The ultimate homemade date bark candy recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Grab a piece, take a bite, and indulge in the irresistible combination of dates, nutty peanut butter, and chocolate.

THE SWEETNESS OF DATES: NATURE’S CANDY

THE BENEFITS OF USING DATE IN DESSERTS: Dates are not only delicious but also bring a range of benefits when included in desserts. Known for their natural sweetness and chewy texture, dates offer a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners like refined sugar. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, dates can provide a nutritional boost to your desserts while enhancing their flavor profile. By incorporating dates into your sweet treats, you can indulge in a guilt-free dessert experience that is both satisfying and nourishing.

REPLACE SWEET HIGH CALORIE CARAMEL WITH SMASHED NATURAL SUGAR DATES

Dates have a rich caramel flavor and a soft, chewy texture. They melt in your mouth this-isn’t-candy-but-it-should-be goodness. These round bites of heaven are like eating a bite-sized piece of caramel candy. Look below for a calorie comparison.

CARAMEL CALORIES COMPARED TO CALORIES IN CHOPPED DATES

• 1 TABLESPOON OF CARAMEL=271 calories
• 1 TABLESPOON CHOPPED DATES=66 calories

How to Make Date Peanut Butter Candy

When it comes to crafting the perfect homemade date bark candy, three key players make all the difference in flavor and texture. The first player is, of course, the dates themselves. Their natural sweetness and sticky texture set the foundation for a delicious and satisfying treat. The second player is the high-quality chunky peanut butter you choose to use, as this will greatly impact the overall taste and richness of the bark. And last but not least, the third key player is the delicious creamy dark chocolate you spread on top. By carefully selecting and combining these three key ingredients, you’ll create a date bark candy that is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

Supplies and remove any stems.

Cut in half and remove the seed.

Lay the dates cut side up and place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the dates.

Roll until the dates are about 1/8 inch thick; remove the parchment paper.

Evenly spread peanut butter on top of the smashed dates. Spread melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter.

Delicious layers. Look at the thick layer of rolled dates!

PEANUT BUTTER DATE BARK INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 16 Medjool Dates
• ½ cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate melting wafers (Ghirardelli)
• ½ teaspoon flaky salt

CREAMY DATE BARK CANDY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove seeds from the dates.
2. Place on a piece of parchment paper open side up.
3. Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the dates.
4. TIP: If the paper keeps gliding around the counter while rolling, place a rubber mat under it ( I used my dough mat).
5. Use a rolling pin to roll the dates flat (about 1/8 an inch). At first, you might need to pound them down to get them started.
6. TIP: If the edges become too thin, dampen your fingers with water and gently push the dates toward the center.
7. Spoon peanut butter into a small microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15 seconds.
8. Evenly spread the peanut butter over the flattened dates.
9. Pour chocolate into a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating for an additional 30 seconds.
10. Pour over peanut butter and evenly spread melted chocolate.
11. Place bark in the refrigerator to harden (about 30 minutes).
12. Cut into pieces (Makes about 32 pieces).

MELTING WAFERS VS CHOCOLATE BARS

MELTING WAFERS: If you choose to use melting wafers, I highly recommend choosing Ghirardelli. DO NOT CHOOSE candy melts or any brand, and not chocolate-flavored almond bark. I used the Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers. I love how easy they are to use. The wafers melt beautifully without having to add any additional fat.

CHOCOLATE BAR: Chop 1 cup of your favorite dark chocolate bar and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating until the chocolate is melted and, when stirred, is creamy.

THE BEST DATES FOR MAKING CANDY

Dates are now widely grown across North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. There are more than 600 varieties of dates in different shapes and flavors. Their color, size, texture, and sweetness greatly vary.

Medjool Dates are a variety of dates enjoyed for their natural sweetness. They’re slightly dried, giving them a sticky, soft texture. They are larger, darker, and have a caramel-like taste. The Medjool Date has a single pit surrounded by edible flesh. Medjool dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. These dates are plump, sticky-sweet, and have a soft, luscious texture. Some say they taste like dark brown sugar.

The Perfect Pairing: Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate

Another winning combination that never fails to impress is the classic pairing of peanut butter and dark chocolate. The rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate perfectly complement the sweet and nutty flavors of peanut butter, creating a harmonious blend that is both indulgent and satisfying.

When combined, peanut butter and dark chocolate create a mouthwatering treat that is sure to please any dessert lover. The creamy texture of the peanut butter contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety finish of dark chocolate, resulting in a delightful sensory experience with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or incorporated into a larger dessert recipe, the pairing of peanut butter and dark chocolate is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Storing Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

When storing your delectable treat, the key is to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from softening or melting. To prevent sticking, add a layer of parchment or wax paper between each layer of bark. If you plan on keeping it longer, consider wrapping the bark in parchment paper before placing it in the container to prevent moisture from affecting its texture.

With these tips, you can ensure that your peanut butter and date chocolate bark stay fresh and delicious whenever your sweet cravings strike. Get ready to indulge in this unexpected flavor combination that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

What is Flaky Salt?

Flaky salt is a type of salt with a distinctive flat, flaky shape and a crunchy texture. It’s also known as flake sea salt or Fleur de sel. Where can I find flaky salt? I purchased my flaky salt at Walmart. What is a good substitute for flaky salt? Kosher salt will not give you that wonderful flat flaky look, but when it comes to flavor, kosher salt is a good substitution.

MORE CHOCOLATE BARK RECIPES

• PEPPERMINT BARK
• WHITE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW BARK
• TROPICAL WHITE CHOCOLATE BARK
• TART CHERRY PISTACHIO CHOCOLATE BARK
• WHITE CHOCOLATE TOFFEE PECAN BARK
• HAZELNUT COFFEE-FLAVORED DARK CHOCOLATE BARK

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In conclusion, indulging in a guilt-free treat has never been easier, thanks to this homemade date bark candy recipe. By harnessing the sweetness of dates and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious snack that will satisfy your cravings without added sugar. So why not treat yourself today and impress your loved ones with this easy and tasty treat? Remember, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delightful.💗Sheryl