Date Bark Recipe

Indulge in this quick and easy date bark recipe, featuring sweet Medjool dates layered with creamy peanut butter and topped with rich melted chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, this treat is customizable with your favorite toppings and ready in under an hour!

Looking for a no-bake dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent? This homemade chocolate date bark recipe is the answer! Combining chewy medjool dates, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a topping of melted chocolate, it’s like a healthier alternative to a traditional candy bar. With endless topping options and simple steps, this viral date bark recipe is sure to become one of your favorite desserts to whip up for any occasion!

Why This Recipe Works

• Healthy and Wholesome: With naturally sweet Medjool dates and creamy peanut butter, this date bark is a nutritious alternative to traditional candy bars. It’s perfect for health junkies and anyone looking for a healthier dessert.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you’re satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing a delightful treat during the holidays, this viral date bark recipe can be tailored to your taste with endless topping options.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to finish, this sweet snack comes together in under an hour, making it a great recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Supplies Needed

• Baking sheet or tray
• Piece of parchment paper
• Rolling pin or bottom of a cup (optional, for flattening dates)
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Airtight container for storage to keep your date bark recipe fresh

Ingredients

For the Base:

• Fresh Medjool dates, pitted and sliced open
• Creamy peanut butter (or natural peanut butter for a wholesome option)

For the Topping:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate can be used for variation)
• Coconut oil to smooth out the chocolate layer

Optional Toppings:

• Crunchy nuts like chopped peanuts, crunchy almonds, pistachios or pumpkin seeds
• Coconut flakes for a tropical twist
• Dried fruit pieces for a chewy texture
• Pinch of flaky sea salt for a balance of sweet and salty
• Sprinkles for a festive look on your date bark

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile in your date bark recipe.
• Add crushed pretzels or granola for a crunchy texture.
• Compliment the sweet with the salty! Try adding Maldon sea salt flakes over the top. 

Preparation

1. Prepare the Date Layer: Slice the sweet Medjool dates in half and remove the pits. Press each half flat onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to create an even layer. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to help flatten the date layer.
2. Spread the Peanut Butter Layer: Microwave the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until it’s pourable. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter evenly over the date layer, ensuring it covers the top of the dates. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to set.
3. Melt the Chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, use a double boiler over a few inches of water for a slower melt when making your date bark recipe.
4. Add the Chocolate Layer: Remove the chilled date and peanut butter layer from the fridge. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top and spread it evenly with a spatula. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle your chosen toppings across the bark.
5. Chill and Slice: Return the tray to the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. Once hardened, cut the bark into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Variations

1. Snickers Date Bark: Sprinkle crushed peanuts and a pinch of flakey sea salt on top for a flavor reminiscent of a Snickers bar.
2. Tropical Delight: Use coconut flakes, dried pineapple, and macadamia nuts for a summery twist.
3. Festive Treat: Add holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a seasonal vibe.
4. Banana Bark Fusion: Layer banana slices on top of the peanut butter before adding the chocolate.
5. Extra Crunch: Incorporate granola, pretzels, or seeds for a fun texture.

Helpful Tips

• Best Texture: Use soft dates like fresh Medjool dates for a chewy base with natural sweetness in your date bark.
• Thin Layers: Spread each layer thinly for the perfect bark form that’s easy to break.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep the bark fresh and chewy.

More Recipes To Try

Keto Peanut Butter Blossoms

Keto Skillet Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

Eggnog Ruffled Milk Pie Recipe

Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecake