Date Bark
Prepare for a sweet and salty treat with our date bark recipe. It features the natural caramel-like taste of Medjool dates, combined with creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of flake salt for the perfect flavour balance. The added crunch from salted peanuts makes each bite satisfying. This simple yet delicious bark is ideal for a quick snack or an impressive dessert. For the best experience, enjoy it chilled to appreciate the perfect snap and the irresistible flavours in every mouthful.
Ingredients
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24
Medjool dates
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100 g
Peanut butter, smooth
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100 g
Dark chocolate
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50 g
Salted peanuts
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Flake salt
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Getting that perfect chocolate snap and chewy date layer is all about the right prep and timing. Follow these simple tricks to make sure your date bark sets beautifully every time: Warm the dates slightly. If your dates are firm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature before pressing. Softer dates stick together more easily and create a smooth, compact base. Cool in layers. After spreading the peanut butter and chocolate, chill the bark in the freezer for 20 minutes or the fridge for 30 minutes. Cooling it slowly helps the chocolate harden evenly without cracking. Know when it’s perfectly set. The chocolate should look matte and firm, not glossy, and feel cool to the touch. When it snaps cleanly, but the date layer stays slightly chewy, your bark is perfectly ready to slice and enjoy.
Start with smooth peanut butter as it spreads more easily over the sticky dates. If the peanut butter is too thick or cold, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Use a small offset spatula, silicone spatula, or the back of a spoon for better control and to ensure an even coverage over the dates. Aim for a layer about 3-4 mm thick to complement the dates without overwhelming them and work quickly to stop the peanut butter from melting into the dates too much.
Getting neat, even squares is all about timing and the right tools. Start by letting the bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes after chilling, this softens the chocolate slightly, making it easier to cut without cracking. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wipe it dry before each cut to glide cleanly through the layers. For the most even pieces, mark your cuts first with the tip of the knife to guide your slices, and apply gentle, steady pressure rather than pressing down hard. If the chocolate begins to break unevenly, let the date bark warm for another minute before continuing. These small steps will help you get picture-perfect squares every time – crisp on top, chewy underneath, and beautifully uniform.
Questions about date bark
From how to store your snack to troubleshooting chocolate and swapping ingredients, here are a few quick answers to help you perfect your date bark every time.
How should I store date bark?
To store date bark, place the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week to maintain the chocolate's firmness and the peanut butter layer's texture. For longer storage, this snack freezes beautifully. Once the chocolate has set, cut it into pieces and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with baking paper to prevent sticking. Store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a few minutes, it will ll still have that perfect snap and chewy texture.
Why did my chocolate curdle?
Chocolate can curdle if it’s overheated or exposed to moisture during melting. When chocolate gets too hot, the cocoa solids separate from the fat, creating a grainy or lumpy texture. To prevent this, melt it gently over a low heat using a water bath – make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water and that no steam or water droplets get into the chocolate. Stir slowly until smooth and glossy. If it starts to seize, you can try whisking in a teaspoon of warm milk or oil to bring it back together, though the texture may not be quite as silky.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Try almond, cashew, walnut, hazelnut, or pecan spreads for unique flavours while keeping that creamy consistency needed for spreading over the pressed dates. For a nut-free option, sunflower and pumpkin seed spreads work well, offering a similar texture. Simply use 100 g of your chosen nut or seed spread, as the recipe directs, to ensure the bark's texture and structure are perfect and tailor the flavour to your liking.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2128 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 29.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 9.3 | 48.7 gram |
| Fat | 47.8 | 114.9 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 42.9 | 224.9 gram |
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What type of chocolate makes the best date bark?
Dark chocolate with a 70-85 % cocoa content is best for making date bark. This chocolate offers a rich, slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness of medjool dates and pairs well with creamy peanut butter and salted peanuts. It also sets well when chilled, providing a crisp snap that makes it easy to cut into squares. Avoid milk chocolate as it's too sweet for this recipe. For a softer texture, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil while melting the chocolate, but this is optional.
Customise your date bark with these tasty variations
To mix up your date bark, try using milk or white chocolate instead of dark. Adding coconut oil can also make the chocolate smoother. Swap salted peanuts with pistachios, walnuts, or pretzels for some variety. You can also add a fruity flavour with freeze-dried berries, dried apricots, or cranberries. For new tastes, mix in some cinnamon or espresso powder. To decorate and add more flavour, top with cocoa powder, a drizzle of white chocolate, or smoked salt.
What other snacks can I make with dates?
Looking for more ways to enjoy the natural sweetness of dates? Try these easy, flavour-packed snacks:
- Stuffed dates: a perfect mix of sweet and savoury, combining a creamy feta-skyr filling, crunchy nuts, and aromatic herbs.
- Date balls: soft, rich bites that highlight the caramel flavour of dates with a touch of skyr for balance and smoothness.
- Protein ball dates: a chocolatey twist made with hazelnuts, a hint of orange zest, and a dusting of cocoa for a decadent yet simple treat.
What is the easiest way to pit dates?
To pit dates quickly and cleanly, start by placing them on a cutting board and using a small, sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit along one side. Gently pull the date open with your fingers to expose the pit and remove it, it should slip out easily. If your dates are a bit firm, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature to soften before pitting. Always check for any small pit fragments before pressing the dates together for your bark.
