Snickers Dates – A Naturally Sweet Treat
Craving something sweet but looking for a better option? Snickers Dates are a simple, satisfying treat that combines natural sweetness, creamy richness, and a little crunch.
They make a great snack, dessert, or party treat and are always a crowd favorite. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re delicious chilled or at room temperature. Best of all, they have all the flavors of a Snickers bar without the processed sugars.
Let’s 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.
Dates: A Naturally Sweet Flexitarian Staple
Dates are one of my favorite natural sweeteners to add to plant-focused recipes. They offer a rich, caramel-like sweetness while providing fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Below, I’ll cover their origins, where they grow, the best ways to store them, their nutritional benefits, and how I love using them in flexitarian meals.
Where Do Dates Come From?
Dates originate from the Middle East, where they grow in large clusters on date palm trees.
Where Do Dates Grow?
These fruits thrive in hot, dry climates. In addition to the Middle East, dates are grown in regions like Africa, Arizona, and California.
How to Store Dates
Dried dates can be kept at room temperature for up to six months, but for long-term freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
Why Are Dates a Great Flexitarian Ingredient?
Dates are more than just a natural sweetener. They’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, and even small amounts of protein and iron. Their natural sugars provide quick energy, making them a great addition to plant-based snacks, desserts, and even savory dishes.
If you follow a flexitarian diet, a mostly plant-based way of eating that includes occasional animal products. Dates are an easy way to add natural sweetness without refined sugar. I love blending them into smoothies, stirring them into energy bites, baking them into treats, or using them to add depth to sauces and dressings. They bring natural sweetness and a boost of nutrients to any recipe.
Want to learn more about the flexitarian diet? Check out this article about Flexitarian diets!
How I Use Dates in Recipes
- Blended into smoothies for natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- Sprinkled over salads for a chewy, sweet contrast to fresh greens.
- Mixed into grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for added texture and depth.
- Stuffed with nuts, cheese, or nut butter for an easy appetizer, dessert, or snack.
- Puréed into sauces and dressings for a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Love This Recipe? Try These Next!
Below are a few others you may enjoy.
Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Smoothie
Strawberry Cornbread Drop Biscuits
Dates with Peanut Butter (Snickers Dates)
Equipment
- 1 heat safe bowl
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 cookie sheet with parchment paper
- 1 spoon
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool Dates
- 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter or smooth
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate 85% cocoa solids
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp chopped unsalted peanuts
Instructions
Melt Chocolate
- Microwave chocolate and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl for 30 seconds, then in 10-second intervals, stirring until smooth (~1½ minutes total).
Stuff and Chocolate Coat Dates
- Slice each date in half, removing pits (20 halves total). Fill each crevice with just under 1 tsp peanut butter.
- Dip each stuffed date in melted chocolate, using a spatula to coat evenly. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and sprinkle with ½ tsp chopped peanuts.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate 30 minutes until set. Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The amount of peanut butter may vary depending on how much is used to fill each date. Expect to use approximately ⅓ cup, but you may need slightly more or less.
- For best results, use dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa solids. The recipe is calculated using 3.5 oz (100g) of 85% dark chocolate, but you may melt extra to ensure easy coating. If using more chocolate, note that this may slightly alter the nutrition information.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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