Date Bark Recipe (No Peanuts)

This date bark with walnut butter, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate is an easy no-bake treat that delivers the perfect balance of chewy, creamy, crunchy, and rich. Made with naturally sweet dates, a layer of nut butter, a generous sprinkle of roasted nuts, and a topping of dark chocolate, it has all the flavors of a candy bar but with simple, wholesome ingredients. Keep a batch in the fridge for a satisfying snack, dessert, or sweet bite to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why we love this chocolate date bark recipe

It’s Deliciously Wholesome: This treat is tasty and made with wholesome ingredients, sidestepping the additives often found in store-bought snack bars or candy bars (I used to love Snickers bars when I was in post-grad school, and these date bark bites remind me of those times). Check out this homemade Snickers bar recipe, for another no-bake, delicious, healthy sweet treat.

Nutrition-Packed: Dates are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The walnut butter and the mix of nuts we use are full of healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber. The dark chocolate is above 85% cacao content without any unnecessary extras.

Quick & Simple: Craving a treat? Whip this up in under 20 minutes! Here’s a little hack for those super busy moments: grab a date, stuff it with walnut butter and a few nuts, top it off with a chunk of chocolate, and there you have it – a mini version of our delightful bark.

No Peanuts Here: Despite their name, peanuts aren’t truly nuts but legumes that grow underground. They’re known to be high in lectins and often contaminated with mold. Plus, peanuts often don’t make the cut for school lunchboxes. Hence, we opt for high-quality nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, macadamias, pecans, and hazelnuts.

Are dates healthy?

Medjool dates are frequently lauded for their natural sweetness and satisfying texture, making them a nutritional gem. A single Medjool date supplies dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and keeping you sated. Dates are also packed with vitamins, especially B-complex varieties like B6, and crucial minerals, including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and calcium.

However, there’s a catch: dates naturally contain a high sugar content (around 16 grams per piece), mainly glucose and fructose. While this provides an instant energy uplift, it could potentially spike your blood sugar and affect your metabolism.

To lessen this impact, it’s a good idea not to enjoy this treat solo. Instead, have it after a protein and fiber-rich meal to slow the carbohydrate absorption.

What do you need to make this date bark recipe?

This bark is made with four simple layers: dates, nut butter, crunchy roasted nuts, and chocolate. While the original viral date bark recipe is typically made with peanut butter and peanuts, I prefer using tree nuts for both flavor and texture.

For the creamy layer, I used my homemade walnut butter, but almond, hazelnut, or pecan butter would work just as well. The crunchy layer is made with a mix of roasted walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios, roughly chopped for texture and contrast.

For the chocolate topping, I like to use dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao. It is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and contains fewer additives than sweeter varieties. A chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips will both work. I mixed the melted chocolate with a little MCT oil to add richness and create a smooth, glossy finish.

A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt is optional but highly recommended. It balances the sweetness of the dates and brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Here is the complete list of ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon MCT oil (or coconut oil)
• 100 grams dark chocolate (at least 85% cacao, vegan)
• 200 grams Medjool dates (approximately 12 dates, weighed with pits)
• 1/2 cup walnut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1/4 cup mixed chopped nuts (e.g., roasted hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts or your preferred nuts)
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Optional: Our homemade walnut butter includes cinnamon and vanilla, so this bark will carry these flavors. If you’d like to replicate this taste, simply blend cinnamon and vanilla into your chosen nut butter prior to spreading.

How to make a chocolate date bark

Here are the step-by-step instructions along with photos for making this recipe at home.

Over low heat, gently melt the dark chocolate with the MCT or coconut oil in a small saucepan.

Line an 8×5-inch tray, or a similarly sized one that fits in your freezer, with parchment paper.

Make a slit on one side of each date to remove the pits. Lay them, slit side up, on the lined tray. Place another piece of parchment paper over the dates, and using the base of a jar, gently press down to flatten the dates. Carefully remove the top paper.

Evenly spread the walnut butter over the dates.

Scatter the chopped nuts on top.

Generously drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over everything, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If you prefer a thinner chocolate layer, simply reduce the amount of chocolate used.

Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes.

Store in the freezer or fridge until set, then cut it into 12 squares, with a sharp knife.

I like to store them in the freezer. Just take them out 10-15 minutes before eating.

Serving suggestions

These little bites of goodness are perfect as a sweet treat after a protein-rich meal. Remember to stick to one serving size, as dates are rich in sugars.

The nutrient profile of one square (one serving size) is:

• Calories: 175
• Total Fats: 11.8 grams
• Total Carbohydrates: 17.3 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2.7 grams
• Sugars: 13 grams
• Protein 2.7

You can check the complete nutritional profile below the recipe card.

We hope you love our spin on this viral date bark recipe!

For another delicious date recipe, be sure to try our Chocolate Covered Dates. And for more healthy desserts, check out our 30+ Healthy Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes round-up.

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