Dates and dark chocolate make an easy snack that tastes great. The chocolate is rich, and the dates are naturally sweet. I came across a popular recipe for date bars not long ago that has been going around social media. I tried it and thought it was worth sharing.
This recipe uses Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate Date Bar, which melts down beautifully and pairs perfectly with the texture of soft dates and creamy nut butter. With only a few ingredients and no baking required, this is the kind of quick treat that works whether you’re prepping weekday snacks, looking for a refined treat, or just trying something new with whole food ingredients.
Why Date Bars Are a Great Snack Option?
Date bars are simple to prepare, full of texture, and naturally sweet—thanks to the dates. They're a good alternative to processed snacks and can be tailored to your tastes. Date bars are versatile and do not require any special equipment. They can be gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free.
They feel like dessert, even though the ingredients are simple, because the base is dense and chewy and the top is chocolate. They go well with snacks that you make ahead of time because they can be kept in the fridge or freezer.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe?
It's beautiful that this recipe is so simple to make. What you'll need is this:
Ingredients:
- 25 soft pitted dates (medjool dates are ideal)
- ½ cup cashew butter (or your preferred nut butter)
- ¼ cup chopped raw cashews
- 1 bar of Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate Date Bar, melted
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe requires no baking and comes together with just a few simple steps:
1. Prepare the Dates
First, make sure the dates with pits are soft. You can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes and then drain them well if they look a little dry. Press them down with a fork or pulse them in a food processor until they become thick and paste-like. This is what will be used to build the base of the bars.
Line a small loaf pan or square dish with parchment paper and press the date mixture evenly across the bottom.
2. Add the Nut Butter Layer
Spoon the cashew butter over the pressed date base. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly. Cashew butter offers a mild, creamy flavor that works well with the richness of the dates. You can substitute it with almond butter or peanut butter depending on your taste or what you have at home.
After the nut butter layer is applied, sprinkle the chopped raw cashews on top. In contrast to the base's chewy and creamy textures, these will offer a little crunch.
3. Melt the Chocolate
Take one Santa Barbara Chocolate Dark Chocolate Date Bar and melt it gently. You can do this using a double boiler, or in the microwave with short 10-second bursts, stirring in between until completely smooth.
After the cashew butter and cashew layer has cooled, pour the melted chocolate over it. Cover the entire surface evenly by spreading it with a spatula. If you're using salt, now's the ideal time to add a pinch so the flavors can contrast.
4. Chill and Set
Let the chocolate harden in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, lift the mixture out of the tray using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Dates: To make everything stick together and blend or press easier, use fresh dates. Dates are soft and sticky.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so that the chocolate doesn't melt and the layers don't fall apart when you cut them.
- Keep a Sharp Knife Ready: For clean edges, run a knife under warm water and wipe dry before slicing.
Variations You Can Try
Feel free to mix things up based on what you have in your kitchen or how sweet you'd like your bars to turn out! Check out these simple variations!
- Switch the Nuts: Use almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead of cashews.
- Peanut, sunflower, or almond seed butter are great options for those who are looking to branch out.
- For extra visual appeal, you can add shredded unsweetened coconut in between each layer.
- To make the cocoa more crunchy without adding sugar, try adding chocolate nibs.
- Add seeds on top. Chia or flax seeds can improve the texture and nutrition of a dish.
Storage Suggestions
Once sliced, the bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Keep them in the freezer to preserve them for longer. They’re great to have on hand when you want a quick, sweet bite without reaching for processed snacks.
If you're packing lunches or need a pre-workout snack, wrap the bars individually and grab them on the go.
A Simple Chocolate Date Treat Worth Trying
Whether you're making these as a healthier dessert or a midday snack, this chocolate date bar recipe is worth keeping around. The natural sweetness of dates, the creaminess of cashew butter, and the satisfying finish of melted Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate Bar all come together in one balanced, chewy bite.
With just a few ingredients and no refined sugar, this recipe is quick and easy to make. You can feel good about sharing it with family or friends. Try this popular recipe for a snack and see how it fits in with your plans.
