Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Date Bark Recipe

This easy chocolate date bark is a sweet, salty, and healthy treat with peanut butter, dates, chocolate, and pretzels—perfect for satisfying cravings!

chocolate and peanut butter date bark topped with pretzels

If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats but want a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars, this Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Date Bark Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the natural sweetness of chewy medjool dates, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels, this dessert is the ultimate sweet treat. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This viral date bark recipe has been making waves across social media for good reason—it’s ridiculously easy to make and tastes like a Snickers bar, but with a healthier twist. The chewy texture of dates, the melted chocolate, and the delightful crunch of pretzels come together in a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a health junkie looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought sweets or just someone craving a delicious treat, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this homemade chocolate date bark:

  • Healthier than traditional candy – Made with simple ingredients, this healthy dessert offers a nutritious alternative to traditional candy bars without sacrificing flavor.
  • Naturally sweetened – The sweetness of the dates provides a natural sweetener, reducing the need for processed sugars.
  • Easy to customize – Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to fit your taste or dietary needs.
  • No baking required – This bake recipe is completely no-bake, making it perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
  • Perfect balance of textures – The chewy medjool dates, creamy layer of peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate create an irresistible combination.
  • Great for meal prep – This easy date bark recipe stores well in an airtight container, making it a great snack to have on hand throughout the week.
ingredients in chocolate peanut butter dark bark

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

This chocolate peanut butter date bark is made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

  • Sweet medjool dates – The star of the show, these dates provide a caramel-like flavor and a chewy texture that makes this treat so satisfying.
  • Peanut butter – For a creamy, nutty taste, use natural peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter if you want some extra texture.
  • Maple syrup – A touch of natural sweetness enhances the flavor without adding refined sugar.
  • Vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the dates.
  • Chocolate chips – Choose dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for your preferred level of sweetness.
  • Pretzel sticks – These provide a delightful crunch and a perfect salty contrast to the sweetness.
  • Flaky sea salt (optional) – Sprinkle a bit on top for an elevated flavor experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of easy chocolate date bark:

Soak the dates – Place juicy medjool dates in warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain any excess water.

Blend the base – In a food processor, combine the softened dates, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Spread evenly – Using a spatula, spread the mixture in an even layer onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a rectangular shape. Freeze for 1 hour.

blended dates spread in a baking sheet, ready to be chilled

Melt the chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in second intervals, stirring between each round. For extra smoothness, add a teaspoon of coconut oil.

Assemble the bark – Pour the melted chocolate over the layer of dates, spreading it evenly. Arrange the pretzel sticks on top of the chocolate for a delightful crunch.

date bark topped with chocolate and pretzel pieces

Freeze again – Place the entire sheet in the freezer for another hour until fully set.

Break into pieces – Use a sharp knife to break the bark into pieces. Enjoy!

date bark topped with chocolate and salty pretzels

How to Store the Recipe

To keep your peanut butter chocolate date bark fresh and delicious:

  • Refrigerate – Store pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freeze for longer storage – Wrap the bark in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container for up to three months.
  • Room temperature storage – If you plan to eat the bark within a day or two, keep it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.

More No-Bake Treats

Tips for Making the Recipe

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use fresh dates – Chewy dates work best for this recipe. If your dates are too dry, soaking them longer helps.
  • Go for high-quality chocolate – A good combination of chocolate, like dark chocolate or milk chocolate, will elevate the flavor.
  • Customize the toppings – Try adding chopped peanuts, pumpkin seeds, crunchy nuts, or even sunflower seeds for extra texture.
  • Use a double boiler – If you don’t want to use a microwave, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for a smooth consistency.
  • Create an even layer – Press the layer of peanut butter and date mixture evenly onto the baking sheet for uniform bark pieces.

This healthy sweet treat is a must-try! Whether you’re a fan of chewy medjool dates, rich chocolate, or just looking for an easy chocolate date bark recipe, this dessert will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup works as a substitute for natural sweetener.

How do I make this bark extra crunchy?

Add crunchy peanuts, pumpkin seeds, or even crunchy peanut butter for an extra bite.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Try white chocolate or a combination of chocolate for variety.

What’s the best way to break the bark into pieces?

Use a sharp knife to cut into a rectangular shape or simply break it apart with your hands for a rustic look.

dark chocolate date bark with peanut butter

Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Date Bark Recipe

This easy chocolate date bark is a sweet, salty, and healthy treat with peanut butter, dates, chocolate, and pretzels—perfect for satisfying cravings!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 283 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 15 dates pitted
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 oz chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks

Instructions
 

  • Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes or until soft.
  • Take softened dates and place them in a food processor with peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pulse until smooth. 
  • Spread the date mixture on a lined baking sheet. Allow mixture to freeze for 1 hour. 
  • Next, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. 
  • Spread melted chocolate on top of the date mixture. Place pretzel sticks on top of melted chocolate. 
  • Pop in freezer to set for 1 hour. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 292mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dates, no bake, nut buter, salty sweet, sweets
Tried this recipe?Mention @confessionofadietitian or tag #confessionofadietitian!


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