This date snickers recipe is a delicious, homemade no bake treat made simply from Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate! They’re great to keep on hand for snacking all week long, and fit many diets (gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan).
Why we love this recipe
Snickers made with…dates? When Alex and I started this website years ago, we went through phase where all our desserts had the “magic” ingredient of Medjool dates (remember raw brownies?). We turned our attention away for a while—but now we’ve found out new favorite way to use it.
Turns out, stuffing caramel-flavored Medjool dates with peanut butter and coating them in dark chocolate is a fun alternative to that popular candy. And in our opinion, it tastes much better than the real thing! The chewy texture of the dates is nougat-like, and combined with PB and chocolate: what could be better? These treats are a huge hit in our family, and they’re a fun way to make a homemade healthy-ish treat.
Featured reader comment
“My 4 year old and I made these date Snickers. Such a fun activity to do together, and my daughter loved having the job of “peanut butter spooner”. They taste so soooo yummy and make for a really nice after dinner treat! I’ll keep making these to keep in the fridge for sure!” -Tanvee
Ingredient notes for date snickers
Date snickers are a healthier, homemade alternative to traditional Snickers candy bars, made with just a few simple ingredients: dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate. The dates provide a sweetness and chewy texture similar to caramel and nougat, and the peanut butter and peanuts add a satisfying crunch and protein. You’ll just need to make sure to get Medjool dates, a specific type of date that works in this recipe. Here are some ingredient notes:
- Medjool dates: These are very large, soft dates with an intense caramel sweet flavor. They’ve become popular for use in energy bars, sweetening desserts, and stuffed. They’re easy to find in grocery stores: just make sure they are labeled “Medjool”. We don’t recommend substituting another type of date because they’re not as soft and chewy.
- Peanut butter: You can use any type of peanut butter here, from creamy to chunky.
- Crushed peanuts: The peanuts add that Snickers bar flair and infuse the peanuty flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips: We like using dark chocolate, but any type of chocolate works here.
- Coconut oil: The coconut oil helps to soften the chocolate so it has a Snickers bar-like texture. You can omit, but the chocolate becomes harder.
Tip: If you love chocolate with flaky sea salt, you could add it to top the peanut butter layer for an even stronger pop of savory sweet flavor.
How to make date snickers
The process of making date snickers is very simple: sometimes it’s easiest to follow by visualizing it! Here are the main steps:
Step 1: Slice the dates in half and remove the pits. Add about 1 teaspoon peanut butter (or less, depending on the size of the date).
Step 2: Top with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Place the halves back together and form them into a bar shape with your fingers (pressing down to round the corners).
Step 3: Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in the microwave. Use 2 forks to dip in each of the dates, then shake off extra chocolate. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and add a small chocolate drizzle with a fork to the top. Freeze 5 minutes to set.
Storing leftovers
Date snickers last refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Technically you could store them at room temperature, but we like refrigeration which is more robust. However, they should work to include in a lunch box where they’ll sit for a few hours.
One tip: after refrigeration, allow the dates to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before eating.
More healthy treats
Here are a few more healthy snacks and desserts you might love:
- These Homemade Protein Bars combine chocolate and peanut butter in the best way (already a fan favorite!)
- Try these Energy Balls or chocolaty No Bake Energy Bites
- Mix up tasty Apple Dip
- Go for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars or No Bake Cookies
Dietary notes
This date snickers recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Date snickers are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Compared to traditional candy bars, they are technically a healthier option. They’re made with whole, unprocessed ingredients and are naturally sweetened with dates. They’re also a good source of fiber and protein. However, all things can be enjoyed in moderation, including candy bars!
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and nut butters to create your own unique flavor combinations. Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seed butter are all great options.
Date snickers are naturally vegan and gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
Date Snickers
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Prep Time: 20 minutes -
Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Yield: 12
Print RecipeDescription
This date snickers recipe is a delicious, homemade no bake treat made simply from Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate! They’re great to keep on hand for snacking all week long, and fit many diets (gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan).
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 6 to 12 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons crushed peanuts
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Cut the dates in half (and remove the pits). Add about 1 teaspoon peanut butter (or less, depending on the size of the date) and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Place the halves back together and form them into a bar shape with your fingers (pressing down to round the corners).
- Place the chocolate in a liquid measuring cup with the ½ teaspoon coconut oil and heat in 10 second bursts in the microwave until melted.
- Use 2 forks to dip in each of the dates, then shake off the extra chocolate. Place the dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, add a small chocolate drizzle with a fork to the top. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then enjoy. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks (allow the dates to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying).
Notes
Tip: If you love chocolate with flaky sea salt, you could add it to top the peanut butter layer for an even stronger pop of savory sweet flavor.
Category: Dessert
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan