Healthy Date Candy Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Date Candy Bars combine the natural sweetness of medjool dates with crunchy pretzels and rich dark chocolate. They make a satisfying and nutritious treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for snacking.

Ingredients

• 8 large soft medjool dates
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural recommended)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional for added 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. Drain the water before proceeding.
2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine the dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Blend until a gooey filling forms.
3. Step 3: Fold in the crushed pretzels by hand or pulse briefly in the food processor to keep small chunks for texture.
4. Step 4: Arrange whole pretzels on a tray. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling on each pretzel and shape it into a small bar.
5. Step 5: Freeze the filled pretzels for 10-15 minutes to firm up while melting the chocolate.
6. Step 6: Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler method or microwave, stirring often until smooth.
7. Step 7: Line a tray with parchment paper. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate to fully coat it, then place chocolate side down on the parchment. Optionally, drizzle extra chocolate on top.
8. Step 8: Freeze the bars for at least one hour until the chocolate hardens before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-salty twist.
• For extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts along with the crushed pretzels.
• If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup slightly or use milk chocolate chips.

Storage

Store the candy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To enjoy, allow frozen bars to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

Yes, other soft dates like deglet noor can work, but medjool dates are preferred for their sweetness and softness. If using firmer dates, soak them to soften.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop the dates and mix them with peanut butter and maple syrup by hand, though the texture may be less smooth. Crushing pretzels by hand is also fine.

Healthy Date Candy Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 145 reviews

These Healthy Date Candy Bars combine the natural sweetness of medjool dates with creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and a rich dark chocolate coating, making for a deliciously wholesome and satisfying snack. Perfect for those craving a sweet treat with clean ingredients and a delightful texture balance.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

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

Assembly

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

Chocolate Coating

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

Instructions

1. Soften Dates: If your medjool dates aren’t very soft, soak them in water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly before use.
2. Prepare Filling: Add the softened dates, creamy peanut butter, and pure maple syrup (if using) to a food processor. Blend until a gooey, sticky filling forms. Carefully fold in the crushed pretzels using a spoon or pulse in the processor briefly to keep small pretzel chunks intact.
3. Form Bars: Lay the whole pretzels on a tray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto each pretzel and smooth the filling over to create a compact, small bar shape.
4. Freeze Bars: Place the filled pretzels in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up while you prepare the chocolate coating.
5. Melt Chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt the mixture using a double boiler setup or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
6. Coat Bars: Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Dunk each frozen bar into the melted chocolate to fully coat it, then place it on the parchment paper with the pretzel side down. Optionally, drizzle some extra chocolate over the tops in a zig-zag pattern for decoration.
7. Final Freeze: Transfer the chocolate-coated bars back to the freezer for about an hour to allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Use soft medjool dates for best texture; soaking helps if they are dry.
• Maple syrup is optional; adjust sweetness according to preference.
• Choose gluten-free and paleo pretzels if catering to dietary restrictions.
• Ensure chocolate is fully melted and smooth before dipping for easy coating.
• Store these bars in the freezer for longer freshness and a nice firm bite.

Keywords: date candy bars, healthy snacks, peanut butter treats, dark chocolate bars, gluten-free snacks, paleo sweets, no-bake bars