Healthy Snickers

Dates are nature’s candy, naturally sweet and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Pair them with creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate, and you’ve got a snack that’s sure to boost your energy. Ideal as an afternoon pick-me-up, a pre-workout snack, or a healthier dessert alternative, this Quick Date Snack is simple, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.

Important! I could go on and on about this one, but a quick tip – natural peanut butter (the kind without additives) should be runny in consistency, with a layer of oil on top. Give it a good stir before using, and you’re all set!

Why You’ll Love This Snack

• No refined sugar needed.
• Ready in under an hour, no baking required.
• Great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or pre-workout snack.
• Great for lunchboxes, dessert, or even as a gift.
• Swap chocolate, nut butter, or nuts to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Benefits

1. Dates – Naturally sweet and high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Support digestion, heart health, and sustained energy.
2. Dark chocolate (85%) – Rich in antioxidants and magnesium; helps improve mood and adds a decadent, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet dates.
3. Peanut butter (no added sugar or preservatives) – Provides healthy fats, protein, and a creamy texture that balances the chewiness of dates. Gives the classic taste of the Snickers bar. 
4. Mixed nuts (optional: almonds, peanuts, walnuts) – Add crunch, extra protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

The Recipe:

Servings: 8-10 date bites Total Time: 45-50 minutes | Difficulty: easy

Ingredients

• 300 g dates
• 100g dark chocolate (85%)
• Peanut butter (no added sugar, no added preservatives)
• 15g mixed nuts (raw almonds, peanuts, walnuts) – optional

Instructions

1. Clean the dates, remove the pits, and slice them. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down with a glass to create a smooth surface, ensuring there is no gap between the dates. Alternatively, use a baking mold for easier handling.
3. Spread a layer of peanut butter over the dates.
4. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler (bain-marie or water bath)  and temper it. Pour the tempered chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly to cover.
5. Optionally, sprinkle with mixed nuts as desired.
6. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until the chocolate sets.

Tip: To prevent the chocolate from developing a white coating when it cools, you can temper it by heating it to 41- 43 degrees Celsius before pouring it over the dates. This can be achieved by melting half of the chocolate first (double boiler) and then adding the remaining half, stirring the chocolate mixture while occasionally checking the temperature with a thermometer.

Info: When chocolate goes white, is it safe to eat? 

• Yes, it is still safe to consume. The white discoloration occurs due to a process called “blooming,” which includes either “fat bloom,” where cocoa butter separates and rises to the surface due to temperature changes, or “sugar bloom,” caused by sugar absorbing moisture and crystallizing on the surface. 

Swaps & Variations

• Nut butter: Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter.
• Chocolate: Milk chocolate or lower-cocoa dark chocolate works if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Nuts: Skip the nuts or swap with pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts.
• Extras: Sprinkle with shredded coconut or sea salt.

Nutrition 

Approx. per 2–3 date bites: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Carbs: 18 g | Fiber: 3 g | Fat: 8g

(Values vary depending on chocolate and nut butter used.)

Dietary Info – Quick Date Snack

Vegetarian | Gluten-free | Refined sugar–free | Lacto-free |  Vegan (if using dairy-free dark chocolate