5 Ingredient Date “Snickers”
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Dates: A Healthy Take on Snickers
By: Courtney G. Clifford
In our home, chocolate is a love language—and so is nourishing food. Like many people striving to eat clean and stay energized, we often find ourselves reaching for sweet treats that feel indulgent but also nourish our bodies. That’s why I like to keep healthier dessert and snack options on hand that are not only delicious, but also simple enough for little hands to help make. One of our absolute staples? Peanut butter-filled, chocolate-covered Medjool dates—a five-ingredient wonder we like to call homemade "Date Snickers."
These little bites of joy are naturally sweet, creamy, salty, and rich with that familiar candy bar vibe, but with whole-food ingredients. They store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to join in on the prep. My little ones love removing the pits to sprinkling the flaky salt on top. If you’re like us and enjoy experimenting, you can mix it up with chunky peanut butter or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
But beyond taste and ease, what I love most is the nutritional value packed into each ingredient. Let’s break down the benefits before diving into the recipe.
Gooey chewy chocolatey salty goodness
Ingredient Spotlight: Nutrition Meets Simplicity
1. Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are the sweet foundation of this recipe. With their rich, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture, they’re often referred to as “nature’s candy.” But unlike refined sugar, dates offer a wealth of health benefits.
Dates are a great source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar by slowing sugar absorption into the bloodstream. They’re also rich in antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health (Al-Farsi & Lee, 2008). Additionally, dates provide essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper.
Did you know? Just two Medjool dates can provide over 15% of your daily fiber needs.
Medjool Dates: removing the pits
2. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter brings creaminess and plant-based protein to these bites. It’s rich in healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fats, which support heart health when consumed in moderation. Peanut butter is also a good source of niacin, vitamin E, magnesium, and resveratrol, a compound that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
While some people shy away from peanut butter due to its fat content, it's worth noting that natural peanut butter (with no added sugar or oils) is nutrient-dense and filling—making it a great choice in small amounts. A 2020 study in Nutrients even found that moderate peanut consumption may be associated with improved satiety and weight management (Coates et al., 2020).
3. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate doesn’t just satisfy that cocoa craving; it also provides flavonoids, which are compounds shown to support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the most benefits and the least added sugar.
Dark chocolate also contains iron, magnesium, and manganese, and may help enhance mood by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels. In this recipe, it acts as a rich, antioxidant-packed shell that ties all the flavors together.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives the coating a silky finish. While coconut oil has been debated in the nutrition world due to its saturated fat content, it’s also a plant-based fat source rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may be metabolized more efficiently for energy.
Used in moderation, coconut oil can be a beneficial fat in a whole-foods-based diet. In this recipe, it’s just enough to improve texture and shine without overpowering the taste.
All 5 amazing ingredients
5. Flaky Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky salt does more than elevate flavor; it helps balance the natural sweetness of the dates and chocolate, bringing out complex notes in every bite. Sea salt also contains trace minerals like magnesium and calcium, though in small amounts. More importantly, it turns a good snack into a gourmet experience with very little effort.
Maldon flaky sea salt is on heavy rotation
Recipe: Peanut Butter-Filled Chocolate Dates ("Date Snickers")
Makes: 12 treats
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour chill time
Ingredients
12 Medjool dates
½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
2 teaspoons coconut oil
¾ cup dark chocolate chips or wafers (70% cacao or higher recommended)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Dates:
Slice each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the pits and gently open each date like a little boat.Fill with Peanut Butter:
Using a small spoon or butter knife, fill each date with about a teaspoon of peanut butter. Place the filled dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.Melt the Chocolate:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Heat gently (either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over low heat on the stove), stirring until smooth.Coat the Dates:
Using a fork or spoon, dip each peanut butter-filled date into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.Finish and Chill:
Immediately sprinkle each chocolate-covered date with flaky sea salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.Enjoy!
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 5–7 days or freeze for longer storage. (Pro tip: They taste incredible straight from the freezer!)
A certain little one pointed out the tiny lucky rainbow on our extra lucky treats!
Why This Recipe Works for Families
Aside from being nutrient-rich and crave-worthy, these chocolate dates are incredibly kid-friendly. Little ones can help with the pitting, scooping, and salt sprinkling, making this a fun kitchen activity. They’re also allergen-flexible swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut-free alternatives, or use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
This is a snack that satisfies every member of the family from toddlers to grown-ups with just the right balance of sweetness, protein, and healthy fat to keep you going between meals.
The toddler grab!
Conclusion: Treats That Nourish
Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean deprivation. It can be just as joyful, especially when shared with the people you love. These peanut butter chocolate dates are proof that simple, whole ingredients can come together to make something truly special. They're a reminder that nourishing food can also be fun, decadent, and deeply satisfying.
So the next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the processed candy bars and reach for this easy, nutritious alternative. Better yet, invite your kids into the kitchen and make it a moment of connection and creativity.
References
Al-Farsi, M., & Lee, C. Y. (2008). Nutritional and functional properties of dates: a review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 48(10), 877-887. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408390701724264
Coates, A. M., Hill, A. M., Tan, S. Y., & Buckley, J. D. (2020). Nuts and appetite regulation: Mechanisms and effects. Nutrients, 12(2), 505. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020505
