If you love the idea of a healthier Snickers bar, these date bars with peanut butter and chocolate are about to be your new favorite treat. They’re naturally sweet, packed with protein, and incredibly satisfying—without the processed sugars or mystery ingredients.
Date Bars
I make these all the time when I need a quick snack that feels indulgent but is actually full of real, wholesome ingredients.
They’re almost vegan too! Just swap in dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’ve got yourself a completely plant-based treat. Plus, there’s no baking required—just layer, chill, and slice.
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.
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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!
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
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
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Recipe Card
Date Snickers Bars
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INGREDIENTS
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- 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.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Date Bars: FAQs
Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.
A sturdy cup or jar works just as well to press the dates into an even layer.
Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep this recipe completely vegan.
Recipe adapted from NatashaKitchen.
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!!