work with and spreads very nicely.
- Spread the peanut butter and chocolate layers thinner so it sets faster. If you spread it too thick then it will take longer to harden.
- Allow the bark to chill for at least 1 hour. I found that 90 minutes was best for my freezer BUT other people have said 60 minutes worked well.
- Make sure the bark is in an even, flat spot in your freezer or it may tip while it chills.
Storage
I have tested storing the date bark in the freezer and fridge and both worked. I think it depends on how you prefer the bark. In our family, we love it harder, so we keep it in the freezer. If you prefer it softer then an airtight container in the fridge is your best bet. It will last up to 1 week either way you store it.
Date Bark Variations
Here are some fun ways you can customize this chocolate date bark recipe.
- Reese’s – add some chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. We love Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
- Cranberry pistachio – swap the peanuts with chopped pistachios and cranberries. You could even use white chocolate in place of the dark chocolate.
- Oreo – my kids love Oreo bark. Simply crush some Oreos and add them to the top.
- Pretzel bark – add some chopped pretzels for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make date bark nut-free?
To make this recipe nut-free, use sun butter and skip the peanuts layer.
What is the best method for melting chocolate?
I prefer to melt chocolate in the microwave since it is much faster. You could use a double boiler but that takes extra time and dishes.
Does Viral Date Bark taste like a Snickers candy bar?
I think it tastes just like a Snickers bar but slightly healthier. Obviously, it is not an actual candy bar but my kids do call it the candy bar Snickers bark. It has that creamy crunchy peanut layer with a caramel layer from the dates all covered in melted chocolate, so I would say yes, but try it for yourself and let me know what you think!
More Healthy No-Bake Treats To Try!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this viral date bark recipe? If you did, please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!
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Viral Chocolate Date Bark
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 20–24 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Viral Chocolate Date Bark tastes just like a Snickers bar but is made with healthier ingredients. Delicious Medjool dates are layered with creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanuts, all topped with a rich, decadent chocolate shell. The best healthy treat you can eat every day!
Ingredients
- 20–24 Medjool dates
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup dry roasted peanuts
- 9 ounces chocolate chips or chocolate bar
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil – optional
- Coarse sea salt – optional for topping
Instructions
- Line a medium size baking sheet with parchment paper. Slit each date (remove the pits if needed), then use your hands to spread the dates onto the lined pan, arranging them in a rectangular shape. I spread mine in a 4×6 pattern.
- Pour and spread the peanut butter over the dates to cover them, then sprinkle the peanuts in an even layer over the peanut butter.
- Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals until it is mostly melted. Then stir the chocolate to fully melt it until it is nice and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer and spread it out so that it covers everything. Top with coarse sea salt if desired. Then place the date bark in the freezer for 60-90 minutes or until it is set.
- Remove the bark from the freezer once it is ready and peel the parchment paper off of the bottom of the bark. Place the bark onto a cutting board and cut it into pieces using a large kitchen knife.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Medjool dates should be used for the best results.
- I used Lily’s chocolate chips but any brand will work.
- A creamy, drippy, natural peanut butter is recommended since it is easier to spread over the dates.
- Let the date bark chill until the peanut butter and chocolate layers are set.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
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