If you’ve ever wished you could indulge in your favorite candy bar but with a healthier twist, this Date Snickers Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Soft, caramel-like Medjool dates are loaded with creamy peanut butter, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and finished off with a glossy drizzle of dark chocolate. Every bite is the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty, making it nearly impossible to have just one. These little treats are great for parties, after-dinner treats, or whenever you need a wholesome, crave-worthy snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the supplies for this Date Snickers Recipe is almost as joyful as making it. Each ingredient plays a star role, bringing its unique flavor, texture, or touch of decadence to every bite. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love it:

Medjool dates: These are the sweet, fudgy base for each “snickers”. Their caramel-like flavor and tender chewiness are unbeatable. Try to pick plump, fresh ones.
Peanut butter (or other nut butter): This brings that classic creamy, nutty filling. If you want to mix things up, almond or cashew butter works beautifully, too.
Chopped peanuts: Don’t skip these! They add irresistible crunch and a true “candy bar” texture.
Dark chocolate chips: Melting these for the topping gives you that rich, glossy finish. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the dates perfectly.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle of this on top creates the ultimate sweet-and-salty flavor explosion.

How to Make Date Snickers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Start by splitting each Medjool date in half, removing the pit in the center. You can easily use your fingers for this, since ripe dates are super soft, but a small knife works for a cleaner cut. Arrange all the date halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined plate, which makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Add the Nutty Center

Now, take about half a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter and fill the hollow of each date half. Be generous, but try not to overflow! Next, sprinkle a pinch of chopped peanuts onto the sticky peanut butter, pressing gently so they stick. This is what gives each bite that classic Snickers-style crunch.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

It’s chocolate time! Melt the dark chocolate chips using a double boiler: put an inch of water in a small pot, bring it to a boil, and set a heat-safe bowl on top. Add your chocolate chips into the bowl, stirring gently as the steam below melts everything to smooth perfection. Prefer shortcuts? Just microwave the chocolate chips in short bursts (stirring in between) until melted!

Step 4: Drizzle and Decorate

Once your chocolate is glossy and smooth, use a spoon to generously drizzle it over the top of each stuffed date. Don’t worry if things get a little messy; it only adds to the homemade charm. While the chocolate is shiny and not yet set, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible salty sparkle.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Pop your assembled Date Snickers Recipe into the fridge for about 10 minutes, just until the chocolate firms up. Once they’re set, they’re ready to devour. If you can resist eating them all immediately, know that they store beautifully for snacking all week long.

How to Serve Date Snickers Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder before serving can make these look even more tempting. Flaky sea salt isn’t just a flavor booster, it also adds delightful texture and visual appeal. For a festive touch, drizzle with a tiny bit of white chocolate zigzag or add a few toasted coconut flakes on top.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Date Snickers Recipe with something smooth and creamy, like Greek yogurt or a cool glass of almond milk, makes for a snack or dessert that feels extra special. For a celebratory platter, serve alongside fresh berries or a mix of dried fruits and nuts for added vibrancy and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these for a crowd, pile them up on a beautiful wooden board or serve each date Snickers in a colorful mini cupcake liner for neat serving. Skewer them on cocktail picks for easy grab-and-go, or arrange them in a decorative box for a homemade candy gift that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extras from your Date Snickers Recipe can be kept in an airtight container right on your kitchen counter for up to a week. Just be sure they stay out of direct sunlight and away from heat to keep the chocolate from getting melty.

Freezing

Want to make a big batch ahead of time? These freeze wonderfully! Simply arrange the finished Date Snickers in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a more chewy, candy-bar-like treat.

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat these, but if you love the feeling of slightly melty chocolate, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. For a softer center, popping them in the microwave for just 3-5 seconds can add a lovely gooeyness—just watch out for hot spots!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of date?

Medjool dates are best for this recipe because of their size and soft, caramel-like texture, but you can use any large, plump dates you have access to. Just be sure they’re not too dry or hard.

Which nut butter works best for the filling?

Classic creamy peanut butter creates the traditional Snickers flavor, but almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter are delicious alternatives if you want to change things up or need a peanut-free option.

Can I add extra fillings?

Definitely! Try mixing mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a touch of cinnamon into the nut butter before stuffing the dates. You can get creative and customize this Date Snickers Recipe to your tastes.

Are these suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

Absolutely. These are an excellent lunchbox treat, especially if you use a nut butter that aligns with any school allergy policies. Just keep in mind that they should stay cool to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Do I have to use flaky sea salt?

While it’s optional, flaky sea salt adds an amazing contrast to the sweetness and brings out all the flavors. That being said, you can leave it off or even try a flavored finishing salt for something special.

Final Thoughts

This Date Snickers Recipe is truly a showstopper: intensely delicious, fun to make, and remarkably easy to customize. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite to share with friends, family, or just as a little secret treat stash for yourself—go ahead, you deserve it!

Date Snickers Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 9 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these homemade Date Snickers, a delightful and healthier twist on the classic candy bar. Sweet, chewy dates filled with creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and topped with rich dark chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

9 squishy Medjool dates

3 tablespoons peanut butter (or other nut butter)
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
flaky sea salt (optional topping)

Instructions

Prepare Dates: Split each date in half, remove pits, and place cut-side up on a lined plate.
Add Fillings: Fill each date half with peanut butter, top with chopped peanuts.
Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips until smooth, then drizzle over dates.
Finish: Sprinkle with sea salt, chill until firm, and enjoy!