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Make Snickers dates by filling Medjool dates with peanut butter, chilling them in the freezer and coating them in dark chocolate. This no-bake recipe makes 12 chocolate-covered dates with a soft centre, creamy filling and crisp chocolate shell.
These homemade bites bring together flavours reminiscent of caramel, peanuts and chocolate. The date provides the sweet, chewy centre, so there is no need to make separate caramel or nougat.
Below, you will find the original recipe, practical tips for filling and coating, and answers to common questions about these chocolate-covered treats.
Recipe in brief
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Yield | 12 stuffed dates |
| Method | No-bake |
| Freezer time | 30–45 minutes |
| Additional chilling | Until the chocolate coating has set |
| Equipment | Small knife, teaspoon, freezer-safe plate, baking paper and a heatproof bowl |
LET’S MAKE IT
Recipe: Snickers dates for 12 pieces
The ingredient list quantities change. Notes and instructions describe the original batch.
Instructions
Prepare the dates
Cut a slit along one side of each date without cutting all the way through. Check for any remaining stones or fragments.
Add the peanut butter
Fill each date with one teaspoon of 100% peanut butter. Gently press the sides slightly towards each other.
Freeze until firm
Place the filled dates on a plate lined with baking paper. Freeze for 30–45 minutes.
Melt the chocolate
Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of hot water, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat the dates
Remove the dates from the freezer and roll them individually in the melted chocolate. Use two forks to lift them out and allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Finish and chill
Return the coated dates to the baking paper and sprinkle with a little sea salt. Refrigerate until the chocolate shell has set.
Tips for making chocolate-covered peanut butter dates
Choose soft Medjool dates
Medjool dates are generally large and soft, making them easy to fill. Even when using pitted dates, check that no pieces of stone remain.
A dry, firm date will give a different texture from the soft, chewy centre intended in this recipe.
Stir the peanut butter first
Oil can separate and rise to the top of a jar of 100% peanut butter. Stir it thoroughly before measuring your teaspoons so the filling has an even consistency.
Stick to one teaspoon per date. Overfilling makes the dates harder to handle and coat neatly.
Do not skip the freezer step
Freezing the filled dates for 30–45 minutes helps them firm up. This makes them easier to handle when dipping them in chocolate.
Prepare the baking paper beforehand so you can put each coated date down immediately.
Melt the chocolate gently
Keep water and steam out of the chocolate. When melting it over hot water, make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir between them. Stop heating once stirring melts the remaining pieces into a smooth mixture.
Are Snickers dates sugar-free?
No. Dates contain naturally occurring sugars, and dark chocolate usually contains added sugar. A cocoa content of at least 70% does not mean that chocolate is sugar-free.
This recipe does not call for separate sugar, honey or syrup. However, “no added sugar” is not an accurate general description if the chocolate you use contains added sugar.
The term “healthy Snickers” is sometimes used for homemade versions made with dates and peanut butter. It does not establish that they contain less sugar or fewer calories than a conventional chocolate bar.
Can Snickers dates fit into a balanced diet?
Yes. Consider your portion and what you eat across the rest of the day.
Dates provide carbohydrates and some fibre. Peanut butter contributes fats and protein. Chocolate adds flavour and energy. Together, they make a sweet snack whose portion size still matters.
You do not need to ban ordinary chocolate or a conventional Snickers bar either. Choose foods you enjoy and consider how they fit into your overall eating pattern.
Read our guide to macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats for more explanation.
Can you eat them when trying to lose weight?
Yes, provided the amount fits your overall energy intake. Homemade does not automatically mean low in calories.
Try setting aside the portion you want and putting the rest away. This makes it easier to choose how much you eat rather than repeatedly taking another date from the tray.
Are they suitable before or after training?
You can enjoy them at a time that suits your day. There is no compulsory timing that makes this particular snack more effective.
The recipe is not specifically designed as a high-protein recovery meal. To understand the broader role of food in your training, read about nutrition and muscle growth.
Variations on the original recipe
The ideas below are optional additions. The original recipe above remains unchanged.
- Extra crunch: add finely chopped peanuts to the filling or sprinkle them over the chocolate before it sets.
- With almonds: use chopped almonds as a topping. Remember that this introduces an additional allergen.
- Vegan version: choose dark chocolate without ingredients of animal origin. Check the vanilla extract label too.
- A stronger chocolate flavour: choose a cocoa percentage you enjoy, keeping to the recipe’s minimum of 70%. Higher cocoa percentages generally taste more bitter.
Preparing and storing Snickers dates
You can fill the dates ahead of time and coat them in chocolate later.
Allow the chocolate shell to set completely before transferring the dates to a sealed container. Place baking paper between layers to help prevent them from sticking together.
Store them chilled in a closed container. Their exact keeping time depends on the ingredients and how they are handled; this recipe has not undergone a separate shelf-life assessment.
Dates and chocolate can become very hard in the freezer. Allow frozen dates to soften before eating.
Frequently asked questions about Snickers dates
Are Snickers dates the same as homemade Snickers bars?
No. This recipe makes individual peanut butter stuffed dates covered in chocolate. You do not make a large layered bar and cut it into pieces.
Do you need an oven?
No. The freezer helps firm up the filling, and the fridge allows the chocolate coating to set.
Can you use other dates?
Yes, if they are large and soft enough to fill. Smaller dates have less room for a teaspoon of peanut butter. Use Medjool dates to follow the original recipe.
Can you use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Choose 100% peanut butter as specified in the recipe. A crunchy version adds texture without separately adding chopped peanuts.
How many calories are in one Snickers date?
This depends on the size of the dates, the weight of each teaspoon of peanut butter and how much chocolate remains on the dates.
For a reliable calculation, weigh the ingredients actually used. Calculate the total nutritional values using the product labels, then divide by 12.
Which allergens does this recipe contain?
The recipe contains peanuts. Chocolate may also contain milk, soya or other allergens. Check all ingredient labels, particularly when preparing food for someone with an allergy.
More homemade recipe ideas
Would you like to make something delicious yourself more often? See also:
Nutrition and training at Aurora Personal Training
At Aurora Personal Training in Eindhoven, we look at how training, nutrition and recovery fit into your daily life. That includes making room for food you enjoy.
Would you like to discuss how your habits can support your goals? Book a free intake at Aurora Personal Training.
Source
Netherlands Nutrition Centre: how much sugar do dried dates contain?
This source is in Dutch.
About the author
Roel van den Bogaard is personal trainer and founder of Aurora Personal Training, specializing in strength training, mobility and sustainable vitality. With years of experience, he helps entrepreneurs, professionals and expats to be fitter, stronger and more energetic in life. Roel combines scientifically based training methods with personal coaching and a high-end gym experience, fully tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
