Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Bars
Chewy, chocolatey peanut butter date bars — a healthy, freezer-friendly Snickers fix!
If you’ve ever wished a Snickers bar could magically transform into something a little more wholesome, these Peanut Butter Date Bars are it. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, soft almond flour base, a gooey caramel-like layer made with dates and peanut butter, and a glossy dark chocolate top sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
They’re sweet but not cloying, decadent yet secretly nutritious, and they deliver that perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, and chewy. It’s the kind of treat that satisfies both your candy bar cravings and your better-for-you snack goals.
Even better, these bars are totally meal-prep friendly. Make a batch, slice them into squares, and stash them in the freezer — that way, whenever a sweet craving strikes, you’ll have a grab-and-go treat that’s ready to satisfy. No last-minute dessert panic, just wholesome indulgence whenever you need it.
Nutrition Notes
Almond Flour
Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs than traditional flour. It’s rich in vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant) and magnesium (important for energy and muscle function). Thanks to its healthy fats and protein, it helps make these bars satisfying and more blood-sugar friendly.
Dates
Dates are nature’s candy, but they’re also packed with fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption and supports digestion. They bring natural caramel-like sweetness along with potassium, copper, and small amounts of iron.
Natural Peanut Butter
Peanut butter provides plant-based protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It also adds magnesium and vitamin B6, both of which support energy metabolism. Using unsweetened peanut butter keeps the bars wholesome without added sugars or oils.
Maple Syrup
Unlike refined sugar, pure maple syrup contains small amounts of minerals like manganese and zinc. It’s still a sugar, but a natural one with a bit more nutritional value and a lovely flavor that pairs perfectly with almonds and chocolate.
Dark Chocolate (60%)
Dark chocolate brings antioxidants called flavonoids, which support heart health. A 60% cacao variety gives you that deep, slightly bitter richness while still being sweet enough to taste indulgent.
Peanut Butter Date Bars with Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer
- 1 cup Medjool dates, soft and pitted (about 10–12)
- ¾ cup peanut butter, natural, creamy
- 2 tbsp warm water, as needed for blending
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. Preheat oven to 325°F.
Make the Cookie Base
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the lined pan (use the back of a measuring cup to pack it down).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before adding the caramel layer. Watch the pan so the cookie layer doesn't burn.
Make the Caramel Layer
- If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain.
- Blend dates with 2 tablespoons warm water until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt, then blend again until creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more water.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cookie base and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Make the Chocolate Layer
- Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth (microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring, or use a double boiler).
- Pour the chocolate over the chilled caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until all layers are firm and chewy.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut into bars or squares.
Notes
- Soft dates = creamy caramel: If your dates are dry, always soak them first for the smoothest blend.
- Don’t skip chilling: The layers need time to set for that candy-bar chew.
- Customize it: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, or drizzle extra chocolate on top for flair.
Nutrition per Serving
Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only. Variations in ingredients, brands, or calculation methods may affect the actual values.
