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If you’ve been seeing viral date bark all over social media and wondering if it’s actually worth the hype, hi hello, it absolutely is. We’re talking chewy caramel-y dates, a thick peanut butter protein layer, crunchy roasted peanuts and a snappy chocolate topping with flaky salt. ERMEGERD.

The best part? This peanut butter date bark is ridiculously easy to make and requires zero baking. Just layer, chill, slice and try not to eat half the tray standing at the counter.

Stacked pieces of date bark with chocolate, peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and flaky sea salt on parchment paper
small photo of the author, Erica

Obsessed is an understatement.

No for real, I’ve made a batch of this date bark every week for four weeks straight and we absolutely demolish it.

My MIL was visiting for a couple of weeks to help with my girls while I traveled for work and she said, “you sure talk about dates a lot.” YUP I SURE DO. Hahahaha. I lurrrrrve dates. A date + peanut butter is an OG Flavorful Life snack. So when I saw this viral date bark trend going around social media, I knew it was a must-make.

I wanted to make a version that was a bit higher in protein. For the peanut butter layer, I recipe tested versions with almond flour + protein powder, just protein powder, and with and without maple syrup. Ultimately, my favorite version was peanut butter + protein powder + just a touch of maple syrup and vanilla bean paste. It makes for a thick, dough-like peanut butter layer that reminds me of a Reese’s.

Paired with the caramel-like texture from chewy dates, crunchy peanuts and a thin layer of chocolate, it’s giving candy bar energy but way, way, way better.

You honestly can’t really mess this one up. My best advice is use some elbow grease and really get those dates smooshed into a nice, thin layer. Then make sure the peanut butter and chocolate are in even layers and voila. Snacking perfection.

I truly cannot wait for y’all to make these.

signature of Erica

What You’ll Need to Make Snickers Date Bark

Labeled ingredients for a date bark recipe including dates, peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanuts, maple syrup, vanilla, and flaky salt
  • I like to use soft, squishy medjool dates. I buy the pitted ones from Costco, but you can also find them online or at most grocery stores. If you get whole dates, just remove the pits before starting.
  • The organic natural peanut butter from Costco is the GOAT. But use whatever nut butter you love! Almond butter or cashew butter would be delish.
  • For protein powder, I use Optimum Nutrition vanilla whey protein powder, which I get from Costco. Are y’all sensing a theme here, lol! But of course, use whatever protein powder you like!
  • Flavor boosters like pure maple syrup and vanilla bean paste are technically optional, but recommended.
  • I’m a dark chocolate gal, so I use dark chocolate chips, but you could use semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
  • Don’t forget the flaky sea salt for the finishing touch!

How to Make High-Protein Date Bark

If your dates have pits, remove the pits. Lay down a piece of parchment paper and use your fingers to break open each date, laying them side by side in a 4 x 4 square.

Hands pressing opened dates flat on a sheet of parchment paper
Pitted dates arranged in rows on parchment paper

Cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to roll the dates, flattening and squishing them together until they form one large thin rectangle.

A rolling pin flattening dates between two sheets of parchment paper
Flattened dates pressed together into one even layer on parchment paper

In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla, maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick and dough-like.

Peanut butter mixture in a bowl with vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract
A pink spatula stirring peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla bean paste, and pure maple syrup together in a mixing bowl

Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the flattened dates, reaching all the way to the edges. I honestly think using your fingers works best here.

Peanut butter mixture being spread over the flattened date layer with a pink spatula
Chopped peanuts scattered over the peanut butter layer

Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the dates and gently press them into the peanut butter layer. Transfer the parchment to a baking sheet or plate and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Melted chocolate being poured over the peanut butter and peanut layer
Melted chocolate spread across the top of the peanut butter date bark layer

Add the chocolate chips and avocado oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the top and spread into an even layer. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Flaky sea salt being sprinkled over the melted chocolate layer
Chocolate peanut butter date bark cut into squares after cooling

Transfer to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is fully set.

Sliced pieces of snickers date bark topped with melted chocolate, peanuts, and flaky sea salt on parchment paper
A hand holding a thin piece of peanut butter date bark with chocolate, peanuts, and flaky sea salt

Slice or break into pieces and ENJOYYYYY. Tastes just like a healthy snickers bar!

Expert Tips

  • Really press and flatten the dates into a thin, even layer. This makes the bark easier to slice and keeps the ratios perfect.
  • Use fresh, soft dates with a chewy texture. If they’re too dry, they won’t flatten into a nice layer.
  • Use parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.
  • For fun variations, try adding shredded coconut, chopped pretzels, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

FAQs

Can I make this date bark without protein powder?

Yep! You can substitute almond flour for a similar texture or simply omit the protein powder altogether. The peanut butter layer just won’t be as thick.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use your favorite plant-based protein powder and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I use peanut butter like Jif or Skippy?

I didn’t personally test it, but I feel confident it would work. Since those peanut butters are sweeter, you may want to omit the maple syrup.

How could I make this nut-free?

Your best bet would be to use sunflower seed butter and something like pepitas, sunflower seeds or toasted coconut for crunch.

How should I store peanut butter date bark?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! For more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Youtube – I love connecting with you all there!

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Stack of chocolate peanut butter date bark pieces showing layers of dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate

High Protein Snickers Date Bark Recipe

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  • Author: Erica Baty
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes + 30 minutes chill time
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Assemble
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
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Description

Prepare to have your sweet tooth SATISFIED.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. If your dates have pits, remove the pits. Lay down a piece of parchment paper and use your fingers to break open each date, laying them side by side in a 4 x 4 square.

  2. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the dates, flattening and squishing them together until they are a large, thin, flat rectangle.

  3. In a bowl combine ¾ cup peanut butter, ½ cup protein powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined, the mixture will have a thick, dough-like consistency

  4. Spread the peanut butter mixture on the dates, spreading it into an even layer, all the way out to the edges (I use my fingers!)

  5. Sprinkle on ¼ cup peanuts and gently press them down into the peanut butter layer. Place the parchment on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30ish minutes (or more, if you’re not in a hurry to get this in your belly).

  6. Add ¾ cup chocolate chips and ½ teaspoon avocado oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted, about 1½ to 2 minutes total.

  7. Pour the melted chocolate over the date bark and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, reaching all the way to the edges. Immediately top with flaky sea salt, then transfer to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is fully set.

  8. Slice or break into pieces and ENJOYYYYY.

Notes

Protein powder: I use Optimum Nutrition vanilla whey protein powder, the kind from Costco in the big bag. The taste is subtle and offers a nice sweetness in addition to the boost of protein.

If you do not want to use protein powder, you can substitute almond flour to get a similar texture or simply omit it and use a layer of straight peanut butter. If you don’t use protein powder the peanut butter layer won’t be as thick, but it’ll still be delish!

Peanut butter: I used the Kirkland organic natural creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Although I didn’t test the recipe with an emulsified peanut butter like Jif or Skippy I feel confident that it will work. You may want to omit the maple syrup if you’re using peanut butter with added sugar.

Refer to the above blog post for step-by-step photos, ingredient suggestions and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 2-inch by 2-inch piece (1/20th of the recipe)
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 18.8 g
  • Sodium: 58.3 mg
  • Fat: 8.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.8 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 8.2 mg

If you love this viral date bark recipe, you’ll love my other date recipes!

​Browned Butter Sticky Date Oatmeal

Wonderfully Wholesome Date Muffins

​Date Snickers

Ultimate Healthy Snack Plate

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