Date Bark

Looking for a tasty and healthy treat that's easy to make? Date bark is the perfect solution! This delicious snack combines the natural sweetness of dates and the satisfying crunch of nuts with smooth and creamy peanut butter. Follow this simple recipe to make date bark in minutes and enjoy a nutritious, homemade snack anytime!
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Slice of date bark with chocolate, medjool dates, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, and sea salt.
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You might be wondering, “what the heck is date bark?” Date bark is a delicious and wholesome treat that’s quick to make and perfect for snacking. Combining the natural sweetness of dates with creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only easy but also customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Ooh, so many options!

Keep reading and we’ll guide you through the process of making this delectable date bark recipe right in your very own kitchen. With only five simple ingredients from your pantry and clear steps, you’ll have this sweet and crunchy snack ready in no time. Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or a healthy dessert, date bark is a great choice.

If your mouth is officially watering, let’s create this delightful treat!

Why You Must Make this Date Chocolate Bark

Curious about this viral date bark? This heavenly bite combines the natural sweetness of dates with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, creating a snack that’s both tasty and nutritious. Here are some compelling reasons why you should give this date bark recipe a try:

  • Delightful Taste. Date bark combines the sweetness of dates with creamy peanut butter and rich vegan chocolate, making it an irresistible treat that tastes like a Snickers candy bar.
  • Easy to Make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of date chocolate bark in no time.
  • Healthy Snack. Packed with natural ingredients like dates and nuts, it’s a nutritious alternative to sugary snacks.
  • Customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, like chopped nuts (perhaps these candied walnuts might appeal to you?) or dried fruits, to make it your own. With so many choices, it’s like making a different treat every time!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a sweet treat after dinner, this bark fits the bill. This snickers date bark also makes a great homemade, edible gift or party appetizer.
  • Kid-Friendly. Kids love the sweet taste and fun texture, making it a great snack for the whole family.
Holding out a square slice of homemade date bark, showing the bottom with medjool dates pressed together.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

In making the perfect batch of date snicker bark, selecting the right ingredients is essential. From the natural sweetness of dates to the rich allure of chocolate and creamy peanut butter, each component plays a key role in creating this yummy treat. Here are some smart substitutions to help you craft your own irresistible version of date snickers bark:

  • Dates: Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture, serving as the base and main flavor of date bark. Consider using dried figs or apricots if you’re out of dates or you just want to try something new.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add richness and a smooth texture, complementing the sweetness of dates. You could always swap out the vegan milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, vegan white chocolate chips, or cocoa nibs for a more intense chocolate flavor. You could even swirl both white and regular chocolate together and use a toothpick to make beautiful designs on the top of your bark.
  • Peanut Butter: Lends a creaminess and a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture of date bark. Instead of peanut butter, you can substitute for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavor profiles.
  • Chopped Peanuts: Provide crunch and a nutty taste, adding texture and contrast to the chewiness of the dates. Other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans are great, too. If you’re nut-free, seeds such as chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, or sesame are delicious added in, too!
  • Chunky Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of sweet and savory components in date bark, providing a satisfying contrast. Other options for crunchy sea salt include flaky sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Or, if you’re reducing your salt intake, feel free to omit this ingredient.
  • Optional Extras: How about adding in some colorful vegan sprinkles, chopped vegan candy pieces, pretzels, popcorn, coconut, or dried, candied citrus peels? Or, go wild and add a dash of cayenne pepper or thinly sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers to the chocolate coating?!
Top of a slice of date bark covered with chocolate.

How to Make Date Bark

Making this date bark recipe at home is so easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps to create an uber-tasty and nutritious snack. All you need to do is combine the dates, peanut butter, and chocolate into a delicious treat everyone will love. It probably won’t last long, so be prepared you may need to make another batch asap!

Dates placed on a baking tray lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
Hands using the bottom of a glass cup smash the dates flat.

Step 1: Prepare the Dates– Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pits from the dates and place them flat on the sheet to form a square or rectangle. Cover with another sheet of parchment and press with a glass to flatten the dates.

A layer of creamy peanut butter spread over the dates.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter – Spread peanut butter evenly over the flattened dates.

A hand spreading nuts and seeds over the top of the peanut butter layer.
Melted chocolate being spread over the toppings with a spoon.

Then Step 3: Add Toppings – Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the peanut butter. Melt the chocolate, pour it over the top, and spread evenly.

Hands slicing the frozen date bark with a sharp knife.

Finally, Step 4: Freeze and Slice – Sprinkle with chunky sea salt and freeze until solid. Remove from the freezer and slice into squares or bark chunks.

Date Bark Recipe FAQs

Why is food called bark?

Food is called “bark” because it resembles the rough, textured surface of tree bark. This name is often used for desserts like chocolate bark or date bark, which are typically spread out in a thin, uneven layer and broken into pieces. The irregular, rustic appearance of these treats is what gives them the “bark” name.

Does it matter if I use dried or fresh dates?

Dried dates are usually preferred because they are less moist, making the bark firmer and easier to set. Fresh dates contain more moisture, which can make the bark too soft and sticky. Using dried dates also enhances the sweetness and helps the bark hold together better. But, if you only have fresh, they will work, too.

How do I store leftover date bark?

Store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to grab more, you can enjoy it straight out of the freezer.

Can I make this date peanut butter chocolate bark gluten-free?

You sure can! Simply use gluten-free versions of vegan chocolate chips (they usually are, but make sure to check) and peanut butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally without gluten.

Pieces of dark bark stored in a cardboard box.

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Date Bark

5 from 4 votes
This viral recipe lives up to its reputation. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, and soft Medjool dates, you can quickly and easily batch prep a freezer-friendly treat that's actually healthy!
Slice of date bark with chocolate, medjool dates, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, and sea salt.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Medjool dates, soft, with the pit intact if possible
  • ½ cup peanut butter, works best with creamy peanut butter, not the drippy natural kind
  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips, melted
  • ¼ cup peanuts, chopped (or other chopped nuts or seeds)
  • 1 tablespoon chunky sea salt

Instructions

  • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pull each date open lengthwise to remove the pit, and place it flat, with the center facing up, on the lined baking sheet. Continue with remaining dates, lining them up next to each other to form a square or rectangle. Place a second sheet of parchment paper on top of the dates, and use the flat bottom surface of a glass to firmly press and twist across the entire sheet of dates, to flatten them and create a flat base layer of dates. Gently peel the parchment off the dates.
  • Spread the peanut butter over the dates. Use more or less peanut butter to your liking.
  • Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly over the peanut butter.
  • Melt the chocolate and pour over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
  • Sprinkle the top with chunky sea salt and place in the freezer until solid.
  • Remove from the freezer, slice into squares or bark chunks.

Notes

Storage: This date bark recipe is meant to be enjoyed straight out of the freezer. Store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
Other Fun Mix-Ins: Other ingredients may also be used with (or instead of) the chopped peanuts—such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, mini vegan marshmallows, or puffed rice cereal.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 628mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
Course — Dessert, Snack
Cuisine — American
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5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




3 comments
  1. 5 stars
    How did I live without this bark for so long?? It’s absolutely delicious and so full of healthy fiber. My new favorite sweet treat

  2. 5 stars
    Dates, chocolate, and peanut butter!!! Yum. This is delicious.

  3. 5 stars
    So delicious right out of the freezer!

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