The Best Ever Date Snickers: Sweet, Healthy & Freezer-Ready Treat

I’m Maggie Hart from Louisville, and these Date Snickers are a little hug from my freezer. Inspired by old-school candy bars but made with real ingredients dates, nut butter, and dark chocolate they hit that sweet spot without the sugar rush. I grew up on potluck desserts, and this is my modern-day version: simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. Whether you’re craving something quick, freezer-friendly, or just naturally sweet, this is a treat you’ll keep coming back to. Comfort made simple that’s always my goal. And these? They’re church cookbook worthy.

The Best Ever Date Snickers: Sweet, Healthy & Freezer-Ready Treat

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• Author: Maggie Hart

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Description

These no-bake Date Snickers are made with soft Medjool dates, creamy nut butter, crunchy peanuts, and rich dark chocolate. Sweet, salty, and freezer-friendly—perfect for snacking or gifting.

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Ingredients

organic pitted dates

organic peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice)

organic dry-roasted or raw peanuts (or nut of your choice)

dairy-free dark chocolate (I love Evolved chocolate)

maldon salt

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Instructions

1. Pit dates if not already pitted, and slice down the middle (but not all the way through) so you can open them up.

2. Add parchment paper to a plate or small baking sheet (be sure it will fit in your freezer). Open each date slightly to form a pocket, and space them evenly on the parchment paper.

3. Add enough nut butter to fill each date about 75% of the way, top with a few nuts, then pinch closed. Place in the freezer to form for 15–20 minutes.

4. While the dates freeze, melt your chocolate. Let the chocolate cool slightly before moving on.

5. Remove dates from the freezer, then dip each one in the melted chocolate until completely coated. You can use two spoons to help dip for less mess, or choose to drizzle the chocolate instead of dip.

6. Sprinkle with flakey salt, then add to freezer for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

Notes

Use almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut-free versions. Swap peanuts with pumpkin seeds or pretzels for crunch. Store in freezer for up to 1 month, fridge up to 1 week.

You know those days when you’re craving something sweet, but just don’t want to turn on the oven? That’s exactly when these Date Snickers come to the rescue. Made with soft Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and a thick coat of dark chocolate, they taste like the real deal just without the added sugar crash. These freezer-friendly bites are my go-to when I need a snack that feels like dessert but still fits into my “real food” routine. In this article, we’ll dive into how to make Date Snickers at home, tips to customize them, and why they’re a freezer must-have.

A Sweet Bite of Nostalgia with Date Snickers

My Southern Freezer Is Never Without Them

I’ll tell you a little secret: there’s a container in my freezer labeled “emergency candy.” But it’s not full of actual candy bars. Nope, it’s these Date Snickers and y’all, they’ve saved me more than once.

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, our church potlucks were full of gooey, chocolate-covered everything. And even though I’ve moved away from a lot of the processed sweets, I never moved on from that love of layered textures and rich flavors. These taste like something you’d find on a dessert table next to a batch of carmelita cookies or homemade fudge.

I started making Date Snickers when my daughter challenged me to create a “better-for-you” version of her favorite candy. I used organic Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, raw peanuts, and dairy-free chocolate. The first time we made them, we both said, “Oh wow… these are dangerous.” Now, they’re a freezer staple right next to my stash of booty dip and frozen banana bread slices.

Why Date Snickers Are Pure Kitchen Gold

What makes these little bites so special is the combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy all in one. The dates bring natural caramel flavor without any processed sugar. The peanut butter and nuts give you protein and texture. And the chocolate? Well, that’s just non-negotiable.

Here’s what else I love about Date Snickers:

• No baking required (just a freezer and 15 minutes)
• Customizable with any nut butter or chocolate you love
• Naturally sweetened with zero refined sugar
• Portable and kid-friendly
• Simple ingredients you already have at home

I make these on Sunday evenings as part of my snack prep, right after I finish a batch of tiktok cookie croissants. They’re easy to double or triple, and everyone in the neighborhood now asks for “those chocolate dates” when they stop by.

Coming up next, we’ll walk through the exact ingredients and how to customize your Date Snickers to fit any dietary preference.

Building the Best Date Snickers

Start With the Right Ingredients

You don’t need much to make Date Snickers, but each ingredient really pulls its weight. It’s one of those recipes where the fewer the components, the more important their quality. Here’s what I use and why:

• Medjool dates – These are the soft, chewy ones that almost melt in your mouth. They’ve got a rich, caramel-like flavor that mimics the nougat and caramel layers in classic Snickers. Look for ones that are already pitted or be prepared to do a little prep work.
• Organic peanut butter – Smooth, creamy, and just a little salty. If you’re not into peanut butter or have an allergy, almond, sunflower, or cashew butter works beautifully too.
• Raw or dry-roasted peanuts – These give that signature crunch. You can chop them or leave them whole depending on the texture you’re going for.
• Dairy-free dark chocolate – I love using Evolved or Hu chocolate bars, but any good-quality chocolate chips will do. Melt it down and give each date a thick coat.
• Maldon salt – Just a pinch of flake salt makes the sweetness pop and balances every bite.

If you’ve made homemade cosmic brownies, you already know how crucial the right chocolate is. With these Date Snickers, that salt-sweet combo is what makes it magic.

No-Bake, No Fuss: How to Make Them

Here’s how it all comes together no oven, no mixer, no drama.

1. Prep the dates: If they’re not already pitted, slice each one lengthwise and remove the pit. Don’t cut all the way through just open them like little books.
2. Stuff with nut butter: Add enough peanut butter to fill each date about three-quarters full. Use a small spoon or butter knife to keep it tidy.
3. Add crunch: Press a few peanuts into the nut butter. They don’t have to be perfect rustic is charming here.
4. Pinch and freeze: Gently close the date and set it on a parchment-lined tray. Once all your dates are prepped, pop the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes dipping easier.
5. Melt the chocolate: While they freeze, melt your chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Let it cool just slightly so it’s not too runny.
6. Dip or drizzle: Remove dates from the freezer and dip each one in chocolate until fully coated, or drizzle for a lighter version. Use a fork or two spoons to help manage the mess.
7. Sprinkle salt + freeze again: Top with Maldon salt while the chocolate’s still soft. Then freeze for another 20–30 minutes until set.

Once hardened, they’re ready to eat or stash away for when those sweet cravings strike. I store mine in an airtight container, right next to my leftover oreo dump cake slices.

Customizing Your Date Snickers

Make It Your Way: Easy Swaps and Variations

One of my favorite things about Date Snickers is how easy they are to adjust for any taste or dietary need. Whether you’re dairy-free, nut-free, or just feel like switching things up, these freezer-friendly treats are endlessly flexible.

Here are some delicious variation ideas:

• Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use roasted pumpkin seeds or crushed pretzels instead of peanuts. It still brings the crunch without any allergens.
• Keto-Friendly: Use unsweetened almond butter and very dark chocolate (85% or higher) or a sugar-free chocolate like Lily’s. Keep in mind dates are higher in natural sugar, so this version fits more into a low-sugar treat zone than full keto.
• Vegan & Paleo: You’re already almost there just double-check that your chocolate and nut butter are clean-label, with no added dairy or refined sugars.
• Texture Tweaks: Want more crunch? Try adding crushed homemade Oreos inside or on top before freezing. Prefer them softer? Use room temp nut butter and only chill slightly before serving.

We tested a few batches with almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon and they reminded me of a cross between churro cheesecake bars and classic candy bars. Unexpected but irresistible.

Serving, Storing, and Gifting Tips

These little bites are perfect straight from the freezer, but you can also:

• Let them sit at room temp for 5 minutes for a chewier texture.
• Slice into halves or thirds for party platters or grazing boards.
• Gift them in parchment-lined tins or mini treat boxes just add a handwritten note and store in the fridge if delivering.

They make a thoughtful, homemade holiday treat, especially when tucked next to a slice of homemade Twinkies or wrapped with a pretty bow.

As for storage, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Though if your house is anything like mine, they won’t last that long.

FAQs About Date Snickers

Wrapping It Up: A Freezer Treat That Feels Like a Hug

These Date Snickers have earned a permanent spot in my weekly snack routine. Sweet, salty, chocolatey, and nourishing they check every box for an everyday treat. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or surprising someone with a homemade dessert, this recipe brings comfort in every bite.

Over the years, I’ve shared these little gems at church potlucks, family get-togethers, and even left them on neighbors’ porches as a “thinking of you” treat. Each time, the reaction is the same: “Wait… these are dates?!”

If you loved this recipe or want to see more Southern-inspired sweet bites and weeknight dinners, I’d be tickled if you joined me over on my Facebook page. That’s where I share even more cozy kitchen stories, kitchen-tested recipes, and what’s cookin’ in the Gemmir Kitchen each week.

Give these a try and keep a stash in your freezer. You never know when a little homemade hug will come in handy.