When you crave a candy bar but want something healthier, homemade date Snickers bars provide the perfect solution. These no-bake treats recreate the classic Snickers flavors—chewy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate—using wholesome ingredients. The star of this recipe is Medjool dates, which naturally provide sweetness and a soft, caramel-like texture. Filled with nut butter and peanuts, then coated in chocolate, they taste indulgent while offering better nutrition. You can prepare a batch in less than an hour and store them for quick snacks or desserts.
Ingredients
To make about 12–14 date Snickers, gather the following:
Main ingredients:
- 12–14 Medjool dates, large and soft
- 80 g (⅓ cup) natural peanut butter (unsweetened, creamy or crunchy)
- 40 g (¼ cup) roasted peanuts, unsalted or lightly salted
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% preferred), chopped or in chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, helps smooth the melted chocolate)
Optional toppings:
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
- Drizzle of extra nut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dates
- Use a small knife to slice each Medjool date lengthwise, removing the pit while keeping the date intact.
- Gently open them like a pocket, making space for the filling.
Step 2: Add the peanut butter
- Fill each date with about 1–2 teaspoons of peanut butter, depending on size.
- Smooth the top slightly with the back of the spoon.
Step 3: Add the crunch
- Place 2–3 roasted peanuts into the peanut butter filling of each date.
- Press lightly so they stick.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate
- Place chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
Step 5: Dip the dates
- Using a fork, dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
- Tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Place dipped dates on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 6: Finish and set
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed peanuts before the chocolate sets.
- Place the tray in the fridge for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Conservation and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They stay firm and keep their freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw for 10 minutes at room temperature before eating.
- Room temperature: Safe for about a day, but the chocolate may soften if it’s warm.
Tips for Perfect Date Snickers
- Choose soft Medjool dates: They provide the best caramel-like texture. If dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry.
- Use quality chocolate: Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the dates. Milk chocolate works but makes the recipe sweeter.
- Don’t skip the chill time: Refrigeration ensures the coating sets properly and prevents mess.
- Add texture contrast: Roasted peanuts give crunch, making them taste like real candy bars.
- Batch size: Double the recipe if you want to prepare snacks for the week or gift them.
Variations
- Almond version: Replace peanut butter and peanuts with almond butter and roasted almonds.
- Cashew caramel bars: Use cashew butter with cashew pieces for a creamy twist.
- Vegan Snickers: Stick with dairy-free dark chocolate to keep the recipe vegan.
- Coconut Snickers: Add shredded coconut inside the date with nut butter.
- Protein boost: Mix protein powder into the nut butter before filling the dates.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini and top with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- As a snack: Keep a few in the fridge for a midday pick-me-up.
- With coffee or tea: Enjoy with a latte or herbal tea for a balanced treat.
- Dessert platter: Add them to a tray with fruit, brownies, or cookies for parties.
- Post-workout bite: Combine natural sugars and protein for energy and recovery.
- Gifting: Pack them in small boxes lined with parchment for a healthier homemade gift.
Conclusion
Easy and healthy date Snickers bring together indulgence and nutrition in one bite-sized treat. They mimic the flavors of a classic candy bar while using real, wholesome ingredients. With just dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate, you can create a snack that’s quick to assemble, easy to store, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy them as a guilt-free dessert, a snack on the go, or a homemade gift, these date Snickers deliver flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Once you try them, they’re likely to become a permanent favorite in your kitchen rotation.
PrintEasy and Healthy Date Snickers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 date Snickers 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthier spin on the classic candy bar, these no-bake date Snickers are chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey. Made with Medjool dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and dark chocolate, they’re simple, indulgent, and nutritious—perfect for snacks, dessert, or gifting.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
12–14 Medjool dates, large and soft
80 g (⅓ cup) natural peanut butter (unsweetened, creamy or crunchy)
40 g (¼ cup) roasted peanuts, unsalted or lightly salted
200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% preferred), chopped or in chips
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smooth chocolate melting)
Optional toppings:
Sea salt flakes
Crushed peanuts
Drizzle of extra nut butter
Instructions
Prepare the dates: Slice each date lengthwise, remove the pit, and create a pocket.
Fill with peanut butter: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons into each date and smooth.
Add peanuts: Insert 2–3 roasted peanuts into the filling.
Melt chocolate: Heat chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip the dates: Coat each filled date in melted chocolate, shake off excess, and place on parchment paper.
Finish and set: Sprinkle with sea salt or peanuts, then chill for 20–30 minutes until hardened.
Notes
Soak dry dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for best balance of flavor.
Always chill after dipping to avoid sticky hands.
Double the batch to keep handy for snacks or gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion (Healthy Treats)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 date Snickers
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: healthy snickers dates, date snickers recipe, homemade healthy candy, no-bake peanut butter date snack, chocolate-covered dates