If you've ever wanted a treat that tastes indulgent but is made with simple ingredients, these Date Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate are for you. They have a chewy date base, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a rich chocolate topping that reminds me of a homemade candy bar. I keep a batch in the fridge for afternoon cravings, and somehow they never last more than a couple of days.
Want more low sugar Christmas dessert inspiration? My 56 Best Low Sugar Christmas Desserts roundup has plenty more to try.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.
Date Bars
Do I need to soak the dates? If your dates are very dry, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes will make them easier to press into a base.
Why These Are Yummy
💖 Customizable: Swap the peanuts for almonds or add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. Use sunbutter or almond butter instead peanut butter.
💖 No oven required: Perfect for warm days or when you need a quick dessert.
💖 Simple ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples!
💖 Naturally sweetened: Dates provide a caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates - These are nature's caramel! Soft, sticky, and naturally sweet, they hold everything together while adding that deep, rich flavor. If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain before using.
- Chocolate - The chocolate layer gives these bars a classic candy bar vibe. For a dairy-free version, use dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter - Naturally gluten free, this creamy goodness adds creaminess and a rich peanut flavor. Natural peanut butter works great here, just make sure to give it a good stir before using. Also, if your peanut butter is thick, warming it slightly can help.
- Peanuts - They add that signature crunch! You can also swap in cashews, almonds, or pistachios for a different twist.
- Salt flakes - Just a pinch makes the chocolate pop and balances the sweetness. If you love a salty-sweet combo, don't skip this!
How To Make Healthy Date Bars
- Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the dates: Remove the pits from the dates and open them up, sticky side facing up. Lay them out on the parchment, pressing them together into a rough rectangle.
- Flatten the base: Place plastic wrap over the dates. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to press them into an even layer, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Spread the peanut butter: Remove the plastic wrap and evenly spread the peanut butter over the pressed dates using an offset spatula.
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until fully melted and smooth (about 60-90 seconds).
- Coat with chocolate: Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and gently press them in. If using, add a pinch of sea salt.
- Set and slice: Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes, until the chocolate is firm.
- Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Tips
- Chocolate options: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
- Nut alternatives: Swap peanuts for cashews, pistachios, or almonds for a different crunch.
- Extra sweetness: Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce or sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
- Savory touch: A pinch of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To Freeze. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw slightly before eating.
- To Make Ahead. Prepare the bars and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
More Healthy Dessert Recipes
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Date Snickers Bars
Video
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the dates: Remove the pits from the dates and open them up, sticky side facing up. Lay them out on the parchment, pressing them together into a rough rectangle.20 Medjool dates
- Flatten the base: Place plastic wrap over the dates. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to press them into an even layer, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Spread the peanut butter: Remove the plastic wrap and evenly spread the peanut butter over the pressed dates using an offset spatula.
- Melt the chocolate: Use a double boiler method to melt the chocolate carefully until smooth. If needed, add some coconut oil to make it smoother.¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coat with chocolate: Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and gently press them in. If using, add a pinch of sea salt.½ cup peanuts, ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes
- Set and slice: Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes, until the chocolate is firm.
- Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To Freeze. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw slightly before eating.
- To Make Ahead. Prepare the bars and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Join TYB
Insider
Get access to exclusive recipes,
weekly meal plans, printable
grocery lists, and AD-FREE
browsing designed to make
mealtime easier.
Margaret
These were so yummy!! I left off the peanuts bc I didn’t think my kid would like them, but to me they taste like a Reese’s!!