A 4-ingredient recipe that’s the best kind of flavor combination. This date bark recipe is swirled with peanut butter and chocolate to make for a rich, crunchy indulgence that you won’t want to share.
Possibly one of my favorite desserts as a Certified Nutrition Coach because it’s so easy and still semi-healthy! Peanut butter and dates were a go-to treat for all three of my pregnancies and this recipe just takes that to a whole other level (check out these pregnancy desserts if you have wicked cravings too).
If you love the chocolate peanut butter combo, this date bark (and these peanut butter protein cups) is for you. It’s juicy thanks to the dates, swirled with creamy peanut butter, and topped with a crunchy, hardened chocolate. Just like these homemade turtles they’re an easy dessert you’ll want to keep on hand.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: With only 4 ingredients and beginner-level kitchen skills this peanut butter date bark is pretty simple.
Allergy-friendly: This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan making it pretty easy to please everyone.
Delicious: There’s not a day that can’t be made better by the combination of chocolate and peanut butter!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Check out the photo below to see the ingredients you need for the date chocolate bark. If you have a gluten-free pantry well-stocked, you should have everything you need.
Peanut butter: For the best kind of twist, use crunchy peanut butter! However, know that both need to be natural peanut butters so that they’re runny enough to spread over top of the dates.I use dairy-fee chocolate chips but if you need the recipe to be vegan, grab vegan chocolate chips.
Expert Tips To Make It
Allow the edges of the dates to overlap a bit and press the edges together so they stick together (they don’t need to stick perfectly, and less soft dates may not stick together at all, which will still be okay). The more they’re together though the less peanut butter comes through.
If you’re melting your chocolate chips on the stove, make sure to do so on low heat and remove the pot when just melted so that they don’t burn.
How To Make Date Bark
Step 1: Slice the dates lengthwise and place them on a parchment paper-lined tray.
Step 2: Heat and drizzle the peanut butter over top, taking care to spread it around.
Step 3: Melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth. Drizzle and coat the top of the peanut butter and dates.
Step 4: Sprinkle salt over top if using and pop in the freezer to set.
How To Store The Bark
Store leftover date bark in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. You can enjoy it right from the fridge or let it come to room temperature (about 5 minutes).
Freeze the date bark in a single layer or between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Flavor Variations
It is so easy to make this peanut butter date bark into another flavor you’re craving! Below are a few of our favorite swaps to switch it up.
Toppings: In place (or addition) of sea salt, sprinkle on some chopped pecans, pistachios, or chunky coconut. This gives a fun new flavor but also a bunch of texture.
White chocolate: If you can find white chocolate chips it’s a nice, aesthetic switch-up.
Nut butter: Though chocolate peanut butter is the best using almond-hazelnut butter can give a new richness.
Candies: Instead of making bark, place the dates in a cupcake liner and add the toppings on top. This is a great way to make individual portions for everyone.
FAQs
I haven’t tried it but I’m sure you could use dried blueberries or cherries in place of dates. You’d need more and really want to make sure they’re clustered together and not spread out.
More Easy, Dairy-Free Desserts
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Peanut Butter Date Bark Recipe (Dairy-Free)
Video
Equipment
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- ⅓ cup Creamy peanut butter or nut butter of your choice
- ¾ cups Dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon Coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon Flaked sea salt optional
Instructions
- Slice each date down the side with a paring knife. Remove the pit, open the date up, and press it down with your hand to flatten.
- Place the flattened dates on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a rectangle with the dates arranged 4 across and 5 down.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the melted peanut butter evenly over the dates. Use a silicone spatula to spread as needed.
- In a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl, heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval until fully melted and smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it out edge to edge.
- Sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top of the chocolate if using.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bark into bite-size pieces.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shelby says
The best possible flavor combo, this bark is insanely easy to whip up and great to curb peanut butter cravings!