No-Bake Date Bars with Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Dark chocolate, peanut butter, and dates are so perfect together that I made them into no-bake date bars, so you get all the goodness in one bite. This simple yet indulgent recipe combines Medjool dates, dark chocolate, and creamy peanut butter. These bars are gluten-free and are packed with healthy fats, making them a delicious option for anyone looking for a snack or quick and easy no-bake dessert.

Why you’ll love these no-bake date bars

Super Easy and Quick: These no-bake bars require only basic ingredients and equipment. Unlike many date bar recipes, no food processor is needed for this recipe. They are the perfect snack for when you need a quick and satisfying treat without turning on the oven

Delicious Flavor Combination: These bars blend the sweetness of Medjool dates with the creamy, rich taste of peanut butter and the deep flavor of dark chocolate. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with natural sweeteners from dates and creamy peanut butter, these bars are a more nutritious option compared to many traditional desserts. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups Medjool dates: Dates provide natural sweetness and add a chewy texture to the bars. While I highly recommend Medjool dates for the best flavor and texture, if Medjool dates are unavailable, you can substitute other pitted dates.

¾ cup peanut butter: Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and creaminess to the bars. It also provides healthy fats and protein, making the bars more nutritious and satisfying.

1 cup dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate contributes to the deep, chocolatey flavor of the no-bake bars and helps bind the ingredients together. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips can be substituted.

¼ cup butter: Butter provides a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the bars. To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine.

1 tablespoon warm espresso: Adding warm espresso enhances the dark chocolate flavor, making it taste richer. You could also use brewed coffee as a substitute. Alternatively, you can dissolve instant coffee powder in hot water.

1 ½ cups additional peanut butter (optional): This optional layer of peanut butter adds extra richness and a creamy topping to the bars. If you prefer a different topping, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, depending on your preference.

Equipment needed

9×9-inch baking dish

Parchment paper

Saucepan

Spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Sharp knife and cutting board

Commissionable links

How to make no-bake date bars

#1. Prep the Dates: Pit the dates and cut them in half. Set aside.

#2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a sauce pan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chips, ¾ cup peanut butter, and butter together until smooth. Stir in the warm espresso if using.

#3. Layer the Mixture: Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared pan.

#4. Add Dates: Arrange the halved dates in a single layer over the melted chocolate layer.

#5. Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, to allow the bars to set.

#6. Optional Peanut Butter Layer: Once set, spread the additional 1 ½ cups of peanut butter on top if desired. This step adds an extra layer of richness but is optional. You can also sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.

#7. Serve and Store: Keep the bars in the freezer and serve cold. These bars make a great snack and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

Recipe tips

While this recipe is super simple to make, here are some important tips for you to keep in mind:

Choose Soft Dates: Use fresh, soft medjool dates for the best texture.

Melt Slowly: I prefer a double boiler set up so I can keep a close eye on the mixture. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth mixture. Stir frequently until all ingredients are fully combined. You can also use melt the ingredients using a microwave but use short 30 second bursts, stirring between each to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn.

Spread Evenly: When pouring the chocolate mixture into the pan, use a spatula to spread it evenly to create a uniform base layer for the dates.

Arrange Dates Carefully: Place the dates in a single layer over the chocolate mixture to ensure each bar gets a balanced flavor and texture. Press them lightly into the mixture to help them adhere better.

Optional Topping: If you’re adding the optional peanut butter layer on top, make sure the bars are fully set before spreading the peanut butter to avoid melting the chocolate and date layer.

Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars from the baking dish once they’re set. This also helps with cleanup.

Cutting the Bars: For clean slices, first run a sharp knife under hot water, then pat it dry. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges neat and avoid smudging the chocolate and peanut butter layers.

Storage Instructions

Freezer

Store the date bars in the freezer. Arrange the bars in a single layer in an airtight container. Alternatively, place them in a freezer-safe, air-tight reusable bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Serving

Enjoy the date bars straight from the freezer. If preferred, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for a slightly softer texture.

General Storage Notes

Layering: If you need to stack the bars in your storage container, wait to add the optional peanut butter topping until you’re ready to serve. Place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Variations and Customizations

While I think these bars are delicious as-is, here are a few variations and customizations you may like to try:

• Extra Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of the peanut butter layer.
• Flavor Boost: Mix a half teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt into the chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor. While I often enjoy keeping the ingredients simple, these additions can subtly enhance the overall taste, bringing out the richness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
• Toppings: Instead of topping with peanut butter, you can drizzle melted light, dark, or white chocolate over the bars or sprinkle on coconut flakes.

Serving ideas

These no-bake bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Note, in general, I don’t recommend having these bars on-the-go because they are primarily made of chocolate and are served cold. Below are some of my favorite ways to enjoy these bars:

• Dessert: Serve as a dessert after meals. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Office Snack: Keep a few bars stored in the office freezer for a quick and easy snack during your workday. They provide a little pick-me-up during long afternoons!
• After-School Snack: These bars are a great after-school snack for kids that they can grab straight from the freezer!

Recipe Troubleshooting Tips

1. Bars are too sticky

If your bars are sticky, they may need more time to set in the freezer. Ensure they are frozen solid before slicing.

Also, dry dates can make the bars more sticky because they lack moisture, which affects their texture. Use fresh, soft Medjool dates, and avoid using dates that are too dry.

2. Chocolate mixture is grainy or doesn’t melt smoothly

Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. A double boiler can help achieve a smoother texture without overheating.

Also, make sure your chocolate chips are of good quality and suitable for melting.

3. Peanut butter layer doesn’t set properly

Ensure the base layer with dates and chocolate is fully set before adding the optional peanut butter layer on top. This prevents the layers from mixing and helps the bars maintain their structure.

Consider chilling the bars for longer in the freezer to allow each layer to firm up.

4. Bars are difficult to cut cleanly

Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to slice through the bars cleanly (make sure you dry the warmed knife before cutting into the bars). Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges neat and prevent smudging the layers.

If the bars are too hard straight from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Medjool dates?

If you can’t find Medjool dates, other pitted dates will work, though they might be smaller and slightly less sweet. You may need to increase the quantity to match the sweetness and volume.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free margarine and vegan chocolate chips.

Can I add other ingredients to these date bars?

Yes, you can sprinkle nuts, seeds like pumpkin seeds, or dried fruit on top of the peanut butter layer. This not only adds texture but may also incorporate additional nutritious benefits.

I want to hear from you!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Comment below or tag me on Instagram at @dee_and_sweets.

I hope you love this no-bake date bars recipe. If you try it, please let me know what you think in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you.