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Craving a sweet treat that feels totally indulgent yet is made with wholesome ingredients This homemade Date Snickers remake delivers all the caramel chocolate and nutty flavors of your favorite candy bar with none of the heaviness or refined sugar My family has requested these again and again for birthday parties cozy movie nights and after-dinner snacks
When I first made these Date Snickers my husband guessed they were traditional candy bars He now keeps a secret stash in the fridge and claims it is the happiest thing about weeknights
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: Sweet sticky and rich in natural caramel flavor Choose soft plump dates for best texture
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds decadence and nutty depth Go for a brand with just peanuts and salt if possible
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Create the classic Snickers crunch Look for unsalted and roast your own for the freshest flavor
- Dark chocolate: Use one with at least 70 percent cocoa for a deep chocolatey shell and antioxidant boost
- Coconut oil: Helps the melted chocolate form a glossy snappy coating Opt for unrefined coconut oil for a subtle aroma
- Sea salt flakes: Finish with these for bursts of sparkle and contrast Seek flaky or large-grain salt for best texture
Instructions
- Prep the Dates:
- Split each medjool date by slicing lengthwise without cutting all the way through Remove the pit from the center and gently open each date to make a pocket
- Fill with Peanut Butter:
- Using a small spoon scoop creamy peanut butter into each date pocket Smooth it out so the inside is fully covered but not overflowing
- Add Roasted Peanuts:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of chopped roasted peanuts into the peanut butter Gently press so they stick to the filling and stay put when dipped
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Combine dark chocolate pieces with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl Heat in short bursts around twenty seconds each stirring until smooth and glossy The coconut oil helps the chocolate flow and set perfectly
- Coat Each Date:
- Using a fork or dipping tool gently lower each stuffed date into the melted chocolate Turn to coat fully then lift and let extra chocolate drip off Set on a parchment-lined tray so they do not stick
- Add a Salty Finish:
- While the chocolate is still wet top each date with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes This locks in flavor and adds a burst of salty crunch
- Chill to Set:
- Slide the tray into your refrigerator Leave until the chocolate hardens about twenty to thirty minutes The dates should be firm and ready to eat
- Ready to Serve:
- Take from the fridge and serve immediately for a cool chewy texture Or let them come to room temperature for a softer bite
My favorite ingredient is definitely the medjool dates When fresh and gooey they stand in for caramel perfectly I remember making a batch with my niece and it turned into a chocolate covered kitchen adventure we still laugh about
Storage Tips
Store finished Date Snickers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week They stay fresh and the chocolate remains snappy For a chewier texture let them stand at room temperature for ten minutes before eating If freezing line a container with parchment and layer with more parchment in between
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter for allergy friendly versions Use cashews or hazelnuts in place of peanuts for a new spin If you prefer sweeter chocolate milk chocolate chips work but dark chocolate adds balance
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a dessert platter at gatherings paired with fresh berries Add to a lunchbox for a midday treat or enjoy as a post dinner nibble They also make clever edible gifts wrapped in little boxes
Cultural Inspiration
Date-based sweets are a beloved tradition across North Africa and the Middle East This riff borrows the idea of stuffing dates with nuts but brings in the nostalgic flavors of a classic Snickers bar bridging cultures and comfort
Seasonal Adaptations
Try adding toasted coconut for a tropical twist Sprinkle pumpkin spice into the melted chocolate in autumn Swap peanut butter for spiced cookie butter in winter for holiday flair
Success Stories
My best friend tried these on a camping trip and declared them the best fireside snack Her kids now call them “magic dates” and even set up taste tests against store bought candy bars They win every single time
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze place the chocolate coated dates in a single layer on a lined tray Freeze until solid then transfer to a sealed bag They keep up to two months Defrost at room temperature for thirty minutes for best texture
Make a batch now and see why these Date Snickers are a family favorite around here They taste just as decadent as they look
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of dates works best for this snack?
Medjool dates are ideal thanks to their large size, soft texture, and natural sweetness.
- → Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond or cashew butter can also be used for a twist on flavor and texture.
- → Will milk chocolate work instead of dark chocolate?
Milk chocolate can be substituted if you prefer a sweeter coating, though dark chocolate provides a richer taste.
- → How should I store these snacks?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and the filling fresh.
- → Can these be made nut-free?
You can use sunflower seed butter and skip the peanuts for a nut-free alternative.