Introduction
If I told you that you could enjoy the indulgent flavor of a Snickers bar — rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts — without refined sugar or hours in the kitchen, would you believe me? 🙋♀️
Enter: Date Snickers 🍫✨
I still remember the first time I tried these. It was during a summer wellness challenge, and I was craving something sweet after dinner. I stumbled upon a viral reel of someone stuffing Medjool dates with peanut butter and dunking them in chocolate. Skeptical but curious, I gave it a try.
One bite and… WOW. The natural caramel flavor of the dates, combined with salty peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and a smooth chocolate shell, tasted exactly like a Snickers bar — maybe even better.
These little bites have since become a staple in my freezer. I make a big batch on Sunday and keep them ready for whenever a sweet craving hits. They’re perfect for after-school snacks, a post-workout treat, or even an elegant dessert to serve guests with coffee.
Best of all, Date Snickers are completely no-bake, naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. 🎉
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make your own delicious Date Snickers at home:
Main Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
→ These are the star of the show! Medjool dates have a soft, caramel-like texture that makes them perfect for this recipe. - ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
→ Go for a drippy, natural peanut butter with no added sugar for the best texture. - ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
→ This adds that classic Snickers crunch. - 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
→ Use your favorite quality chocolate. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works too. - 1 tablespoon coconut oil
→ Helps create a smooth, shiny chocolate coating.
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Nut-free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini, and use toasted pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.
- Vegan: Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Low-sugar: Opt for sugar-free chocolate sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.
- Crunchy twist: Add rice crisps inside the dates before coating with chocolate.
- Extra flavor: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
👉 Pro tip: Always use soft, fresh Medjool dates. If yours are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes and pat dry before using. This makes them perfectly gooey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Date Snickers is so simple that even kids can help. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Prep the Dates
Using a sharp paring knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date and gently remove the pit. Don’t cut all the way through — you want to create a little “pocket” to hold the filling.
Place the pitted dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
Step 2: Fill with Peanut Butter
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. You can use more or less depending on the size of your dates.
If you love extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts inside the peanut butter before closing the date slightly.
📝 Pro Tip: For a clean finish, chill the filled dates for 10–15 minutes in the fridge before dipping them in chocolate. This helps the peanut butter firm up and stay in place.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method).
Step 4: Dip the Dates
Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each filled date into the melted chocolate. Gently tap off the excess chocolate on the side of the bowl, then place the coated date back on the parchment-lined tray.
If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts or flaky sea salt on top while the chocolate is still wet for that classic Snickers look. 😍
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Pop the tray into the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes, until the chocolate coating is firm.
Once set, your homemade Date Snickers are ready to enjoy!
Extra Tips for the Best Date Snickers
Serving Suggestions
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. They taste amazing straight from the freezer — no thawing needed!
- Reheating: No reheating required, but if frozen solid, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before biting in.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Almond Joy Style: Use almond butter, sprinkle shredded coconut, and top with a whole almond before dipping in chocolate.
- Cookie Dough Twist: Mix mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling.
- Salted Caramel Lovers: Drizzle extra melted peanut butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after the chocolate sets.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of protein powder into the peanut butter for an extra energy punch.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving — based on Feel Good Foodie’s Date Snickers recipe):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g (naturally occurring from dates)
👉 Keep in mind, nutrition may vary depending on the chocolate and nut butter you use
FAQ Section
How long does it take to make Date Snickers?
Only 15–20 minutes of prep, plus a little chilling time. It’s a super quick and easy no-bake dessert!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely. You can swap nut butters, use different nuts, or even add extra fillings like crisped rice. The key is keeping the date + creamy + crunchy + chocolate combo.
Can I freeze Date Snickers?
Yes! These freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. No need to thaw before eating — they’re delicious cold.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to candy bars that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, Date Snickers are a game-changer. They’re sweet, satisfying, ridiculously easy to make, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Whether you enjoy them as a midday treat, dessert, or share them with friends at a party, they’re guaranteed to impress. 🍫✨
So grab a box of Medjool dates and a jar of peanut butter — and make a batch of these Date Snickers today. I promise, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. 😍
👉 If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share your creations on social media, and tag me @YourFoodieBlog so I can see your delicious treats.