These Snickers dates were made for anyone who craves a sweet treat but still wants something balanced. They are made with just a handful of simple ingredients: sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts and a drizzle of rich chocolate and pinch of sea salt. That’s it! That salty, sweet combo hits just right in these date bites in the most nourishing way.
What’s even better is that they are no bake and come together in minutes making them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or an easy dessert. Take a play from me and keep a container of these in the fridge or freezer for easy grab and go. You can’t go wrong when it feels like a treat but is balanced with fiber, healthy fats and real food ingredients.
Why You’ll Love These Snickers Dates
These date bites tick all of the boxes when you want a sweet, satisfying treat made with simple, real ingredients:
Classic sweet and salty combo: Sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, salty peanuts, rich chocolate, plus a pinch of sea salt hit those highly cravable salty-sweet flavor notes. Truly a mini, healthier version of a classic Snickers.
Naturally sweetened: Medjool dates are naturally sweet, often referred to as nature’s candy.
Quick and no-bake: These bites come together in minutes and require minimal prep. Perfect when you want something homemade without turning on the oven.
A balanced treat: With fiber from dates and healthy fats from peanut butter, these date bites are balanced and satisfying.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples for this recipe. Easy peasy.
Perfect to prep ahead: Make a few for dessert or make a batch and freeze or refrigerate for later. The latter is my recommendation.
Easy to customize: Can’t have peanuts? Swap for sunflower butter and cacao nibs for crunch. Or swap the peanut butter for cashew, almond or pistachio butter and the dark chocolate for milk chocolate. The options are endless.
Dairy and gluten free: These date bites are naturally gluten free and can also be made dairy free using dairy free chocolate.
Ingredients for Snickers Date Bites
Ingredients for Snickers Date Bites
Six simple ingredients are all you need to make these delectable, little bites:
Medjool dates: Use the Medjool variety for there larger size and soft, “caramel”-like texture.
Peanut butter: This recipe utilizes creamy peanut butter, but if you want to skip topping these with peanuts go straight to crunchy.
Peanuts: Roasted and salted.
Chocolate: I use dairy free dark chocolate, but feel free to use milk chocolate
Coconut oil: Hardens the chocolate like magic shell.
Flaky sea salt
How to Make Snickers Dates
Prepare to make this recipe by spreading parchment atop a small baking sheet or platter.
First halve the Medjool dates and remove the pit. Fill each center of the date with peanut butter (however much is needed to fill the center…this is one of those loose recipes). Repeat this process for all of the dates placing them on the tray/platter.
Next top the peanut butter layer with crushed peanuts.
Then melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in a glass container in the microwave. Melt in 30 second increments and stir in between until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Take a spoon and lightly drizzle the chocolate atop each date.
Finally, finish each date with flaky sea salt. Place the dates in the freezer and freeze to set for about 10 minutes. Remove from the freezer and enjoy.
Variations, aka Healthy Snickers twists
One of the best things about these Snickers dates is how easy they are to customize depending on your flavor and/or dietary preferences. Here are a few simple twists on this classic Snickers treat:
Dip them in chocolate: Instead of a drizzle, double the chocolate in the recipe and completely dip/submerge the dates to coat entirely. This makes for a more decadent dessert bite.
Swap the nut butter: If you have a nut allergy, swap the peanut butter for sunflower butter. Or, if not, try swapping the peanut butter for almond, cashew, pistachio butter or even tahini for a slightly different flavor.
Add a crunch factor: In addition to or in place of the peanuts try topping these bites with cacao nibs or your favorite granola for extra crunch.
Add sweetness: Coconut flakes or freeze dried fruit such as strawberries or raspberries lends to a sweet finish.
Change up the chocolate: I use a 70% dairy free, dark chocolate for my date bites, but milk chocolate or white chocolate would be a fun swap.
FAQ
How to store Snickers dates?
Store Snickers dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Beyond that, these dates can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can you freeze Snickers dates?
Yes! And you can actually pop a date right out of the freezer or let them rest to room temperature. I recommend freezing them for no longer than 2 months, but I doubt they will last that long.
Are Snickers dates gluten free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as the chocolate and peanut butter are certified gluten free.
Can I make these nut free?
100% !!! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the crushed peanuts for topping. You can swap in cacao nibs for crunch.
What type of dates work best?
Medjool dates are the best choice because they are soft, naturally sweet, and have a sticky, “caramel”-like texture.
How many calories are in a Snickers date?
This will vary based on the size of the date and therefore, the filling ingredients, but one date bite is typically around 100 calories. They are rich and satisfying, so a little goes a long way!
Meet Jaime
I’m a registered dietitian who’s obsessed with all things food! From growing to recipe development, my life is centred around food and how it can nourish us from the inside out.
