Date Snickers

Ever craved a candy bar but wanted something healthier and way more grown-up?

Meet my guilty-pleasure substitute: Date Snickers — sticky Medjool dates stuffed with peanut butter and cloaked in dark chocolate.

I stumbled on this idea when I wanted dessert that didn’t make me regret life choices twenty minutes later.

Stick with me and I’ll show you how to make them, tips that actually help, and a couple of fun twists when you want to get fancy.

If you like date-based treats, you might also enjoy this coconut date balls recipe I tested last winter.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Short version: these taste like a grown-up candy bar, but they actually include fruit.

They take five minutes to assemble and better yet, you control the sugar.

Want snackable, giftable, or party-friendly? Yep, these do all three.

• Naturally sweetened with dates
• High energy and portable
• Customizable texture and toppings
• You don’t need to bake them
• Perfect for quick desserts or healthy snacking

They work as a sweet treat without the sugar crash because the natural sugars in dates release steadily.

You get quick energy plus a little protein and fat from the peanut butter, which balances things.

Also, they look fancy in a box, so they do double duty as gifts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient: I keep the list freakishly short so you can buy everything on one store run.

You only need four main items and a few optional extras for flair.

• Medjool dates — soft, large
• Peanut butter — smooth or crunchy, your call
• Dark chocolate — at least 60% cocoa for depth
• Chopped peanuts — for crunch and nostalgia
• Optional: sea salt, shredded coconut, or bacon bits

Quality matters here: choose dates that feel plump and slightly tacky rather than hard or dry.

Good dark chocolate makes a huge flavor upgrade, so don’t skimp if you can help it.

And chop your peanuts fresh for crunch instead of using dusty pre-chopped bags.

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

1. Slice the Medjool dates lengthwise and remove the pits.

Cut each date down the center without separating it completely so it still holds shape.

Use a small knife and push out the pit with the tip or your finger.

Don’t toss the pits unless you feel like burrowing them into some sad recipe grave.

2. Fill each date with a small amount of peanut butter.

Spoon or pipe about a teaspoon of peanut butter into each cavity.

I prefer a touch more if I plan to coat them in chocolate.

If you’re nut-free, use sunflower seed butter and no one needs to know.

3. Melt dark chocolate and dip each stuffed date into the chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.

Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to avoid burning.

Hold the date with a fork and dunk it, or spoon chocolate over it if you prefer less mess.

Tap off excess chocolate so the shell stays thin and crackly.

4. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.

Work quickly because chocolate firms fast.

Press the nuts lightly so they stick, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt if you’re fancy.

If you want a cleaner look, add nuts to only half of each date.

5. Let them cool until the chocolate hardens, then enjoy!

Place the dates on parchment and pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

They firm up and taste less like a sticky mess and more like sophisticated candy.

Then, try not to eat them all in one sitting — but I won’t judge if you do.

Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your chocolate preference.

If you take them to a picnic, keep them in a cool box so the shells don’t melt into modern art.

They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cheeky glass of dessert wine.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Little tricks make a big difference with these simple treats.

I use them all the time and swear they cut prep time and mess.

Here are a few practical pointers.

• Choose soft Medjools: softer dates fill easier and taste better
• Warm peanut butter slightly so it blends with the date instead of sitting like a clump
• Use good chocolate: cheap chocolate can seize or taste waxy
• Freeze briefly for transport if you plan to give them away
• Label any nut-free versions so guests don’t freak out

If you want uniform sizes, weigh each stuffed date on a kitchen scale for consistency.

Double the recipe easily by working in batches so chocolate and nuts stay fresh.

If humidity strikes, store the dates in the fridge to keep textures sharp.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

Suggest adding corn, crumbled sausage, or using it as a base for a loaded potato soup.

Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, but let your curiosity win sometimes.

Try sweet and savory mashups like a peanut butter date topped with crispy prosciutto or maple bacon.

Toppings:

• Bacon
• Cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Shredded coconut or crushed pretzels for texture

For a holiday twist, dip them in white chocolate and dust with crushed peppermint.

Swap peanut butter for almond butter and add a sliver of orange zest for an elegant profile.

Create a breakfast-friendly version by pairing dates with Greek yogurt and granola on the side.

Storing and Reheating

Store finished Date Snickers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds if you want melty peanut butter — but watch closely.

If you pack them for lunches, separate layers with parchment so nothing sticks into a gooey mess.

For gifting, chill then wrap individually in wax paper and tie with twine.

To refresh slightly stale chocolate, microwave for three seconds and let sit for a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other kinds of dates?

Yes, but Medjools give the best texture and sweetness.

Smaller or drier dates need soaking to plump up.

I usually soak firm dates in warm water for ten minutes, then drain well.

How do I make them nut-free?

Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.

Use seeds like pumpkin seed topping instead of peanuts.

Label them clearly if you share with guests.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely — they love stuffing and decorating.

Keep them away from hot chocolate and supervise dipping.

You’ll end up with sugar-coated helpers and a happy mess.

Are these healthy?

They make a better option than many processed candy bars because dates bring fiber and micronutrients.

Still, they deliver calories and should fit into your overall plan, not replace whole fruits and veggies.

Treat them as a smarter indulgence rather than a health food miracle.

Conclusion

These Date Snickers give candy vibes with less guilt and way more personality.

I make a batch whenever I need a fast dessert, portable snack, or a small gift that actually impresses.

Want a quick starter recipe or alternative measurements? Check out this helpful guide for another simple take on date-based treats: 5-Ingredient Date Snickers – Rachael’s Good Eats.

If you try them, please leave a comment and rating — I read them and genuinely care what you think.

Ready to snack smarter? Happy snacking, friend.