Date Snickers Recipe
Hey friend, if you’re craving a sweet treat that’s quick, oh-so-delicious, and feels a bit indulgent without the fuss, then you’re going to love this Date Snickers Recipe. It’s like a bite-sized power snack—chewy dates stuffed with creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and dipped in luscious dark chocolate. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for an easy dessert or whenever you want that perfect touch of sweet and salty magic.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just four ingredients combine to create a snack that’s both satisfying and complex in taste.
- No-Bake Ease: No oven required! The microwave does all the work melting chocolate quickly, perfect for busy days.
- Customizable Crunch: You can swap the peanuts or experiment with nut butters to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These date Snickers hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Date Snickers Recipe plays a star role. Medjool dates are naturally sticky and sweet, giving that caramel-like chewiness. Peanut butter adds creamy richness, while the roasted peanuts provide crunch to mimic the classic Snickers texture. And of course, the dark chocolate coating ties it all together with its bittersweet depth — making this treat totally crave-worthy.
- Medjool Dates: Go for soft, plump Medjool dates—they’re easier to stuff and sweeter, which makes all the difference.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling; natural peanut butter works too, just mix it well before use.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts: Freshly roasted and chopped peanuts bring the perfect crunch and flavor contrast.
- Dark Chocolate Bar: Choose good quality dark chocolate (about 60-70% cocoa) for a rich, slightly bitter coating that balances the date’s sweetness.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible the Date Snickers Recipe is! I usually stick to the classic ingredients, but sometimes I switch up nut butters or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for an extra flavor pop. Feel free to riff on this and make it your own—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy.
- Variation: One time, I tried almond butter instead of peanut butter and sprinkled crushed pistachios on top. It was a lovely twist with a milder nutty flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free dark chocolate and natural peanut butter to keep this recipe totally plant-based.
- Chunky Texture: Add some shredded coconut or chopped pretzels into the peanut filling for an unexpected crunch boost.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Date Snickers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dates
First, grab your Medjool dates and use a small, sharp knife to make a gentle lengthwise slit in each one. Carefully remove the pits without tearing the flesh too much. This step is crucial because you want enough room to stuff in the peanut butter, but still have the date hold its shape like a little pocket.
Step 2: Stuff the Dates with Peanut Butter and Peanuts
Spoon about one teaspoon of peanut butter into each date’s cavity. Then sprinkle or gently press about a teaspoon of chopped roasted peanuts on top of the peanut butter. Don’t rush this part—filling each date makes the snack feel a bit special and totally worth the effort.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Pop your chocolate chunks into a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent burning and encourages the chocolate to melt evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a little chunky at first—it will smooth out as you stir.
Step 4: Dip and Coat the Dates
Stick a toothpick inside each stuffed date—it’s way easier to dip that way! Dunk the date into the melted chocolate, then use a spoon to cover every nook and cranny. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the date on a parchment-lined tray. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts on top for a final crunchy touch.
Step 5: Set and Chill
Pop the tray into the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden. This chilling time is perfect to firm up the outside without drying out the dates inside. Then—voilà! Your luscious Date Snickers are ready to enjoy.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Choose Soft Dates: When your dates are fresh and plump, stuffing them is much easier and tastier.
- Chocolate Melting Patience: Stir after every 30-second microwave interval to avoid burnt chocolate—this really saves the batch from bitterness.
- Use Toothpicks for Easy Dipping: Helps coat the dates evenly and keeps your hands clean—bonus points for presentation, too!
- Let Chocolate Set Properly: Don’t rush chilling; 10 minutes in the fridge makes a crisp outer shell and a gooey center.
How to Serve Date Snickers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on these once the chocolate sets—it brings out the sweetness of the dates and balances the rich peanut butter. Sometimes I add a few extra chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and eye appeal. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cocoa powder never hurts either.
Side Dishes
These Date Snickers make a fantastic little sweet bite alongside a nice cup of coffee or chai tea. For a party spread, I pair them with a fruit platter or cheese board to balance flavors and textures. They’re also great after a salad or light lunch—they satisfy that sweet tooth without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or special occasions, I arrange these on decorative trays lined with parchment paper and tie a small ribbon around each date with the toothpick in place—so cute! You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners to keep them neat and make it easy for guests to grab. They’re perfect little homemade treats that always get compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled, I keep these Date Snickers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a month, making them a great snack to enjoy over time. The chocolate stays firm but not too hard, while the date filling remains soft and chewy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these treats successfully in a sealed container for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature—this keeps the texture just right without sogginess.
Reheating
No real reheating needed here, but if you want to soften the chocolate just a touch, I warm them gently on the counter — about 5-10 minutes—before serving. Just be careful not to leave them too long or the chocolate will melt completely.
FAQs
-
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts for the Date Snickers Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pistachios, depending on your preference or any allergy concerns. Just make sure to chop them finely for that satisfying crunch without overwhelming the dates.
-
Are there gluten-free or vegan adaptations of this Date Snickers Recipe?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. To keep it vegan, just use dairy-free dark chocolate and plant-based peanut butter. It’s a safe and delicious option for most diets.
-
How long can I store the Date Snickers in the fridge?
They stay fresh and tasty for up to one month when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure they’re chilled well to keep the chocolate coating firm.
-
Can I make this recipe without a microwave?
Definitely! You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop. Just stir the chocolate gently over simmering water until fully melted for that smooth coating.
-
What type of dates should I buy for the best Date Snickers?
Soft, large Medjool dates are your best bet. They’re naturally very sweet, easy to stuff, and have the perfect chewy texture to mimic the classic Snickers bar experience.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and munching on this Date Snickers Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those little homemade treats that always impress and satisfy without complicated steps or ingredients. Give it a try the next time you want a quick dessert or need a sweet pick-me-up—you might just find yourself stocking up on Medjool dates forever like I do! Don’t forget to share with friends or save some for yourself; these bites are pure joy.
Print
Date Snickers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Date Snickers are a healthier take on the classic candy bar, featuring medjool dates stuffed with creamy peanut butter, crunchy roasted peanuts, and coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect as a snack or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
Stuffed Dates
- 12 medjool dates
- ¼ cup peanut butter, divided
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts, divided
Chocolate Coating
- 4 ounces dark chocolate bar, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Use a small sharp knife to cut a slit lengthwise on each date and carefully remove the pits to create space for the filling.
- Stuff Dates: Fill each pitted date with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter and top with 1 teaspoon of chopped roasted peanuts. Set the stuffed dates aside on a plate.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chunks into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave at 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat Dates in Chocolate: Insert a toothpick into each stuffed date and dip it into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to fully cover the date with chocolate and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Garnish and Set: Transfer the chocolate-coated dates to a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts on top. Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the stuffed dates refrigerated for up to one month or freeze for up to six months.
- Use medjool dates for best flavor and texture; they are naturally sweet and soft.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter and peanuts with sunflower seed butter and seeds.
- Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before dipping for an even coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed date
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg