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This Date Bark brings together the indulgence of a classic candy bar with the wholesome goodness of natural ingredients. Think of it as a healthier twist on a Snickers, where Medjool dates add a caramel-like flavor to the bark. Paired with creamy peanut butter, crunchy almonds, and rich dark chocolate, every bite is a balance of flavors and textures that’s oh-so-good! I first shared this recipe on social media after learning about it from That Health Junkie.
Table of Contents
Sometimes, the most yummy treats are born from the simplest of ingredients. Meet my Date Bark. A decadent blend of nature’s candy, rich dark chocolate, nutty flavors, and that subtle hint of sea salt to round it all off. At first glance, you might think, “How does this taste like a Snickers?” But trust me, one bite in, and you’ll get it. It’s a fun, healthier spin on a classic candy bar and a whole new way to eat dates. So if you’re up for an unexpected treat that’s both satisfying and surprisingly reminiscent of a beloved chocolate bar, this Date Bark is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Date Bark
- Quick and Easy: No baking or complicated steps involved. Just layer, freeze, and enjoy!
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for a post-workout treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a dessert to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.
- Rich in Nutrients: Dates are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this bark not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy this treat, making it perfect for family snack time.
Ingredients to Make Date Bark
- Medjool Dates: Dates are the foundation for our bark, providing chewiness and deep caramel-like notes.
- Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy richness that complements the sweetness of the dates.
- Almonds: For that delightful crunch in every bite. Plus, they’re a great source of healthy fats and protein.
- Dark Chocolate: This not only adds a luxurious taste but also packs in antioxidants.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle enhances the sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
How to make Date Bark
The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the bark to set up!
How to make Medjool date bark
- Place the Medjool dates, open side up on parchment paper in rows of 4 and columns of 6.
- Use your hands or a cup (with cooking spray) to press them down onto the baking sheet as close together as possible.
- Drizzle with peanut butter and sprinkle almonds on top.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate on top and use a spatula to spread out evenly.
Let chocolate set
- Sprinkle with salt and freeze for 30 minutes.
- When the chocolate is set, break it into about 24 pieces.
Tips for Making the Best Date Bark
- Choose Fresh Dates: Always opt for soft and plump Medjool dates. Older dates can be drier and won’t provide the desired chewy texture.
- Melt Chocolate Properly: When melting the chocolate, use a double boiler or melt it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Chill Properly: After assembling the bark, ensure you give it a full 30 minutes in the freezer to allow all the ingredients to set together.
- Use Quality Peanut Butter: Choose a natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugars or oils. It provides a richer flavor and smoother texture.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Walnuts or Pecans: If you’re not a fan of almonds, or simply want to mix things up, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or pecans.
- White or Milk Chocolate: While dark chocolate provides a rich taste, feel free to swap it out for white or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- Cashew or Almond Butter: Not into peanut butter? Use cashew or almond butter as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Add Dried Fruit: Sprinkle in some dried cranberries or raisins for an additional fruity twist and contrasting texture.
How to Store Date Bark
After you’ve taken the time to craft this delightful treat, storing it correctly is essential to maintain its taste and texture. Keep your Date Bark in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge.
How Long Will Date Bark Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the fridge, Date Bark will remain fresh and tasty for up to two weeks. The cool environment helps maintain the crunch of the almonds and ensures the chocolate doesn’t melt.
Can I Freeze Date Bark?
Absolutely! If you want to extend its shelf life or have a cold treat ready at a moment’s notice, you can store the Date Bark in the freezer. When stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, it can last for up to 3 months. Just ensure to give it a few minutes at room temperature before digging in, to get the best texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions
While Medjool dates are preferred for their size and sweetness, regular dates can also be used. However, they might be slightly less sweet and smaller in size.
Chocolate can seize if it comes into direct contact with even a small amount of liquid. Ensure all utensils are dry, and when melting, do so gently without introducing any moisture.
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Coconut flakes, chia seeds, or even a drizzle of caramel would make great toppings.
This Date Bark, reminiscent of the beloved Snickers, offers a delicate balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making it for a quiet evening treat, a healthier dessert alternative, or to impress your friends, it’s bound to become a new favorite!
More Medjool Date recipes:
- Date Shake
- TikTok Date Snickers
- Date Cookies
- Banana Date Smoothie
- Pecan Date Bars
- Coconut Date Balls
- Stuffed Dates
- Date Maamoul Cookies
- Date Pecan Pie
If you try this feel good Date Bark recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
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Date Bark
Ingredients
- 24 medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup peanut butter warmed
- ½ cup almonds chopped
- 4 ounces dark chocolate melted
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the medjool dates, open side up on a parchment paper in rows of 4 and columns of 6. Use your hands or a cup (with cooking spray) to press them down onto the baking sheet as close together as possible.
- Drizzle with peanut butter and sprinkle almonds on top. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top and use a spatula to spread out evenly. Sprinkle with salt and freeze for 30 minutes.
- When the chocolate is set, break into about 24 pieces. Keep in the fridge for best results
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
I got the ingredients to make this a few weeks ago, and finally got around to making it! Oh my gosh, it is yummy! I added large, unsweetened, coconut flakes, and a crushed nut assortment of almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins. This is so satisfying! I used unsweetened 100% cacao bark, and 100% peanut butter. And it’s still sweet. I can’t wait to make some for Christmas this weekend as little favors for some family members! I love following all of your recipes! Everything is “so good!”
That sounds amazing, thanks for sharing!
Would the dates stick together better if the open side was on the bottom and then the tops would be smoother and not as sticky. I found it difficult to flattened them with the open side up because they were very sticky. I tried to put them together like a puzzle. Any suggestions?
Very tasty and healthy. I used peanuts instead of almonds. But I used 1 cup of melted chocolate. The 1/2 cup was not enough. Excellent recipe. I’m going to try it next with Almonds and coconut. Thank you.