This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. We can’t resist easy homemade candy and treats like Cream Cheese Mints, Rice Krispy Treats, or Candied Pecans, and this Date Snickers recipe is a must-try. I don’t even feel guilty enjoying it because it’s made with real food ingredients: dates, peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy peanuts.
Date Snickers Video
Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to make these no-bake Date Bark squares in just a few simple steps. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or looking for a quick sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try!
Date Snickers Recipe
Date Snickers are a viral recipe sensation, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. The recipe has just 4 ingredients (if you don’t count the salt), and it comes together quickly. They’re perfect as a candy or snack alternative, but would also be delicious on a holiday cookie platter. I first discovered Date Snickers thanks to my brother-in-law, Roman, who brought them along on one of our McCall cabin trips. My sister Tatiana, a CRNA who runs a functional medicine clinic, couldn’t stop raving about how dates are a healthier dessert or candy option because dates don’t spike your blood sugar the same way. The taste is so close to a Snickers bar, hence the name ‘Date Snickers.’ They’re like a healthier, copycat version of the classic candy bar! I don’t even feel guilty enjoying it because it’s made with real food ingredients. Plus, it’s super easy to make and keeps well in the refrigerator, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings whenever they hit.
Ingredients for Date Bark Snickers
You’re going to love these- they literally taste like a Snickers bar, but best of all, they use real food ingredients, are gluten-free, vegan, and can easily be customized to any other dietary need.
Medjool Dates – pitted, offer natural sweetness and a chewy texture that replaces caramel. They also help bind all the ingredients together. Chocolate Chips – Use semisweet or milk chocolate. They add sweet indulgence to this recipe. Natural Creamy Peanut Butter – Stirred, it provides a smooth, creamy texture, nutty flavor, and helps to bind the ingredients together. Peanuts – Add crunch and texture to the recipe while complementing the sweetness of the dates and chocolate. Kosher Salt – Sprinkled on top (optional)
How to Make Date Snickers
Roll the Dates – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pit the dates and open them so the sticky centers are facing up. Arrange the dates side by side on the parchment paper to form a rough rectangle shape. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or cup to press the dates into an even layer, ensuring all spaces are filled.
Tips for the Best Date Snickers Bark
Soft Dates – mejool dates are ideal because they have a soft and moist texture and will be easier to roll out. Avoid dates that are dry or shriveled. These are the same dates we used to make Bacon Stuffed Dates. Add peanuts to melted chocolate to ensure it sticks nicely, and then press the peanuts down gently with your fingertips to help them adhere. Don’t overheat chocolate – heat the chocolate chips in 30-second increments and stir between increments. As soon as all of the chocolate blends together and melts when stirred, it’s ready. Overheating will make the chocolate dry. Freeze to set – set the date bark in the freezer for 30 minutes to set, and it will be much easier to slice without the peanut butter oozing out.
I know what you’re thinking. So, there are four ingredients, one of which is fruit, and it’s supposed to taste like a candy bar? Truuuuust me on this one. With fewer than half the ingredients in a typical candy bar, this delicious alternative is satisfying and a healthier alternative.
Chocolate: For a sweeter date bark with a taste reminiscent of a Snickers bar, opt for milk chocolate chips. If you prefer a less sweet, richer flavor, go with dark chocolate chips. Nuts: Experiment with cashews, pistachios, or sliced or slivered almonds to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture. Sweet Toppings: Enhance the sweetness with a drizzle of homemade Caramel Sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Salt: Sprinkle coarse sea salt or salt flakes on top for a more savory flavor
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect date bark and you can find fun topping ideas in our Caramel Apples recipe.
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes
If you love these no-bake Snickers Dates, you won’t miss these other delicious no-bake dessert recipes. They’re simple to make and perfect for when you need a sweet treat without turning on the oven!
Eton Mess Tiramisu No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes Banana Pudding Chocolate Lasagna
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to Natasha’s Newsletter and YouTube for meal-time inspiration and let’s connect on social! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X for a peek behind the scenes of Natasha’s Kitchen.
