Go Back
Print

Dark Chocolate Date Bars

A healthier no-bake dessert that is perfect for any day of the year! This bar is naturally sweetened with medjool dates. The addition of dark chocolate and walnuts makes it taste like a peanut butter cup.

Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword bars, dark chocolate, dates, dessert, gluten-free, naturally sweet, no-bake, sweets, walnuts
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8
Author Holly Nicolas

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, plus more for brushing
  • 1 3/4 Cup Walnut Pieces
  • 2 Cups Medjool Dates, Chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 2 Tsp Pure Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 Tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips, Melted
  • Sea salt

Instructions

  1. Grease 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter. Line with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on the long side.

  2. In a food processor, pulse dates, 1 1/2 cup walnuts, peanut butter, vanilla and salt until finely chopped. The mixture should hold together easily. 

  3. Pour mixture onto lined cookie sheet and press into an 8 inch square. Chill for 20 minutes. 

  4. Meanwhile, melt chocolate and 1 tbsp butter over double boiler on the stove. Stir until silky smooth. 

  5. Once date mixture is chilled, cut formed square in half. Place one half carefully into the bottom of the loaf pan. Pour half the melted chocolate on top and smooth to the edges. Chill for another 10 minutes. 

  6. Once chilled, add your second date layer on top of chocolate. Pour other half of chocolate on top and smooth to the edges. Top with remaining 1/4 cup walnut pieces and sprinkle with sea salt. Chill for 2 hours to firm completely. 

  7. To serve let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. Remove from loaf pan using the parchment and place on a flat surface. Slice carefully to avoid breaking chocolate.