Date Snickers

Looking for a healthier sweet treat that satisfies your candy cravings without the guilt? Let me introduce you to Date Snickers—my go-to recipe when I want something indulgent, quick, and surprisingly wholesome.

These little bites of bliss are stuffed with creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and topped with rich dark chocolate—just like the real deal, but made entirely with natural ingredients. No refined sugar, no baking, no hassle!

Perfect for snacking, sharing, or sneaking into lunchboxes, these Date Snickers are vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber, thanks to the star ingredient—Medjool dates. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bought candy bars in the first place.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own batch of homemade Date Snickers:

• 9 soft Medjool dates (the squishier, the better!)
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut butter you love)
• 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for crunch)
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa for best flavor)
• Flaky sea salt (optional but recommended—for that perfect sweet-salty finish)

Required Kitchen Tools

No fancy equipment needed here—just a few basic tools and you’re good to go:

1. Cutting Board + Knife – for slicing and prepping the dates safely.
2. Small Spoon or Butter Knife – perfect for spreading peanut butter into the date halves.
3. Heat-Safe Bowl + Saucepan – for melting chocolate using the double boiler method.
4. Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – to prevent sticking when cooling the finished bites.
5. Fridge or Freezer – helps the chocolate set quickly so you can start snacking ASAP.

How to Prepare and Assemble Your Date Snickers

Making Date Snickers is super simple, and it’s honestly one of my favorite no-bake recipes when I want something sweet in under 15 minutes. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Start by prepping your Medjool dates. I like to use my fingers to gently pull each date apart and remove the pit from the center. If you prefer a cleaner look, you can slice them lengthwise with a small knife. Just make sure not to cut them all the way through—you want to create a little “date boat” to hold the filling.

Tip: If your dates feel a bit dry or firm, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes and pat them dry. This brings back their soft, caramel-like texture and makes them easier to work with.

Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter Filling

Next, grab your peanut butter (or almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free) and spoon about ½ teaspoon into each date half. I like to be generous here—just make sure it’s not overflowing too much or it’ll be messy when you add the chocolate.

After that, sprinkle some chopped peanuts over the peanut butter. This adds that signature “Snickers crunch” that takes these to the next level.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Now for the fun part—melting the chocolate! You can use a double boiler for better control or pop the chocolate chips into the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Here’s how I do it with a double boiler:

• Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer.
• Place a heat-safe bowl on top (make sure it doesn’t touch the water), then add the chocolate chips.
• Stir slowly as the steam melts the chocolate into a glossy, pourable topping.

Drizzling, Decorating, and Chilling Your Date Snickers

With your dates stuffed and your chocolate perfectly melted, it’s time to bring everything together into that iconic Snickers-inspired treat.

Step 4: Drizzle the Chocolate

Place all your filled date halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over each date. You don’t need to coat the entire thing—just a thick layer over the top will give you that perfect chocolate shell without overpowering the natural sweetness of the date.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, use a fork to flick some extra chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over the top for that artisan look.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

While the chocolate is still shiny and slightly wet, sprinkle each date with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This step is optional—but trust me, it adds an incredible contrast that makes the sweetness pop.

Think sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy… every bite hits all the cravings.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Transfer the tray to the fridge for 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens into a firm shell. You can also place them in the freezer if you’re in a hurry—just don’t forget them in there too long or they’ll be rock solid!

Once the chocolate is set, your Date Snickers are ready to enjoy.

Storage, Serving Ideas & Final Thoughts

Now that your Date Snickers are prepped and chilled, let’s talk about how to store them, creative ways to serve them, and a few final tips to make this recipe your own.

Storage Instructions

The beauty of this recipe (besides how delicious it is) lies in how well these treats keep.

• At Room Temperature: Store your Date Snickers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week—perfect for daily snacking!
• In the Fridge: Want to keep them fresher longer? Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• In the Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temp for the perfect texture.

Serving Ideas

Date Snickers are delicious straight from the fridge, but here are a few fun serving suggestions:

• As a dessert platter: Arrange them with dried fruit, dark chocolate chunks, and nuts for a beautiful no-bake dessert board.
• Pre-workout snack: Packed with natural sugars, fiber, and healthy fats—one or two make a great energy bite.
• Chopped in oats or smoothie bowls: Dice a few and toss into breakfast bowls for a candy-like surprise.

Conclusion

There you have it—homemade Date Snickers that are just as satisfying as a candy bar, but made with real, wholesome ingredients. They’re quick, easy, and totally customizable. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack, a guilt-free dessert, or a fun recipe to make with kids, these are a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Next time you’re craving chocolate or a Snickers bar, skip the store-bought stuff and whip up a batch of these instead. Trust me, your sweet tooth (and your body) will thank you!