Stuffed Date Snickers
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
We had a craving for something sweet but healthy, so I decided to make these stuffed date snickers. They ended up being a hit with the whole family and cost about $10 to put together. It's amazing how such simple ingredients can come together to create a treat that's both satisfying and nutritious.
Not long ago, my kids were begging for candy, and I thought, why not try making a healthier version at home? I rummaged through the pantry and found some medjool dates, peanut butter, and dark chocolate. It's funny how we often overlook the simple stuff lying around, but honestly, these little treats turned out to be so satisfying that my kids didn’t even ask for store-bought candy afterward.
One little tip I learned while making these is to use a good-quality dark chocolate for the coating. It makes a real difference in taste, and I prefer the Ghirardelli brand since it's smooth and melts beautifully. The combination of sweet dates with salty peanut butter and rich chocolate is just wonderful, and I’m already planning variations for the next batch!
Getting the Texture Right for Stuffed Date Snickers
When you're preparing the dates, the texture really matters. Medjool dates are plump and sweet, which makes them perfect for this kind of treat. Make sure you get them large enough to hold the peanut butter. If you use smaller dates, you might end up with a weird, unbalanced ratio of date to peanut butter, which is not ideal.
For the chocolate coating, I'd recommend using dark chocolate chips for that rich flavor, but if you prefer milk chocolate, go for it. Just know that you might need a splash more coconut oil because milk chocolate tends to be thicker. You'll want a nice glossy finish after melting the chocolate. If it looks grainy, you might have overcooked it, so just stir and microwave in shorter bursts next time.
Ingredient Notes
Coconut oil not only helps melt the chocolate smoothly but also adds a touch of coconut flavor, which works surprisingly well with the peanut butter. If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, unsalted butter would be an okay substitute. It won't taste quite the same, but it'll still work for coating your dates.
As for toppings, that's completely up to you. I usually have some chopped nuts around, but you could also try using crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. Just remember that whatever you use should complement the sweetness of the dates.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Date Snickers
- 12 large Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup creamy Jif peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- Chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dates
Start by carefully slicing open each Medjool date along one side and removing the pit. Don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a little pocket. I like to leave the skin intact since it holds everything together nicely.
Stuff with Peanut Butter
Now, take about a tablespoon of peanut butter and stuff it into each date. Honestly, I just use my fingers to make this easier, but if you're feeling fancy, you can use a piping bag. Make sure you fill them well, but no need to overflow!
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. I usually go for about 90 seconds total, but it really depends on your microwave.
Coat the Dates
Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them completely. I often use a fork to help with this, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re in the mood, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before the chocolate sets.
Chill and Enjoy
Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden. Once they're set, you can just grab one whenever the craving hits. These treats always disappear in a flash!
Stuffed Date Snickers Leftovers Plan
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store these in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about a week, but trust me, you're going to want to keep an eye on them. Sometimes, I even toss a few in the freezer for those late-night cravings. They’re pretty solid as a frozen treat, just be careful not to store them too long or they can get a little icy.
Honestly, I like to take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before I eat them. This way, they soften up a bit and the chocolate becomes a little more melty. So, don’t worry if you don't finish them all at once!
Dietary Swaps
If peanut butter isn't your thing, feel free to swap it out for almond butter or sunbutter. Both will give a slightly different taste but will still be delicious. Just check the consistency; some nut butters are thicker than others, and it might require a bit of adjustment when you stuff the dates.
And if you're looking for a sugar-free option, try using sugar-free chocolate chips instead. You might lose a bit of sweetness, so perhaps add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the filling to keep that sweetness you’d expect from a Snickers. Really, make this your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of nut butter?
Sure thing! Almond butter or cashew butter would work just fine. Just pick one you like.
→ How long do these keep?
They'll last about a week in the fridge, but honestly, they usually disappear way before then!
→ Can I make these vegan?
Yep, just make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips. Brands like Enjoy Life make a great option!
Stuffed Date Snickers
Created by: The Simplecooktips Team
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Stuffed Date Snickers
- 12 large Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup creamy Jif peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- Chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
How-To Steps
Start by carefully slicing open each Medjool date along one side and removing the pit. Don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a little pocket. I like to leave the skin intact since it holds everything together nicely.
Now, take about a tablespoon of peanut butter and stuff it into each date. Honestly, I just use my fingers to make this easier, but if you're feeling fancy, you can use a piping bag. Make sure you fill them well, but no need to overflow!
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. I usually go for about 90 seconds total, but it really depends on your microwave.
Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat them completely. I often use a fork to help with this, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re in the mood, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before the chocolate sets.
Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden. Once they're set, you can just grab one whenever the craving hits. These treats always disappear in a flash!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 150
- Total Fat (g): 9.2
- Saturated Fat (g): 3.2
- Cholesterol (mg): 0
- Sodium (mg): 58
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 15.3
- Dietary Fiber (g): 2.5
- Sugars (g): 10.8
- Protein (g): 3.7