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Date Snickers®

(5.0)
By Adam Fisher
Updated 9/15/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Christina Wright, RD, LDN
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegan | Vegetarian
Date Snickers®
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
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Tired of the Halloween sugar crash but still want something sweet? This Date Snickers recipe is the perfect healthy candy alternative. It’s made with Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and a rich dark chocolate drizzle that sets in minutes. These Snickers dates are gluten free, dairy free, and low in sodium, with only 133 calories and 2g protein per serving. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re great for healthy chocolate snacks during busy weeks, Halloween parties, or meal prep. Keep them in the fridge or freezer for a quick dessert or afternoon treat that tastes like an actual Snickers bar, but with none of the guilt. This is the homemade candy recipe you’ll turn to all year long.

Want more ways to treat yourself this spooky season without the sugar overload? Browse our full lineup of Healthy Halloween Recipes for festive bites that are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings. And if you're a chocolate lover, don't miss our deliciously nutritious Healthy Chocolate Dessert Recipes. From no-bake sweets to homemade candy bars, we’ve got your cravings covered!

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
12
Calories
133

Why This Healthy Snickers with Dates Recipe Works

Easy Homemade Candy Bar Snack with Natural Ingredients

This Date Snickers bar recipe is a no-bake, no-fuss treat that comes together in just 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have — dates, peanut butter, peanuts, and chocolate — to mimic the creamy, crunchy texture of classic candy bars. The natural sweetness of dates helps replace added sugars, while the peanuts and peanut butter give it that classic Snickers-style bite. We use vegan dark chocolate for a rich drizzle that stays dairy-free and adds antioxidants. And like all of our recipes, this one has been reviewed by one of our registered dietitians to meet high standards for ingredients, fat, and sodium balance. These Snickers made with dates are also freezer-friendly, so you can stash extras for later. It’s a healthier take on homemade candy bars that still feels like dessert.

Key Health Highlights

  • Only 133 calories per 2-date serving
  • 2 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein per serving
  • Vegan and gluten free
  • Made with heart-smart fats from peanuts and olive oil
  • Lower in sodium and saturated fat than traditional candy bars
Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

FAQs About Date Snickers®

Yes, this recipe is already fully vegan. Just make sure to choose dark chocolate chips labeled vegan, as some may contain milk or butterfat.

Each 2-date serving has just 133 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams each of fiber and protein. Medjool dates offer natural sweetness along with potassium and antioxidants, while peanuts and dark chocolate bring healthy fats and a bit of plant-based protein.

They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Store them in an airtight container and let frozen ones sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Try stuffing the dates with almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter. You can also roll them in crushed pretzels, sprinkle with sea salt, or drizzle with white chocolate for a fun twist. For a high-protein version, mix a little protein powder into the nut butter before filling.

Original Snickers bars do not contain gluten ingredients, but they are not certified gluten free. For a certified gluten free candy bar, this Snickers date recipe is a safe, plant-based alternative.

Yes! These healthy Snickers bars with dates and peanut butter keep well in the freezer and are perfect for prepping in advance.

Look for vegan dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher. It melts smoothly and gives you a nice balance with the sweet dates.

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s natural and low in sodium. The extra texture works great in these Snickers dates.

Use soft, fresh Medjool dates and gently open them with your fingers after slicing. If they feel dry, microwave them for 10 seconds to soften. You can also soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before stuffing them.

More Copycat Date Candy Recipes

These homemade date candy recipes hit that nostalgic candy bar flavor using real ingredients. 

Homemade Almond Joy®
Homemade Butterfinger®

Healthy Chocolate Snacks for Halloween

Looking for spooky snacks that don’t send your sugar levels into orbit? These healthy dark chocolate snacks are packed with protein and perfect for Halloween party trays or trick-or-treat night. Check out our high protein chocolate snacks for even more treat ideas!

Boo Cups
Chocolate Date Tahini Bites
Halloween Pudding Cups
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Pumpkin Protein Balls
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Ingredients

Recipe yields 12 servings

Dates

Chocolate Drizzle

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

Dates

  1. Step 1

    Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove and discard the stems from the dates. With a sharp knife, carefully slice the dates lengthwise to remove and discard the pits; do not cut the dates fully in half. Place the opened dates on the prepared baking sheet.

  2. Step 2

    Add the peanut butter to a zip-top bag or pastry bag. Slightly warm the peanut butter by gently working it in your hands to make it easier to pipe into the dates. Cut a small corner off of the bag and pipe about a ½ teaspoon into each date. Sprinkle each date with chopped peanuts.

Chocolate Drizzle

  1. Step 1

    In a microwave-safe dish, combine the chocolate chips and olive oil and microwave for 15-second increments, stirring after each cycle, until smooth and melted.

  2. Step 2

    Carefully pour the melted chocolate into a zip-top bag or pastry bag. Cut a small corner off of the bag and generously drizzle over each date.

  3. Step 3

    Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
2 dates

133
Calories
4
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
18
mg
Sodium
22
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
2
g
Protein
18
g
Sugars

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
  • Freeze for up to 1 month — let thaw 5 minutes before serving
  • Great in lunchboxes or as a post-workout chocolate snack
  • If the chocolate softens, pop them back in the fridge to re-set
  • Let kids decorate with extra chopped peanuts or unsweetened shredded coconut

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Deglet Noor, but soften them with warm water for 5 minutes first.

Use any dairy-free chocolate or melt down a bar of your favorite vegan chocolate candy. Alternatively, if you do not need the recipe to be dairy-free or vegan, use regular dark chocolate chips.

Use sunflower seed butter and toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Swap out 8 dates for dried figs or prune halves for a more mellow sweetness.

Mix 1 tablespoon of plant-based vanilla protein powder into the peanut butter before piping.

Healthy Halloween Desserts

No tricks here! These healthy Halloween desserts bring the fun without the sugar overload. Browse our full spooky and healthy Halloween dessert collection for more terrifyingly tasty ideas.

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