Peanut Butter Date Bark

Peanut Butter Date Bark is a healthy dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth made with dates, peanut butter, and chocolate. Customize it by adding your favorite toppings, like banana chips, sea salt, and roasted peanuts, or even bacon bits!

Apart from being healthy, this date bark desert is ideal for back-to-school times. You can make it beforehand, and refrigerate for the whole week. Just perfect during the school week! If you are looking for more delicate treats to make during the busy school week, try my Chocolate Fudge Recipe and Peanut Butter Balls. 

Finding a balance between indulgence and health-conscious choices can be challenging when satisfying your sweet craving. However, this Peanut Butter Date Bark is the perfect alternative. It marries the richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of dates in one bite. 

I love breaking them into smaller-sized pieces and refrigerating them for days. You can think of them as a healthier twist on a Snickers. They are also super fun to make with kids and can be made with what you have on hand.

For example, you can use walnuts or milk chocolate instead, or decorate them with dried fruits or sprinkles. Give them a try, and you will see why this is one of our family’s favorite desserts!

Ingredients: 

Medjool Dates: This is probably the most important ingredient here.  Medjool dates are prized for their rich, caramel-like sweetness and soft, chewy texture. They serve as the natural sweetener and binding agent for the bark.

Peanut Butter: Opt for unsweetened and unsalted natural peanut butter without added oils or sugars. The nutty richness of peanut butter complements the dates perfectly.

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate not only adds a layer of indulgence but also provides antioxidants and depth of flavor. Aim for at least 70% cocoa content.

Chopped Nuts: I love using various types, or a combination of almonds, peanuts, or walnuts.  Chopped nuts contribute a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Choose your favorite variety or mix them for added texture.

Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors by providing a subtle contrast to the sweetness.

How to make Peanut butter Date Bark?

1. Pit and Chop Dates: Start by removing the pits from the Medjool dates and split them open. Press them down, into a rectangle onto a cutting board covered with parchment paper. The dates should slighly overlap each other so they stick together.
2. Peanut Butter: Next, spread the peanut butter on top of the dates, and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
3. Melt Dark Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted. Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate.
4. Drizzle Chocolate: Next, drizzle the melted dark chocolate evenly over the date and peanut butter mixture and add the toppings.

Variations:

Peanut Butter Date Bark is a versatile and customizable treat that welcomes various ingredients and flavor combinations. Here are some delicious variations to consider when making your own date bark:

• Coconut Almond Date Bark: Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds to the date and peanut butter mixture for a tropical twist.
• Add bananas: Mix mashed ripe bananas with the date and peanut butter mixture to infuse a natural banana flavor. Layer with dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried banana chips for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Nutella: Feel free to replace peanut butter with Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) for a rich and indulgent variation.
• Raspberry Dark Chocolate Date Bark: Mix freeze-dried raspberry powder into the date and peanut butter mixture to impart a tart, fruity flavor, and a beautiful pink hue. Also, drizzle with dark chocolate and garnish with freeze-dried raspberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of dates besides Medjool dates?

While Medjool dates are preferred for their natural sweetness and soft texture, you can experiment with other varieties of dates if needed. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter to add extra texture and nuttiness to your date bark. It’s a matter of personal preference. Just make sure it’s natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.

Are there any alternatives to nuts for those with nut allergies?

If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, consider using seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a nut replacement. These seeds provide a similar crunch and texture without the allergenic properties of nuts.

How do I store Peanut Butter Date Bark?

To keep your date bark fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept at room temperature for short periods, but refrigeration will help prolong its shelf life.

Also, you can freeze them for longer-term storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

More delicious desserts to try:

• Puppy Chow
• Snickerdoodle Muffins
• Witch Hat Cookies
• Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe tips:

• Medjool dates are preferred for their natural sweetness and soft, chewy texture. Ensure your dates are fresh and not overly dry to make the blending process easier.
• Choose unsweetened and unsalted natural peanut butter without added oils or sugars. It should contain just peanuts and, optionally, a touch of salt.
• When spreading the date and peanut butter mixture, aim for an even thickness. This ensures that your bark sets
• When melting the dark chocolate, use low heat or short intervals in the microwave to avoid overheating and burning the chocolate. Also, stir well between intervals until the chocolate is smooth.
• A pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the melted dark chocolate layer adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dates and peanut butter. It enhances the overall flavor.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, seeds, or a combination of both for added texture and flavor. Toasted nut.

5 from 4 votes

Print

Peanut Butter Date Bark

Prep Time

15 mins

Refrigerate:

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 15 mins

 

Peanut Butter Date Bark is a healthy dessert for satisfying your sweet tooth made with dates, peanut butter, and chocolate. 

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Peanut Butter Date Bark

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 260 kcal

Author: [email protected]

Ingredients

• 16 pitted medjool dates choose juicy ones, not that are too dry
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons roasted salted peanuts roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or more
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• flaky sea salt
• banana chips

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Split dates open, and press them down onto the sheet into a square or rectangle. Make sure the dates overlap a little so they stick together.

2. Spread the peanut butter across the dates.

   

3. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the peanut butter layer.

   

4. In a small bowl, add the chocolate with coconut oil, and microwave for one minute. Stir until melted and drizzle it on top of the peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly.

   

5. Sprinkle on top flaky sea salt and banana chips, and also more peanuts if you want.

   

6. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set, I prefer to leave it in the freezer for one hour and after that store it in the fridge.

7. Remove from the freezer, chop the bark into 8-10 pieces and enjoy.

8. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. If you’re storing in the freezer, let the bark sit out a few minutes before serving it.

Nutrition Facts

Peanut Butter Date Bark

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 0.1mg0%

Sodium 58mg3%

Potassium 470mg13%

Carbohydrates 45g15%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 37g41%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 73IU1%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 71mg7%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.