Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
I didn’t expect a snack made almost entirely of dates to taste this close to an actual candy bar, but these date snicker bars really do!
Dates, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and a dark chocolate coating come together into something that genuinely satisfies a candy craving, and they happen to be one of the highest-fiber snacks I make.
Dates are the real star here. They’re naturally sweet enough that there’s no added sugar anywhere in this recipe, and they bring a real amount of fiber along with them, on top of what the peanuts add. I’ve written before about fiber becoming a priority for me on GLP-1 medications, and this is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways I’ve found to work more of it in.
What Makes These Date Snickers Bars Different
A few things set these apart from a typical protein bar or energy bite:
- High in fiber and protein from the dates and peanuts
- No-cook, so there’s no oven or stovetop involved at all
- Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free
- Refined sugar-free, with all the sweetness coming from the dates themselves
- Freeze well, so a batch keeps for weeks and is ready whenever a craving hits
The Part Most People Get Wrong
Skipping the soak on older or slightly dried-out dates is the most common mistake here. I soak mine in warm water for about 10 minutes before pitting and mashing if they feel at all stiff. Soft, fresh Medjool dates mash easily on their own, but that quick soak makes a real difference once they’ve been sitting in the pantry a while.
Why Medjool, Not Just “Dates”
Medjool dates are noticeably softer, larger, and more caramel-like than regular Deglet Noor dates, which makes them much easier to mash into a smooth, moldable layer. Smaller, drier date varieties tend to leave the base grainy instead of smooth.
Fiber, Cravings, and GLP-1 Medications
Between reduced appetite and the GI side effects that come with these medications, it’s easy to end up under on fiber without realizing it. I’d rather get there through something that tastes like a treat than by forcing down another fiber supplement, and this is one of my favorite ways to do exactly that.
Date Snickers Bars Recipe
Dates, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and a dark chocolate coating come together into a no-cook bar that tastes remarkably close to the real thing.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, makes 10 bars): Calories: ~200 | Protein: 5–6g | Fiber: 4–5g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 11g
(Varies depending on peanut butter and chocolate used.)
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (or cashew butter), unsalted
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (or pecans or walnuts), chopped
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped or chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Optional Add-Ins
- A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets
- A drizzle of extra peanut butter over the finished chocolate layer
- Swap peanuts for pecans or walnuts for a different flavor
- A scoop of vanilla protein powder mixed into the date base for extra protein
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dates
If your dates feel dry or stiff, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. Pit them if they aren’t already pitted.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a food processor, blend the dates and peanut butter until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Stir in the chopped roasted peanuts by hand.
Step 3: Shape the Bars
Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small dish, smoothing the top into an even layer. Freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave in 20-second bursts, or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Step 5: Coat the Bars
Cut the firmed base into 10 bars. Dip or spoon the melted chocolate over each bar, letting the excess drip off.
Step 6: Set and Store
Place the coated bars on parchment paper and freeze for another 10–15 minutes until the chocolate sets. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Optional Protein Boost
Want to push these higher in protein? Mix a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the date base along with the peanut butter, adding a splash of water if the mixture gets too thick to blend.
A Few Easy Tweaks
- No food processor? Finely chop the dates by hand and mash with a fork along with the peanut butter, though the texture will be less smooth
- Make these nut-free by using sunflower seed butter and roasted sunflower seeds instead of peanuts
- Want a thicker chocolate shell? Use a full 1.5 cups of chocolate instead of 1 cup
- Keep them dairy-free by double-checking your chocolate brand, since some dark chocolate contains milk
Hope these become your go-to when a candy craving hits.
Other Recipes You’ll Love:
- Chocolate Protein Balls with Chia Seeds
- Mocha Energy Balls Recipe | No Bake, High Protein Coffee-Infused Snack
- Cottage Cheese Ninja Creami Ice Cream
- Apple Cinnamon Protein Balls: A No Bake, High-Protein Snack
- Cottage Cheese Protein Parfait: Quick and Easy Treat
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
