Recipe: Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Dates

Snacks can be savory, sweet, creamy, crunchy, salty….or a combination of all of those things! Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Dates are a texture-rich snack that provides fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and a satisfying mix of flavors that pays homage to a much-loved candy bar.  Medjool dates have a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the bold flavors of peanut butter and dark chocolate for a delicious, satisfying snack.  Given how tasty this treat is, the best part is knowing it’s made with just a few simple ingredients.  Try these dates as a wonderful make-ahead dessert, or for when a little something sweet sounds nice in the middle of the day.

Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Dates

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 whole medjool dates
• 1/4 C peanut butter (12 tsp, 1 tsp per date)
• 1 C dark chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli)
• 1/4 C lightly salted peanuts, roughly chopped
• Sea salt, optional

Directions:

1. Line a medium-sized plate with parchment paper.
2. For each date, carefully make a slit down the center, length-wise. Remove the pit from the center of each date and discard, along with any dry stem pieces.
3. Spread 1 tsp of peanut butter into the middle of each date, and gently press the date halves together.  Place on the plate and repeat with the remaining dates.
4. Melt the dark chocolate melting wafers according to the directions on the bag.
5. When the chocolate is melted and smooth, dip one date in the chocolate and place it onto the prepared plate.  While still very warm, sprinkle the date with crushed peanuts, working one at a time.  Sprinkle with optional sea salt, if desired.
6. Repeat all parts of step 5 with the remaining dates.
7. Refrigerate the dates until the chocolate has hardened, about 20 minutes.
8. Enjoy or keep refrigerated (or frozen) in an air-tight container until ready to consume

Tip: Make these ahead of time, allowing them to sit overnight in the refrigerator for them to fully set/firm up.

Swaps:

• For the peanut butter: almond butter, cashew butter, sun butter, or any nut/seed butter of choice.
• For the dark chocolate melting wafers: milk chocolate or chocolate chips.
• For the crushed peanuts: almonds, pistachios, or any nut/seed of choice.