Easy Homemade Vegan Snickers Dates: Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

hace 2 semanas

Inspired by: @iszy

Craving a sweet treat that's both indulgent and guilt-free? Look no further! These Easy Homemade Vegan Snickers Dates are a delightful, healthy-ish twist on your favorite chocolate bar. Perfect for satisfying those sweet tooth cravings, these no-bake treats are packed with natural sweetness from dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate.

This recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a quick and simple dairy-free dessert, a wholesome plant-based snack, or a fun, homemade candy alternative. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring healthier options, this recipe solves the problem of wanting a satisfying sweet without artificial ingredients or excessive sugar. As one happy reviewer on abillion exclaimed, "Oooo yes “snickers” date bark is my favorite!!" You'll soon discover why!

Assortment of fresh dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate chips laid out for the recipe

Why You'll Love These Healthy Snickers Dates

These treats are a revelation! Imagine the classic combination of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate, but reimagined with the natural goodness of dates. The original author, iszy, perfectly captured the magic: "Why did I wait so long to make these classic healthy-ish snicker-like treats?! I've heard about the trick of pairing peanut butter, peanuts, and melted chocolate with dates before, but it took my mom to make them for me to actually try it. They're wonderful!"

What makes them so special?

Naturally Sweet: Medjool dates provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness without added refined sugars.
Quick & Easy: No baking required! These come together in minutes.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, plant-based ingredients you likely already have.
Vegan & Dairy-Free: A fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy more compassionate treats.
Satisfying: The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures hits all the right notes for a truly satisfying snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create these delightful "Snickers" dates:

10-12 Medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons creamy or crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (dark chocolate works best for a less sweet option)
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for enhancing flavors)

Equipment

Small microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Spoon
Parchment paper or wax paper
Small plate or tray

Close-up of a Medjool date, sliced open to show the pit removal, ready for filling

Instructions: How to Make Vegan Snickers Dates

Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious treats:

Prepare the Dates: If your dates are whole, carefully slice each date lengthwise down one side and remove the pit. Be gentle to keep the date mostly intact, creating a small pocket.
Fill the Dates: Using a small spoon or your fingers, fill the cavity of each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter. Gently press the date closed around the filling.
Add Peanuts: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the peanut butter filling of each date. You can gently press them in to ensure they stick.
Melt the Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop.
Drizzle with Chocolate: Place the filled dates on a piece of parchment paper. Drizzle the melted chocolate generously over each date. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate while it's still wet.
Chill and Enjoy: Transfer the parchment paper with the dates to a plate or tray and place them in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has set firm.

The prepared dates, filled and drizzled with chocolate and peanuts, arranged on parchment paper

Variations & Adaptations

This simple recipe is highly customizable! Here are a few ideas to get creative:

Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or a soy-based butter for a nut-free version. Use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of peanuts.
Different Nuts: Try chopped almonds, cashews, or walnuts instead of peanuts for a different flavor profile.
Add Coconut: Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top along with the peanuts for an extra tropical twist.
Spiced Chocolate: Add a tiny pinch of chili powder or cinnamon to your melted chocolate for a subtle warmth.
Extra Indulgence: Dip the entire date in chocolate instead of just drizzling for a more decadent treat.
Holiday Flair: Add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles for a touch of holiday cheer.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Vegan Snickers Dates

Choosing Dates: Medjool dates are recommended because of their soft, chewy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor, which is essential for that "Snickers" experience. They are naturally very fresh and sweet!
Pitting Dates: The original author noted, "These dates come whole, so you can take out the pits yourself." This means they are often fresher. To easily remove the pit, simply make a slit lengthwise with a sharp knife and pop it out.
Melting Chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. Melting in short bursts in the microwave or using a double boiler provides better control.
Storage: Store these Vegan Snickers Dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best enjoyed chilled.
Batch Prep: Make a larger batch and keep them on hand for healthy snacks throughout the week or for unexpected guests.

A perfectly made Vegan Snickers Date, showcasing the chocolate shell, peanut butter, and chopped peanuts

Ready to try this amazing recipe? You won't regret sinking your teeth into these delightful healthy-ish Snickers-like treats! They're proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.

What's your favorite healthy vegan treat? Share your creations on abillion!

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