This Holiday Date Bark recipe is perfect for festive snacking or gifting during the holiday and Christmas season. It features naturally sweet Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and dark chocolate. Customize with your choice of red and green toppings such as pomegranate seeds and pistachios!
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Table of Contents
What is date bark?
Date bark is a popular snack that has gone viral on TikTok recently! It's made by flattening dates, spreading them with peanut butter and chocolate, and adding over your fave toppings.
Why you'll love it
Looking for a healthy and delicious holiday treat? This Holiday Date Bark is your answer!
- Super festive: The red and green toppings make it perfect for the holiday season.
- Healthy swap: Naturally sweetened by dates, this recipe feels like a treat without overloading on added sugar.
- Customizable: You can mix and match toppings to suit any dietary preference or craving.
Is this date bark healthy?
Medjool dates are a fresh-fruit with a caramel-like taste. Since they are a fruit, they are a source of naturally occurring sugars, there's ZERO added sugars in them. They also are also packed in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. I personally love grabbing Natural Delights Medjool Dates!
Peanut butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein to keep you satiated.
Finally, research suggests dark chocolate rich in cacao can support heart health and boost mood. Choose at least 70% cacao for the most benefits.
Ingredients you'll need
- Medjool Dates: These are the star of the recipe! Look for Natural Delights or another fresh, soft variety for easy smashing and a naturally sweet flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter spreads evenly and adds richness. Make sure to use a natural option without added sugars or oils.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Go for at least 70% cacao for a rich flavor and health benefits. Melt these gently to avoid scorching.
- Red Toppings: Choose from pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, or freeze-dried strawberries to add bursts of color and sweetness.
- Green Toppings: Pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or candied kiwi add crunch and vibrancy.
- Flaky Sea Salt: This finishing touch balances the sweetness with a savory kick.
How to make it
- Prep the dates: Pit the Medjool dates and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Flatten them into a bark-like layer about ¼ inch thick using a flat-bottomed glass or your hands.
- Spread the peanut butter: Evenly coat the flattened date layer with peanut butter.
- Melt and pour the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate chips, then pour and spread the chocolate over the peanut butter. Use a spatula for even coverage.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle your chosen red and green toppings over the chocolate while it's still warm. Finish with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Chill: Transfer the bark to the freezer and chill for 10 minutes or until the chocolate sets. Break into pieces and serve.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving Tips: Serve this bark on a festive platter for a holiday party or package it in cellophane bags as homemade gifts.
- Troubleshooting: If the dates are sticking while flattening, lightly grease your hands or the glass with a neutral oil.
- Scaling: Want to make a bigger batch? Double the recipe and use a larger baking sheet to spread the mixture.
Customize it your way
Like all of my other recipes, this Holiday Date Bark is completely customizable. You get to choose what toppings and spreads you want to use.
- Red toppings of your choice: I used pomegranate seeds (arils), but toppings like dried cranberries or freeze dried strawberries work great too!
- Green toppings of your choice: I used roughly chopped pistachios, but toppings like pumpkin seeds or chopped green candied kiwi work great too!
- Feel free to switch up the peanut butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Holiday Date Bark can be made in advance. Once set, store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also store in the freezer for up to 1 month, just let that for 10 minutes before enjoying.
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Holiday Date Bark
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted (about 2 cups or 1 package of Natural Delights Medjool Dates)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup red toppings of your choice (pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, or freeze dried strawberries)
- 3 tablespoons green toppings of your choice (roughly chopped pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or chopped green candied kiwi)
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- With a knife, cut the Medjool dates open without slicing all the way through and place them on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Arrange the dates into a grid of 5 dates wide by 4 dates long.
- Place another sheet of wax paper or parchment paper on top and use a flat-bottomed glass or your hands to smash the dates into a flat, bark-like layer, about ¼ inch thick. Remove the top layer of paper before proceeding.
- Evenly spread the peanut butter over the flattened date layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter-covered date layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios over the warm chocolate. Add flaky sea salt.
- Transfer the parchment paper with the bark to the freezer and let it chill for 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. (Time varies depending on your freezer.)
- Remove bark from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut into about 16 squares.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also store in the freezer for up to 1 month, just let that for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Nutrition
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