This viral Date Snickers recipe features Medjool dates rolled flat, slathered with peanut butter, coated in chocolate, and topped with crunchy peanuts. Date Bark is a way better alternative to a Snickers candy bar! 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 RecipeDate 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 Tanya, a CRNA, couldn’t stop raving about how dates are a healthier dessert or candy option.
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 SnickersYou’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.
ChocolateChips – 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) VariationsThese Date Snickers treats are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with some tasty variations to explore new flavors and textures:
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 flavorFeel 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.
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.
Spread Peanut Butter – Remove the top layer of parchment paper and spread the peanut butter evenly over the dates. An offset spatula helps achieve an even layer.
Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate according to the package instructions until melted. Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds; it usually takes 60 to 90 seconds to fully melt.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter, then use a spoon or offset spatula to spread it into an even layer over the peanut butter.
Finish with Nuts – While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the chopped peanuts (or nuts of your choosing) on top and gently press them into the chocolate. If using, sprinkle on the kosher salt.
Bold Step – Refrigerate the bar uncovered until the chocolate is firm, about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 30 minutes. Once the bark is set, use a knife to cut it into Snickers-sized bars. Snickers Copycat Tip: If you want your Date Bark to taste more like a Snickers bar, opt for milk chocolate in your Copycat Snickers bars. You can’t go wrong with either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, but milk chocolate gives you that extra hint of sweetness.
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. Make-Ahead
To Store: Store Date Snickers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Once the chocolate has set and you’ve cut the Date Snickers into pieces, you can store them individually wrapped or in an airtight container in the freezer. Keep a stash on hand for when you crave a sweet treat. Pull out a piece and let it thaw for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. 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.
More No-Bake Dessert RecipesIf 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 LasagnaHUNGRY 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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Ingredients for Date Bark SnickersYou’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.
VariationsThese Date Snickers treats are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with some tasty variations to explore new flavors and textures:
Snickers Copycat Tip: If you want your Date Bark to taste more like a Snickers bar, opt for milk chocolate in your Copycat Snickers bars. You can’t go wrong with either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, but milk chocolate gives you that extra hint of sweetness.
Make-Ahead
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.
