Easy Chocolate Date Bark
This Easy Chocolate Date Bark is made with sweet medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, smooth dark chocolate & crunchy nuts to create the perfect healthy treat that tastes like a candy bar.
If you’re looking for an easy, healthy dessert that’s chewy, sweet, salty, and nutty, you’ve got to try this chocolate date bark!
I’m completely hooked on this stuff! Date bark has quickly become my go-to treat, and I can’t stop experimenting with new flavors. My Healthy Caramel Apple Date Bark is perfect for fall, while my Samoas Date Bark tastes just like those classic Girl Scout cookies we all love.
Need a quick post-lunch dessert? Craving a healthy snack with a touch of sweetness? This chocolate-covered date bark is the answer.
With flavors reminiscent of a Tootsie Roll and Snickers (hello, my two favorite desserts as a kid!) it satisfies those nostalgic candy cravings in a wholesome way.
The best part? It’s made with only a few simple, wholesome ingredients.
Why This Chocolate Date Bark Is So Good
The star ingredient, medjool dates, provides natural sweetness and chewy texture which mimic a traditional candy bar. Medjool dates are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
The layer of dates is topped with creamy peanut butter, which adds an element of creaminess. After adding a layer of rich chocolate, I finish it with a sprinkle of my favorite nuts: hazelnuts, pistachios, and peanuts. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, a hint of saltiness, and an extra boost of protein.
Easy Chocolate Date Bark Ingredients
- Medjool Dates – nature’s candy! For the best texture and flavor, use fresh medjool dates. I personally use Joolie’s Organic Fresh Medjool Dates because they’re perfectly juicy and taste like caramel. You can use my discount code: booboo for money off.
- Peanut Butter – an all natural creamy peanut butter works best in this date bark as it has a thinner consistency and it’s easier to spread. To take this recipe up a notch, make my Homemade Peanut Butter recipe. Feel free to substitute with any nut butter that fits your preference.
- Dark Chocolate – I like using Hu Chocolate for its clean ingredients and rich flavor. You can use my discount code: booboo for money off.
- Nuts – I use a mix of hazelnuts, pistachios, and salted peanuts. Hazelnuts and pistachios pair beautifully with chocolate, and the salted peanuts add that deliciously salty contrast.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its customizability. You can easily switch up the nut butter or nuts based on your taste or dietary needs. Try almond or cashew butter or experiment with other nuts, like almonds or pecans. This recipe can also be adapted for nut allergies by using seed butter and omitting nuts altogether.
How To Make Easy Chocolate Date Bark
- Prepare the Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dates. Remove the pits from your Medjool dates (if they aren’t already pitted). Spread the dates open and press down onto the baking sheet next to each other, forming a rectangle.
- Add the Peanut Butter. Spread a layer of creamy peanut butter evenly on top of the dates.
- Swirl in the Chocolate. Pour melted chocolate over the nut butter. For an eye-catching effect, use a spoon to swirl the chocolate into the nut butter.
- Top with Nuts. Sprinkle chopped nuts, like hazelnuts, pistachios, or salted peanuts, for added crunch.
- Freeze to Set. Place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
- Break and Serve. Once set, use a knife to cut the bark into squares or irregular pieces for a rustic look (like I did).
Tips + Tricks
- Reduce Sticky Hands. If pressing the dates gets too sticky, cover the bottom of a glass cup with parchment paper and use it to press the dates down smoothly.
- Choose a Spreadable Nut Butter. Opt for an all-natural nut butter (the only ingredient should be nuts!). It will have a thinner texture making it much easier to spread evenly.
- Thin Out Thick Chocolate. If your melted chocolate is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help thin it out for smoother spreading.
- Slice with Ease. Since the date layer can be sticky, use a sharp knife for easier cutting once the bark is set.
This homemade chocolate date bark is incredibly easy to make and can be stored for a convenient snack or dessert anytime. Enjoy a delicious treat that’s vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened without any refined sugars.
GOT DATES? More Delicious Date Recipes You’ll Love
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Easy Chocolate Date Bark
Ingredients
- 20 medjool dates, pitted *see note below
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- ¼ cup salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If your dates still have the pits, remove the pits from your dates and smoosh them down and together onto the baking sheet, forming a rectangle shape.
- Spread the peanut butter on top of the dates.
- Pour the melted chocolate on top and use a spoon to swirl it on top of and into the peanut butter (you can get fancy and swirl the chocolate into the peanut butter, it looks stunning!)
- Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts, pistachios and peanuts on top, then place the bark in the freezer until the chocolate sets, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once fully set, use a knife to cut it into squares or into irregular pieces (like me) for a rustic charm.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- If your medjool dates are hard and dry, add them to a bowl with hot water and soak them for 5-10 minutes, until soft and juicy. Then drain and pat dry.
- Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Add more/less nut butter, nuts, chocolate, change up the toppings, etc.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer and grab a piece whenever that craving hits!
- I use Joolies Organic Fresh Medjool Dates. Shop with my code: booboo for a discount.
- I use the brand Hu Chocolate. Shop with my code: booboo for a discount.
- Inspired by @thathealthjunkie on Instagram.
