Date Snickers Bars Recipe: Chewy, Nutty & Chocolatey Dessert

I recently made these Date Snickers Bars, and let me tell you—they turned out so good! I love how they give that classic candy bar vibe but with wholesome, natural ingredients.

The best part for me was how quick and simple everything came together, no baking required.

I enjoyed layering the dates, peanut butter, and chocolate because it felt like creating something fancy without much effort. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep a stash in the fridge all the time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Date Snickers Bars:

For the Base:

2 cups Medjool dates, pitted (they’re naturally soft and sticky, perfect for forming a base—avoid dried-out dates)
1 cup almond flour or oat flour (adds structure to the base—almond flour makes it richer, oat flour keeps it lighter)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (helps bind the base together)

For the Caramel Layer:

½ cup natural peanut butter (fresh, drippy peanut butter works best—avoid overly processed kinds)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adds natural sweetness and makes the peanut butter more spreadable)
½ cup crushed peanuts (optional but adds that Snickers-like crunch)

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 cup dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips (melts smoothly for the perfect top layer)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (gives the chocolate a glossy finish and softer bite)

Note: Serves 12 bars as per the above quantities.

Variations

You can switch things up based on your taste or dietary needs:

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a milder flavor.
Swap maple syrup for agave nectar or date syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Make it nut-free by replacing peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skipping the crushed peanuts.
Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for that irresistible sweet-salty combo.
Add shredded coconut to the base for a tropical twist.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Food processor – to blend dates into a smooth paste.
Mixing bowls – for preparing the nut butter and chocolate layers.
Spatula – to spread each layer evenly.
Sharp knife – for clean slicing once set.
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – for melting chocolate.
Baking dish lined with parchment paper – keeps bars from sticking.
Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right balance of ingredients.

How to Make Date Snickers Bars?

Making these bars is simple, and each step builds up to that candy-bar-style treat you’ll love. I found it super satisfying to layer everything, and the best part is watching the glossy chocolate set perfectly. Here’s how I did it:

Make the Date Base

Start by adding the pitted Medjool dates to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add in the almond flour and coconut oil, then pulse until the mixture turns into a dough-like texture. Press this mixture evenly into a parchment-lined baking dish. This will form the sweet, chewy base for your bars.

Prepare the Caramel Layer

Mix the natural peanut butter and maple syrup in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the date base using a spatula. If you love extra crunch like I do, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before moving to the next step.

Add the Chocolate Topping

Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour this glossy chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to coat the top. Lightly tap the baking dish on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Chill and Slice

Place the dish in the freezer for about one hour to set completely. Once firm, lift the slab out using the parchment paper and cut it into bars with a sharp knife. I found it easier to slice when slightly thawed, which gave me cleaner cuts.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making these a couple of times, I picked up some tricks to make them even better:

I like to toast the peanuts before adding them—it gives a deeper, nutty flavor.
Adding a thin chocolate layer under the peanut butter makes them extra indulgent.
If your dates feel too dry, I soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well before blending.
I prefer slicing them while they’re a little soft instead of rock solid; it makes neat bars without crumbling.
I sometimes drizzle extra melted chocolate on top after slicing for a bakery-style look.

How to Serve Date Snickers Bars?

These bars are as fun to serve as they are to eat! You can cut them into neat rectangles for a classic candy-bar style or bite-sized cubes for party platters. I love pairing them with coffee or almond milk for a quick afternoon snack.

For a fancier dessert, try chopping them into small chunks and sprinkling over vanilla ice cream or yogurt. If you’re serving guests, a light dusting of sea salt flakes or cocoa powder on top makes them look extra polished.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per bar (1 of 12 servings):

Calories: 220
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g

These bars give you a nice balance of energy, protein, and healthy fats in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Store your bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week and are always ready for a grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge for a few hours.

Reheating/Restoring

There’s no real reheating needed since it’s a no-bake recipe, but if they’ve been in the freezer, I let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating for the perfect texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These bars are one of those recipes that check all the boxes for taste, health, and convenience. Here’s why I think you’ll love them too:

They’re incredibly easy—no oven required, and only a few steps.
You can customize them to be nut-free, dairy-free, or even sugar-free.
They store really well, making them great for meal prep or snacking.
The flavors are rich, indulgent, and taste just like a candy bar (without the guilt).
They’re versatile—perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a lunchbox treat.

Ash Tyrrell