Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Healthy Date Snickers are a fantastic alternative to the classic candy bar. They are naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and maple syrup, packed with healthy fats from peanuts and nut butter, and enriched with the rich flavor of dark chocolate. Plus, they are free from refined sugars and processed ingredients, making them an indulgent yet wholesome treat. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings or as a post-workout snack, this recipe is both nourishing and delicious!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if necessary)
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

Food processor
9×5-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Small saucepan

Directions

Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the pitted dates into a food processor. Pulse until they form a smooth paste. This will serve as the sweet and chewy base for your Snickers bars.
Mix in Peanut Butter and Cocoa:
Add the natural peanut butter, dark cocoa powder, rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blended dates. Process until all ingredients are well combined and form a thick mixture.
Fold in Peanuts:
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and gently fold in the chopped peanuts until evenly distributed.
Shape the Bars:
Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Press the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly and firmly packing it down to create a solid layer.
Chill the Mixture:
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the mixture.
Melt the Chocolate:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
Coat the Bars:
Remove the refrigerated date mixture from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into bars of your desired size. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Final Chill:
Place the coated bars back on a parchment-lined tray and return them to the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 30 minutes (for setting) + 15 minutes (for final chill)

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter and chopped peanuts with sunflower seed butter and sunflower seeds to make this recipe nut-free.
Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips or a different type of dark chocolate to suit your flavor preference.
Add More Texture: Add some dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for extra texture and natural sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store these Healthy Date Snickers bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Simply thaw for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

2. Are these bars vegan?

Yes, these bars are vegan-friendly as long as you use dairy-free dark chocolate chips.

3. Can I use another sweetener besides maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if you prefer, but maple syrup gives a unique flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

4. Can I make these bars without oats?

Yes, you can replace the oats with a different binding ingredient like ground flax seeds or almond meal if desired.

5. Can I make these bars without an oven?

Yes! These bars are no-bake and only need chilling time in the fridge to set.

6. How can I make these bars firmer?

If you want a firmer texture, use less maple syrup or add extra oats to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.

7. Can I skip the coconut oil in the chocolate coating?

The coconut oil helps the chocolate to set better and adds a nice sheen, but if you prefer, you can skip it. The chocolate will still harden, though it may not be as smooth.

8. How can I make these bars sweeter?

To make the bars sweeter, you can add a bit more maple syrup or drizzle extra honey on top before chilling.

9. Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates?

Medjool dates are softer and sweeter, which makes them perfect for this recipe. If using regular dates, make sure to soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them before processing.

10. How do I serve these bars?

These bars can be served as a snack, dessert, or even an energy-boosting post-workout treat. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or as a sweet addition to a packed lunch.

Conclusion

Healthy Date Snickers are a delicious, wholesome alternative to the traditional candy bar. They are naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a nutritious way. With minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients, these bars are a great addition to your healthy snack repertoire. Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of these date-based treats!

Healthy Date Snickers: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist

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Healthy Date Snickers are a delicious, nutritious alternative to traditional candy bars, made with Medjool dates, peanut butter, oats, and dark chocolate. These bars are naturally sweetened and packed with protein and healthy fats, making them the perfect post-workout snack or guilt-free dessert.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 bars
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-bake, Chilled
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Place the pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a smooth paste. This will be the base for your Snickers bars.
Mix in Peanut Butter and Cocoa: Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the dates. Process until well combined into a thick mixture.
Fold in Peanuts: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and fold in the chopped peanuts until evenly distributed.
Shape the Bars: Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and press the mixture into the pan, packing it down to create an even layer.
Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Coat the Bars: Remove the chilled mixture from the pan and cut it into bars. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Final Chill: Place the coated bars back on parchment paper and return them to the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.