Date Bark (Viral Recipe) (2024)

This Snickers-inspired Date Bark Recipe went viral for a reason! Made with just a handful of simple, nutritious ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and tastes just like candy.

What Is Date Bark?

Date bark is essentially a healthier version of classic candy bark recipes like chocolate peppermint bark or coconut chocolate almond bark. Instead of having a base of chocolate, we use dates!

Then, they’re topped with peanut butter and a drizzle of chocolate and frozen. The end result is chunks of “candy” full of chocolate peanut butter flavor but way less sugar and calories than traditional recipes.

Date Bark That Will Have Your Guests Begging for More

If you know us, you know we have some pretty big sweet tooths. While we’re all for indulging every once in a while, we like to try to incorporate healthier versions of our favorite treats into our weeks.

And this easy date bark recipe is one of our favorite ways to do just that! Made with all the flavors of Snickers, it:

• Comes together with just a handful of pantry staple ingredients.
• Requires minimal prep time and has a total time of under 30 minutes.
• Is full of vitamins, nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that you probably already have all the ingredients without needing to run to your local grocery store. However, if not, they’re all super easy to find.

Here’s what you need:

• Peanut Butter – This adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dates. We recommend using natural, creamy peanut butter made from just peanuts.
• Peanuts – Add a satisfying crunch to every bite along with a boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Dark Chocolate Chips – This creates an indulgent taste while adding antioxidants. Chocolate you can feel good about? Yes, please!
• Coconut Oil – Used to think out the chocolate, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Flakey Sea Salt – Technically optional, a small sprinkle adds the perfect savory contrast to tie the whole recipe together.

Health Benefits of Medjool Dates

It’s no secret that we love dates, but our fondness for them extends well beyond they’re scrumptious taste! Medjool dates are also full of health benefits, too.

For example, dates are:

• A good source of calcium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese.
• Rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin K.
• An excellent source of fiber.
• Naturally low in fat.
• Low on the glycemic index scale, meaning they provide a slow release of carbohydrates for sustained energy.

How to Make Your Favorite Candy with Healthy Ingredients

Everything for this date bark recipe comes together soooo easily. The only hard part is waiting for the chocolate to set!

1. Prepare the Dates. To start, line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, gently split the dates open, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, letting them overlap and stick together.
2. Top. Drizzle the melted peanut butter on top, coating the dates completely. Next, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the peanut butter.
3. Melt the Chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil, stirring to combine. Drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter and peanuts.
4. Chill. Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the melted chocolate, and transfer the dates to the freezer until the chocolate sets.
5. Serve. Carefully chop the date bark into pieces, and enjoy it right away, or save it for later!

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Dates. These are the star of the show! So, you want to make sure your dates are fresh, plump, and juicy. The older they are, the drier they will be!
• Soak the Dates. If your dates aren’t quite as soft as you’d like them to be, soak them in hot water for about ten minutes to allow them to soften. Just be sure to drain and dry them well!
• Don’t Burn the Chocolate! Chocolate can be finicky. So, keep a close eye on it, melting it in a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, and be sure to stir in between.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients. Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s important to use high-quality items. For example, look for natural peanut butter that is free from oils or added sugar, opt for large, fresh dates, and choose a rich chocolate. Trust us, you can taste the difference!
• Allow Plenty of Time. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but you’ll want to allow enough time for the chocolate to harden and set. Otherwise, your bark might fall apart!

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe being so simple is that it’s also really easy to customize! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs.

• Swap the Peanut Butter. Replace the peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter like almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, or tahini.
• Use Different Nuts. Replace the peanuts or add to them with any nut or seed you like best such as chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, pepitas, or sunflower seeds.
• Add Dried Fruit. Add a bit of chewy texture and a fruity twist by sprinkling dried cherries, dried cranberries, raisins, or dried blueberries over the chocolate.
• Swap the Chocolate. Switch up the flavor profile by using milk or white chocolate in place of the dark chocolate.

How to Store

Date bark is great to make ahead of time and keep on hand for packed lunches, school box snacks, or whenever a craving strikes. It also makes for a great gift!

• To Store: Once broken into pieces, the bark can be transferred to an airtight container or sealable bag and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• To Freeze: Freeze leftover bark for up to three months. To enjoy, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften and become easier to chew.

Common Questions About This Viral Date Bark Recipe

More Ways to Use Dates

If you enjoy this date bark recipe, you won’t want to miss out on more of our easy date recipes below!

• Heart-Shaped Stuffed Medjool Dates
• Chocolate Covered Dates with Peanut Butter
• S’mores Stuffed Dates
• Almond Joy Dates