Healthy Date Candy Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Date Candy Bars are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of medjool dates with crunchy pretzels and rich dark chocolate. They’re easy to make, nutrient-dense, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 8 large soft medjool dates
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural recommended)
• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional for more sweetness)
• 1/4 cup crushed pretzels (gluten-free and paleo if needed)
• 20 whole pretzels (gluten-free and paleo if needed)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan and paleo if needed)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: If your dates aren’t very soft, soak them in water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain thoroughly before use.
2. Step 2: Add the dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup to a food processor. Blend until a gooey, sticky filling forms.
3. Step 3: Fold in the crushed pretzels gently with a spoon or pulse the food processor briefly, leaving small pretzel chunks in the filling.
4. Step 4: Arrange the whole pretzels on a tray. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling on each pretzel and smooth over to form small bar shapes.
5. Step 5: Freeze the pretzel bars for 10–15 minutes to firm up while you melt the chocolate.
6. Step 6: Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
7. Step 7: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each frozen bar into the melted chocolate, coating fully, then place back on the parchment with the pretzel side down.
8. Step 8: Optional: drizzle extra melted chocolate on top of each bar for decoration.
9. Step 9: Freeze again for about an hour until the chocolate hardens completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Swap dark chocolate for dairy-free options to keep this vegan-friendly.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts along with the crushed pretzels.
• Use different toppings like shredded coconut or sea salt sprinkles after dipping for extra flavor.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, or eat them straight from the freezer for a cold, refreshing snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dates that are not medjool?

Yes, but medjool dates are preferred for their softness and natural sweetness. If using drier dates, soak them longer to soften before blending.

Is it necessary to freeze the bars between steps?

Freezing helps the bars firm up so the chocolate coating sticks better and the texture holds. You can try refrigerating instead, but freezing gives the best results.

Healthy Date Candy Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

These Healthy Date Candy Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat featuring a gooey peanut butter and date filling mixed with crunchy pretzels, all coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a guilt-free dessert, they combine natural sweetness with satisfying texture, and are easy to prepare without baking.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 20 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 8 large soft Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural)
• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/4 cup crushed pretzels (gluten-free + paleo if needed)

Assembly

• 20 whole pretzels (gluten-free + paleo if needed)

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan + paleo if needed)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

1. Soften Dates: If your dates aren’t really soft, soak them in water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain well before adding to the food processor.
2. Make Filling: Add the softened dates, creamy peanut butter, and pure maple syrup (if using) to a food processor. Blend until a smooth, gooey filling forms. Fold in the crushed pretzels gently with a spoon or pulse briefly in the food processor to keep small chunks.
3. Prepare Bars: Lay out the whole pretzels evenly on a tray. Place about 1 tablespoon of the date and peanut butter filling on top of each pretzel. Use a spoon or your hands to spread and shape the filling over each pretzel forming small bars.
4. Freeze Bars: Place the filled pretzels in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up while you melt the chocolate.
5. Melt Chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl. Melt gently using a double boiler method or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to create a smooth chocolate coating.
6. Coat Bars: Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Fully dip each bar into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Transfer the coated bars onto the parchment paper with the pretzel side facing down. Optionally, drizzle extra chocolate on top in a zig zag pattern using a spoon.
7. Final Freeze: Place the chocolate-coated bars in the freezer for about one hour, allowing the chocolate to fully harden before serving or storing.

Notes

• Using naturally soft Medjool dates helps achieve the best texture; if your dates are dry, soaking is essential.
• Maple syrup is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less sweetness.
• You can use gluten-free and paleo-friendly pretzels to suit dietary needs.
• The coconut oil in the chocolate helps create a smooth, glossy coating and makes it easier to dip the bars.
• Store finished bars in the freezer for best texture and freshness.
• This recipe requires no baking and is quick to assemble.

Keywords: Healthy date candy bars, no-bake treats, peanut butter date bars, gluten-free candy, paleo friendly snacks, vegan chocolate bars