Snickers Dates
Swap your traditional candy bar with these Snickers Dates! They are the perfect snack or dessert for people of all ages. I recently prepared multiple batches of these Snickers Dates for multiple events and social gatherings. Each time, they were an absolute hit! These satisfy any sweet tooth, are delicious chilled or at room temperature, and contain natural sweetness, simple ingredients, healthy fats, and the best part, they are a delicious treat that taste like a real snickers bar!
So, let’s dive into how to make some Snickers Dates!
5 Reasons Why I Love Snickers Dates
- This is a no added sugar recipe (*not including a small amount of sugar in the dark chocolate). The dates have natural sugar and the perfect caramel-like flavor for a Snickers Stuffed Date.
- Dark chocolate and majdool dates are a magical flavor combination.
- This is a 5-ingredient easy recipe!
- Yet, another, quick and easy “No bake” dessert that can be made into a big batch in advance.
- This recipe is simply delicious, especially when topped with a bit of flaky sea salt.
The Ingredients in Snickers Dates
Dates: Medjool Dates are the base of this recipe. I like to use natural delights dates. The chewy dates are what make this recipe like a healthy snickers bar, they are similar to the yummy nougat and caramel layers. This makes snickers dates a healthier alternative to this favorite candy bar.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use your favorite brand of peanut butter in this date recipe. The crunchy peanut butter represents the peanuts of the Snickers Bar. You could also use creamy peanut butter in this recipe. Have a peanut allergy or other reason for not wanting to use peanut butter? You can use almond butter or cashew butter instead.
Dark Chocolate (preferably at least 80% cocoa solids): I use high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 80% cocoa solids. The sweet date paired with the dark chocolate is magic in the mouth. I enjoy Classic Blackout Dark Chocolate by Alter Eco. You could use a different type of chocolate such as milk chocolate or another dark chocolate bar.
Coconut Oil: There is an option here to omit the coconut oil, but it helps the chocolate remain shiny as it cools. This makes the dates look appetizing.
Peanuts: Peanuts are a beautiful topper for these Snicker Stuffed Dates. Additionally, peanuts to define the look of these dates. I like making these Snickers Stuffed Dates alongside my Almond Joy Stuffed Dates, which I top with coconut flakes (recipe coming soon).
How to Make Dates with Peanut Butter
In three easy steps
Melt Chocolate
- Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe small bowl.
- Then, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, first for two 30-second increments, then in 10-second intervals, stirring between. It should take about a minute and a half in total.
*Option to melt the chocolate over a double boiler instead of the microwave method. Check out this article by Molly Allen “How to melt chocolate on the stovetop or microwave for smooth results every time” for further detailed instructions.
Stuff and Coat Dates
- Using a sharp knife, remove the pit of each date and slice it in half. Once this step is complete, you will have 20 date halves.
- Fill each date crevasse with a little less than 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. Continue with the remaining 19 date halves.
- Place the peanut butter stuffed date in the bowl of melted chocolate. Use the rubber spatula to help coat the outside.
- Place the date on your parchment paper lined cookie sheet in a single layer and sprinkle the crushed peanuts and/or some flaky salt on top of the dates.
Chill and Serve
- For the final step, once all the dates are ready to go, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to solidify. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week and enjoy this sweet treat all week long.
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Dates
Dates are one of my favorite natural sweeteners to add to recipes. Fresh dates are 55% sugar, and that percentage increases as the dates dry. Below, I will briefly touch upon date origins, where they grow, how to store them, date nutrition information, and lastly, how I use dates in recipes.
Origins
The date is native to the Middle East and grows in thick clusters on the date palm tree.
Where they grow
Dates grow well in a hot/dry climate. In addition to the Middle East, dates grow in Arizona, California, and Africa.
Storage
You can store dried dates for 6 months on the counter and for up to a year in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Dates are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber; they even have a fair amount of protein and iron.
How I Use Dates in Recipes
- In smoothies
- Chopped over a salad
- Chopped and mixed into rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Stuffed as an appetizer, dessert, or snack
Like this recipe?
Below are a few others you may enjoy.
Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Smoothie
Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
0 Comments