Date Bark Recipe
Craving a healthy dessert? This easy Date Bark recipe is made with chewy Medjool dates, natural peanut butter, vegan chocolate, and pinch of flaky sea salt. The combination is absolutely delicious and super easy to make!
Equipment
- 1 sheet of parchment paper
- 1 large dinner plate
- 1 heat-safe bowl
- 1 spoon or small spatula
Ingredients
- 12 large Medjool dates
- 4 tbsp natural peanut butter
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 3 pinches flakey sea salt
Instructions
Prep
- Start by lining a large dinner plate with parchment paper. Then remove the the pit and stem from 12 large Medjool dates and flatten it out using slightly damp fingers to prevent sticking.
- Then place the dates, open side up, on a parchment paper lined plate. I do 3 across and 4 down.
Add the Peanut Butter
- Next, drizzle 4 tbsp natural peanut butter over the top of the dates, and use the tip of a spoon to gently spread it into a thin layer. Tip: Think of doing this with light brush strokes, rather than spreading the peanut butter on a slice pf bread. This will keep the dates from moving around,
Melt the Chocolate
- Pour ½ cup vegan chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until melted. Then drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, and spread into an even layer using that same “brush stroke” method.
Adding Toppings
- Sprinkle the top with 3 pinches flakey sea salt.
Chill
- Then freeze until solid. About 45 mins to 1 hour. Once firm, cut into 9 bars and enjoy!
Notes
Can I make date bark without peanut butter?
Yes! Just use the same amount of almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
How do I store Medjool Date Bark?
Store leftover date bark in an airtight container in the freezer for 3-4 months. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
How do I melt chocolate in the microwave?
Pour the vegan chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl, then heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until melted. This should take 3-4 rounds, depending on your microwave. It’s a good idea to remove the chocolate chips when there a few chips remaining, and then stir until completely melted.
How do I melt chocolate without a microwave?
To melt chocolate chips without a microwave, simply place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl that fits snuggly over a saucepan. Then add 2 inches of water to the pan, place the bowl on top, and raise the heat to medium-high. Stir continuously while the steam melts the chocolate perfectly. Tip: Use oven mitts to carefully remove the the bowl from the saucepan.
Topping Ideas for Date Bark:
- Add chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for extra crunch and flavor!
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for a trail-mix vibe
- Swap the peanut butter for pistachio butter or tahini and trade the dark chocolate for vegan white chocolate