Date Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

These Date Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate combine natural sweetness with creamy and crunchy textures for a delicious treat. They’re easy to make and perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the pan by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Remove the pits from the dates and open them up with the sticky side facing up. Lay them out on the parchment, pressing them together into a rough rectangle.
3. Step 3: Place plastic wrap over the dates. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to press them into an even layer, ensuring there are no gaps.
4. Step 4: Remove the plastic wrap and evenly spread the peanut butter over the pressed dates using an offset spatula.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler method until smooth. Add a little coconut oil if needed to make it smoother.
6. Step 6: Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
7. Step 7: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and gently press them in. If using, add a pinch of sea salt flakes.
8. Step 8: Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes, until the chocolate is firm.
9. Step 9: Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
• Substitute almonds or walnuts for the peanuts if preferred or to vary the flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist.
• If dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before using.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to one month. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature slightly or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives and will work well with the dates and chocolate flavors.

How do I melt chocolate using a double boiler?

Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate chips until melted smoothly, then remove from heat.

Date Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

These Date Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate are a delightful no-bake treat combining naturally sweet Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and rich melted chocolate. Topped with crunchy chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a wholesome and satisfying snack or dessert.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Layer

• 20 Medjool dates, pitted

Middle Layer

• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter

Topping

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)
• ½ cup peanuts, coarsely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easier removal of the bars.
2. Arrange the dates: Remove the pits from the 20 Medjool dates and open them so the sticky side is facing up. Lay them out on the parchment paper, pressing them close together to form a rough rectangular layer.
3. Flatten the base: Cover the date layer with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to press the dates into an even, compact layer with no gaps, creating a solid base for the bars.
4. Spread the peanut butter: Remove the plastic wrap and evenly spread ⅔ cup of creamy peanut butter over the pressed date layer using an offset spatula for smooth, full coverage.
5. Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler method, gently melt ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil to achieve a silky consistency.
6. Coat with chocolate: Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer. Spread it with a spoon or spatula to cover the entire surface.
7. Add toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle ½ cup of coarsely chopped peanuts on top and gently press them into the chocolate. Optionally, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of sea salt flakes over the nuts to enhance flavor.
8. Set and slice: Refrigerate the assembled bars uncovered for about 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until the chocolate has fully set and hardened. Once firm, slice into bars and enjoy.

Notes

• For easier slicing, warm the knife slightly before cutting to prevent chocolate cracking.
• Use dairy or vegan chocolate chips according to dietary preference.
• If dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using to ensure easier pressing.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Can be customized by adding shredded coconut or chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Keywords: date bars, peanut butter bars, no-bake dessert, chocolate date bars, healthy snack, Medjool dates, peanut butter chocolate bars