If you’ve been seeing viral date bark all over social media and wondering whether it lives up to the hype, the answer is yes. This version layers chewy, caramel-like dates with a thick, protein-packed peanut butter layer, crunchy roasted peanuts and a crisp chocolate topping finished with flaky sea salt.
This peanut butter date bark is incredibly simple and requires no baking. Layer the components, chill until set, slice, and try not to eat half the tray straight from the counter.
Obsessed is an understatement.
I’ve made a batch of this date bark nearly every week for a month — it disappears fast. Dates are one of my favorite pantry staples: a date plus peanut butter is an OG snack. When the viral date bark trend started circulating, I wanted a higher-protein take.
I tested variations for the peanut butter layer — almond flour plus protein powder, protein powder alone, and with and without maple syrup. My favorite version blends peanut butter with vanilla protein powder, a touch of maple syrup and vanilla bean paste for a thick, dough-like layer reminiscent of a Reese’s.
Paired with chewy dates, crunchy peanuts and a thin chocolate coating, this tastes like a candy bar but cleaner and more satisfying.
You really can’t go wrong. Press the dates firmly into a thin layer, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly, and top with melted chocolate and flaky salt. Chill, slice, and enjoy.
I can’t wait for you to make these.
What You’ll Need to Make Snickers Date Bark
- Soft, squishy medjool dates work best; buy pitted dates or remove pits before starting.
- Use natural creamy peanut butter or your preferred nut butter — almond or cashew butter are great alternatives.
- If you want a protein boost, use a vanilla protein powder you like; it helps create a firmer peanut butter layer.
- A touch of pure maple syrup and vanilla bean paste enhances flavor but is optional.
- Dark chocolate chips give the best contrast, though semi-sweet or milk chocolate also work.
- Finish with flaky sea salt for balance.
How to Make High-Protein Date Bark
If necessary, remove pits from the dates. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Break open each date and arrange them side by side in a 4 x 4 square.
Cover with another sheet of parchment and press or roll the dates flat with a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup until they form one thin rectangle.
In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter, about 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract), 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture is thick and dough-like.
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the flattened dates, pressing it out to the edges. Using your fingers helps get an even, compact layer.
Scatter about 1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts over the peanut butter and press them in gently. Transfer the parchment to a baking sheet or plate and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up the layers.
Melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon avocado oil in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. You can alternatively melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Pour the melted chocolate over the bark and spread it into an even layer, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Chill in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is fully set, then slice or break into pieces and enjoy.
Tastes like a healthier Snickers bar — rich, chewy and crunchy.
Expert Tips
- Press and flatten the dates into a thin, even layer for easy slicing and balanced bites.
- Choose fresh, soft dates — dry dates won’t compress well.
- Use parchment paper so the bark doesn’t stick and cleanup is simple.
- Try variations like shredded coconut, chopped pretzels, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
FAQs
Yes. Substitute almond flour for a similar texture or omit the protein powder and use straight peanut butter. The peanut butter layer will be less firm but still tasty.
Use a plant-based protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Yes — brands like Jif or Skippy should work, but you may want to omit the maple syrup because those nut butters are sweeter.
Use sunflower seed butter and replace peanuts with pepitas, sunflower seeds or toasted coconut for crunch.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Watch How to Make Date Bark:
If you try this recipe and like it, please leave a comment and star rating below. For more behind-the-scenes and everyday recipe content, find me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube — I love connecting with you!
High Protein Snickers Date Bark Recipe
5 from 3 reviews
- Author: Erica Baty
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + 30 minutes chill time
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Prepare to have your sweet tooth satisfied with a snack that combines chewy dates, a protein-rich peanut butter layer, crunchy peanuts and a glossy chocolate finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 pitted medjool dates
- 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- scant 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, optional
- pinch salt
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon avocado oil
- flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- If your dates have pits, remove them. Break open each date and arrange them side by side in a 4 x 4 square on parchment paper.
- Cover with another sheet of parchment and roll with a rolling pin until the dates form a large, thin rectangle.
- In a bowl combine 3/4 cup peanut butter, about 1/2 cup protein powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) and a pinch of salt. Mix until thick and dough-like.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture over the dates in an even layer, reaching to the edges.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped peanuts and press them into the peanut butter. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon avocado oil in 30-second intervals until smooth, about 1½–2 minutes total.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bark, spread evenly, sprinkle flaky sea salt, and chill until set.
- Slice or break into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
Protein powder: A vanilla whey protein powder adds subtle sweetness and helps thicken the peanut butter layer. Substitute almond flour or omit if preferred.
Peanut butter: Natural creamy peanut butter works well. If you use a sweetened, emulsified peanut butter, consider leaving out the maple syrup.
Refer to the photos above for step-by-step visuals and variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 2-inch by 2-inch piece (1/20th of the recipe)
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 18.8 g
- Sodium: 58.3 mg
- Fat: 8.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.8 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 8.2 mg
If you love this viral date bark recipe, you’ll enjoy more date recipes
Browned Butter Sticky Date Oatmeal
Wonderfully Wholesome Date Muffins
Date Snickers
Ultimate Healthy Snack Plate