Chocolate peanut butter dates
This might just be my favorite treat. It tastes like a Snickers bar but is made with only three simple ingredients—all of which are whole foods. The only challenge with these is that if I make 10, I’ll eat 10! I’ve learned it’s better to prepare them for gatherings or occasions when I know others will share them with me. Other than that, they’re perfect. They take just 10 minutes to assemble using pantry staples and about 20 minutes to set in the fridge.
I’ve experimented with a few techniques to make these look more professional, but one of the joys of this treat, for me, is the little pool of dark chocolate that forms around the dates.
I first discovered chocolate peanut butter dates while pregnant with my son, and learned that dates can help bring on labor. While they didn’t speed up my 10-day-overdue baby, I was happy to find this delicious snack. Silver linings! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without resorting to overly processed treats.
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates, pitted
- 10 teaspoons peanut butter
- 90g 85% dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper on top. This is essential to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Remove the pits from each date by pressing a hole in the side with your thumb and opening them like a book.
- Place the dates on the baking paper, evenly spaced about an inch apart.
- Using a knife, measure about one teaspoon of peanut butter per date and spread it into the center. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it’ll be covered in chocolate anyway.
- Break the chocolate into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the chocolate in the microwave for about a minute, then stir for 20 seconds to melt the remaining pieces.
- Use a teaspoon to scoop the melted chocolate and pour it over each date, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Place the tray in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to set.
Tips
Peanut Butter: My favourite peanut butter is Pip & Nut. We go for smooth peanut butter since my son doesn’t yet have all his teeth. Feel free to use crunchy, or any other nut butter for that matter.
Dark Chocolate: I love Green & Black’s 85% organic dark chocolate. For the best flavor and nutritional benefits, choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. It’s rich in natural fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants while containing less refined sugar and fewer additives. Any higher than 85% is too bitter for my liking, but choose whichever you like.
Dates: Medjool dates are my favorite for their plump, chewy texture, but any dates you have on hand will work just as well.
Chocolate peanut butter dates
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- 10 tsp peanut butter
- 90 g 85% dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper on top. This is essential to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Remove the pits from each date by pressing a hole in the side with your thumb and opening them like a book.
- Place the dates on the baking paper, evenly spaced about an inch apart.
- Using a knife, measure about one teaspoon of peanut butter per date and spread it into the center. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it’ll be covered in chocolate anyway.
- Break the chocolate into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the chocolate in the microwave for about a minute, then stir for 20 seconds to melt the remaining pieces.
- Use a teaspoon to scoop the melted chocolate and pour it over each date, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Place the tray in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to set.
These chocolate peanut butter dates are not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, they’re an easy and satisfying option. With only three simple ingredients, they are quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
