Today, I'm excited to share a simple, no-bake recipe for Peanut Butter Pretzel Crunch Date Bark! With only four ingredients, this treat is a must-try. It combines the goodness of nature's candy (Medjool dates!) with the rich taste of chocolate and peanut butter. It's a nutrient-rich snack for game night or study night, and you can keep it in the fridge so you're well-stocked for those grab-and-go moments.
Adding mini pretzels provides a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the Medjool dates and chocolate. You can conveniently store it in the freezer to always have a healthy and satisfying snack ready whenever!
For more recipes with Medjool dates try my Peppermint Fudge, Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies and Banana Date Oatmeal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Kid friendly!
- Only 4 ingredients
- Easily customizable
- No bake treat (just like my Tahini Stuffed Dates!)
- Quick and easy to make
- Easily store in the freezer for a grab n go snack (just like my Peanut Energy Bites)
- Gluten free and easily made vegan
- Perfect recipe for salty and crunchy cravings
Ingredients
- Peanut butter - choose unsweetened peanut butter. To make the peanut butter melty and easy to drizzle you can warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before drizzling.
- Chocolate chips - choose naturally sweetened chocolate if you want this recipe to entirely refined sugar free.
- Medjool dates - choose soft and fresh dates for the best result.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or adding a decorative drizzle of milk or white chocolate.
- Nut Butter Swap: Peanut butter can be swapped out for your favourite! Try almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini!
- Pretzel swap: If you're not a fan of pretzels, swap them for crushed nuts or crispy rice cereal for an alternative crunch.
- Vegan option: Ensure the recipe is entirely vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Mix it up: Create a trail mix-inspired bark by adding your favourite combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.
How To Make Peanut Butter Crunch Date Bark
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Arrange the dates in a single layer on parchment.
Cut a slit in each Medjool date and remove the pits. Lay the opened dates flat on a parchment paper-lined tray, ensuring they are touching and press them flat.
Step 2: Pour melted chocolate over the dates and spread into an even layer.
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.
Pour the melted chocolate over the dates. Use a spatula to smooth out the chocolate layer into an even layer.
Step 3: Layer on the pretzels.
Place the mini pretzels over the layer of melted chocolate and break up some of the mini pretzels into small pieces and scatter them over.
Step 4: Drizzle on melty peanut butter and chill.
Drizzle the melty peanut butter over the chocolate-covered dates and pretzels.
(To make the peanut butter melty and easy to drizzle, microwave it in a small dish for 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Continue microwaving and stirring until the peanut butter reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.)
Place the tray in the refrigerator and let the bark chill until the chocolate is firm, usually for about 1 hour.
Step 5: Cut up the bark and enjoy!
Once chilled, take the tray out and cut the peanut butter pretzel date bark into mismatched sizes and pieces using a sharp knife.
Expert Tips
- Choosing soft and plump Medjool dates not only ensures a deliciously chewy texture but also makes the process of pressing them down into an even layer much smoother.
- If your dates are a bit dry, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. Then drain the excess water and pat them dry with a towel before adding to the parchment.
- To make the peanut butter melty and easy to drizzle you can warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before drizzling.
- Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make it nut-free by opting for a seed butter (like sunflower seed butter or tahini) instead of peanut butter.
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dark chocolate for a richer and less sweet flavor.
Store the date bark in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming too soft.
You can also freeze date bark! Store it in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. It'll keep well for up to 3 months.
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More Medjool Date Recipes You'll Love
If you tried this Peanut Butter Crunch Date Bark or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Peanut Butter Pretzel Date Bark
Ingredients
- 16 large Medjool dates
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- ⅓ cup mini pretzels
Instructions
- Cut a slit in each Medjool date and remove the pits. Lay the opened dates flat on a parchment paper-lined tray, ensuring they are touching and press them flat.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the dates. Use a spatula to smooth out the chocolate layer into an even layer.
- Place the mini pretzels over the layer of melted chocolate and break up some of the mini pretzels into small pieces and scatter them over.
- Drizzle the melty peanut butter over the chocolate-covered dates and pretzels. (To make the peanut butter melty and easy to drizzle, microwave it in a small dish for 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Continue microwaving and stirring until the peanut butter reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.)
- Place the tray in the refrigerator and let the bark chill until the chocolate is firm, usually for about 1 hour.
- Once chilled, take the tray out and cut the peanut butter pretzel date bark into mismatched sizes and pieces using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Choosing soft and plump Medjool dates not only ensures a deliciously chewy texture but also makes the process of pressing them down into an even layer much smoother.
- If your dates are a bit dry, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. Then drain the excess water and pat them dry with a towel before adding to the parchment.
- To make the peanut butter melty and easy to drizzle you can warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before drizzling.
- Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Dan says
Enjoyed it so much, I'm making it again! Even my kids who "don't like dates" enjoyed this!
Eileen Shinn-Ross says
I don't make many things. After having this at a friend's home....OMG! I went out and bought the ingredients made it...DELICIOUS! Thanks for the new treat.
Meg says
What a beautiful and delicious treat! We all enjoyed!! 🙂