5-Ingredient Sweet, Soft, Chewy Date Snickers
The next time you’re craving a sweet treat, instead of choosing a candy bar loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy additives, try these Snickers dates. They’re a delicious, healthy snack combining sweet, salty, and crunchy elements for a surprisingly decadent, delicious, and filling treat. Plus, they’re so simple to prepare in no time at all. These peanut butter dates carefully stuff caramel-like Medjool dates (aka natural sugars!) with creamy peanut butter and chopped nuts, then coat them in a thin chocolate outer shell. Sprinkle with some flaky salt, and you have yourself a delicious, portion-friendly treat perfect to keep on hand in your fridge OR freezer, ready to tackle sweet tooth cravings. This isn’t the first time I’ve reworked a childhood favorite into a more wholesome treat, either. You might also like peanut butter chocolate cups, vegan Bounty bars, vegan Ferrero Rocher, or even vegan Snickers bars complete with ‘nougat’ layer.
The Ingredients
All you need are a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients to prepare this easy date Snickers recipe in minutes.
Medjool dates: These are the most plump, tender, and flavorful– perfect for stuffed dates. However, amber dates work well, too. Nut/seed butter: I used peanut butter, but you can use any nut/seed butter, like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Ensure it isn’t too runny. Chopped nuts: I use unsalted peanuts (raw or lightly toasted for more flavor), but sub them based on the nut/seed butter used – for crunchy texture. Chocolate: Use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips/chunks – semi-sweet or bitter-sweet (I prefer at least 60% cocoa- for a healthier, more antioxidant-rich treat). You could also make vegan keto chocolate, like I do for my homemade Bounty bars. Coconut oil: (optional) This helps to melt the chocolate to the correct consistency, though you could omit it. Flaky salt: (Maldon sea salt) To sprinkle over the top for flavor and a little crunch.
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
How to Make Snickers Stuffed Dates
First, line a small baking sheet, tray, or plate with parchment paper and set it aside. Then, using a sharp knife, slice down the side of each date (but not all the way through) and remove the pit.
Fill each date with about a teaspoon of peanut butter (using a spoon or a piping bag) and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
Then, close the dates, securing them with a toothpick. Next, melt the chocolate and coconut oil using a double-boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 20-30-second intervals, stirring between.
Alternatively, simply add a few chocolate chips to the filling.
Using the toothpick, dip each of the dates into the melted chocolate mixture, drip off excess, then place the chocolate-covered dates on the lined cookie sheet.
Decorate the stuffed dates with a drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt. Finally, transfer the cookie sheet to the fridge (or freezer) to allow the chocolate to set. Enjoy!
How to Store
Store: Transfer the stuffed chocolate dates to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (possibly longer, but I’ve usually already eaten them by then). Freeze: For up to 3 months, bringing them back to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Are stuffed dates healthy?
Dates are a staple in my healthy vegan kitchen, acting as a healthier, natural, unrefined sweetener (low/medium on the glycemic index!) and binder to make tasty date recipes like bliss balls, no-bake desserts like vegan chocolate pie and no-bake raspberry cheesecake, healthy breakfast cookies, to sweeten smoothies, and more. When eaten whole, they also provide gut-friendly fiber, are low in fat, and are rich in nutrients like potassium, copper, magnesium, vitamin b6, calcium, iron, and vitamin K, plus antioxidants (source Healthline). When combined with the heart-healthy fats and protein from nuts and antioxidants of dark chocolate, date Snickers make a wholesome snack, perfect for pre/post-workouts and to keep hunger cravings at bay.
Can I make healthy Snickers date bark/ bars?
Yes, use something heavy to press the dates into a thin, even layer in a parchment-lined dish. Spread a layer of peanut butter over that, then the melted chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and flaky salt, then refrigerate/freeze to set and cut into squares/bars – enjoy. Alternatively, try my vegan Snickers bars, complete with creamy coconut cashew ‘nougat.’
Recipe Notes and Tips
Use the best dates: Though the recipe will work fine with other dates, Medjool dates are the plumpest, softest, and best-tasting caramel-like dates. Be careful not to overstuff: Otherwise, it can get messy and become hard to dip in the chocolate. Experiment with toppings: Including sprinkling them with shredded coconut, freeze-dried fruit, and/or cacao nibs.
More Vegan Candy Recipes
Peanut butter oatmeal balls Vegan gummy bears 3-ingredient chocolate rice cakes 3-Ingredient Raffaello truffles Lemon coconut energy balls
If you try this easy date Snickers recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.
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