Even though I am a fitness professional I do have a ragingggg sweet tooth. I used to be ashamed to admit that, but, it is what it is I’m afraid. I just try and manage it by making things that not only satisfies my sweet craving but also provides nutritional merit as well. I do believe that all foods fit and that includes sweet treats.

Let’s talk about why I love these stuffed dates: The nutrition profile is stellar and these taste like a REAL TREAT. Honestly, I would take these over a traditional Snickers bar a million times over. Ideal as a quick dessert, snack, or even a party treat, these bites are effortless to prepare and incredibly satisfying. They are not only incredibly easy to make but also pack a powerful nutritional punch, making them the perfect snack or dessert for health-conscious individuals.

One of the biggest draws of Date Snickers is their simplicity that combine ingredients to create a nutritional powerhouse.

Medjool Dates: These naturally sweet fruits serve as the “caramel” base for the treat. Medjool dates are packed with natural sugars, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Their soft, chewy texture mimics the gooey caramel found in traditional Snickers bars, but without any processed sugars or additives.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds a luscious, nutty richness that complements the sweetness of the dates perfectly. It’s also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins like Vitamin E and B6. Opting for natural, unsweetened peanut butter ensures there are no added sugars or hydrogenated oils in your treats.

Protein Or Collagen Peptides Powder: A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day, nutrients you need for growth and repair – helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.

When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.

Roasted Peanuts: These little nuggets of crunch enhance the texture of the Date Snickers and provide a dose of plant-based protein. Peanuts are also high in healthy fats and antioxidants, making them a heart-healthy addition.

Dark Chocolate: Coating the stuffed dates in dark chocolate not only gives them that indulgent candy-bar-like finish but also adds the benefits of antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and even boost mood.

Why This Recipe Stands Out:

Healthier Alternative to Traditional Candy Bars: Date Snickers provide the same satisfying blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors as their store-bought counterpart but without any refined sugars, artificial flavors, or unhealthy fats. A wholesome twist on a classic candy bar.

Customizable to Your Taste: One of the best things about Date Snickers is how customizable they are. Don’t have peanut butter? Use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Want to add a little crunch? Mix in some shredded coconut or granola. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle some chili flakes or cinnamon on top of the chocolate coating for a unique twist.

Nutrient-Dense and Energy-Boosting: Thanks to the combination of natural sugars from the dates and healthy fats from the nuts and chocolate, Date Snickers are an excellent source of sustained energy. They are great for those busy days when you need a quick, wholesome boost.

Occasions to Serve Date Snickers:

Holidays and Parties: Serve these bite-sized treats as a healthier dessert option during holiday gatherings or family celebrations. Their chocolate-dipped appearance gives them a fancy, crowd-pleasing look.
After-School Snack: Kids love the sweetness of Date Snickers, and parents love knowing they’re made from wholesome ingredients.
Gift Idea: Pack these treats in a decorative box or jar and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and loved ones.
Meal Prep: Make a batch at the start of the week to have a quick snack option on hand for busy days.

Popular Additions:

Flaky salt. Instead of, or in addition to the chopped nuts on the outside of the date snickers, sprinkle a small pinch of large flaky salt.
Coconut Butter. Make your date bars even yummier with coconut butter stuffed inside the dates. You can replace some or all of the peanut butter amount.
Cream cheese or mascarpone. Use just a teaspoon of it stuffed inside the dates and it will give it a chocolate cheesecake twist.
Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries. Instead of adding the crushed nuts on top of the date snickers, try crushed freeze dried fruit, for some peanut butter jelly vibes.
Espresso powder or cinnamon in the chocolate. Each date would only require a pinch of either one of these to really make the chocolate taste more rich.

Date Snickers are proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of health. By combining the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of dark chocolate and the crunch of peanuts, you get a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.

Whether you are looking for a snack, dessert, or gift idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With their ease of preparation and adaptability, Date Snickers truly are the best of both worlds – delicious and nutritious.

Snickers Inspired Date Protein Candy Bites

A snickers inspired date candy recipe that combines caramel-y, soft Medjool dates, creamy protein-enriched peanut butter and crunchy nuts, all coated in smooth dark chocolate for a decadent yet wholesome snack.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy snickers bites, healthy snickers protein candy bites, snickers date protein snacks, snickers inspired date protein candy bites, snickers protein snacks

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
• 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted, chopped

Chocolate Coating

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional) 

Instructions

• Slice each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pit, creating a small pocket in the middle of the date.

  In a small dish, mix protein powder with the peanut butter until well combined.

  Fill each date with a teaspoon of this peanut butter/protein mixture, smoothing it evenly inside the pocket.

  Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the peanut butter, pressing gently so they stick.

  Place in freezer for 30 minutes then melt the chocolate coating.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Working quickly, using one or two forks, dip one date at a time into the bowl of melted chocolate until it is fully coated. Lift the date from the bowl of chocolate and let any excess drip off, then place it onto a tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with the remaining dates.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Drizzle any leftover melted chocolate over the dates and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then chill until chocolate has set.

  Once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade date candy bites.

  Store up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites