Who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s easy, delicious, and trending on social media? These 3-ingredient smashed date bites are the latest viral recipe taking over the internet, and for good reason!

Four chocolate-covered treats are arranged in a line on parchment paper. Each treat is topped with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, creating a contrast against the smooth chocolate coating. The treats appear to have a caramel layer beneath the chocolate.

Packed with wholesome ingredients like sweet Medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and melted chocolate, they’re the perfect healthier alternative to traditional candy bars.

With a house full of teenage boys, I’m always on the look-out for easy protein packed healthier treats. If this is you, be sure to check out these chocolate date bars, Snickers date bark or cottage cheese protein balls.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Wooden board with seven chocolate-covered dates sprinkled with sea salt. Half a date and sea salt are scattered around on the surface, with a small bowl of sea salt and a lace doily partially visible in the background.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love These Smashed Date Bites

These bites are more than just a delicious treat; they’re a versatile, healthier alternative to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a chewy texture, caramel-like flavor, and a combination of chocolate and nuts, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

A hand holding a chocolate-covered date treat topped with flaky sea salt. The treat has a glossy coating and is placed above a wooden board with more similar treats in the background.

The combination of simple ingredients, easy steps and an irresistible sweet treat is what makes this recipe a social media sensation. With wholesome ingredients like dates and natural peanut butter, you’ll feel good about indulging.

Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to candy bars, making them perfect for health junkies and anyone with a sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this fun recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth (and the kids too!).

Ingredients

Pitted, fresh & sticky dates — the star of the show! Look for plump dates for the best results.
All-natural peanut butter — a creamy layer of peanut butter adds a nutty richness.
Dark chocolate — I used chocolate almond bark for its smooth, meltable texture. You can also try chocolate chips or chocolate candy melts.

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper holds two neat rows of pitted dates, ready for smashing or further preparation.

2. Arrange the dates evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place another piece of parchment paper over each date and use the bottom of a cup to smash them flat.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper holds three rows of smashed dates, topped with dollops of peanut butter. The dates are arranged neatly in a grid pattern on the sheet.

3. Top each flattened date with a spoonful of peanut butter. Make sure to cover the top of the date evenly.

4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 15-second intervals until smooth. Stir in between to avoid burning. You can also use a double boiler for more control.

A baking tray with parchment paper holds two rows of date bites drizzled with chocolate. The treats have a sprinkle of sea salt on top, placed on a wooden surface.

5. Pour a spoonful of melted chocolate over each date, letting it cascade over the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salty treat, if desired.

Three chocolate-covered treats are lined up on parchment paper. Each treat has a smooth chocolate coating sprinkled with a few flakes of sea salt. The shapes are irregular, and a bit of the filling is visible on the edges.

6. Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes to an hour until the chocolate hardens.

Chocolate-covered dates topped with sea salt flakes are placed on a wooden board. The treats are glossy and appear to have a chewy texture underneath the chocolate coating.

Tips and Tricks

Opt for fresh, sweet Medjool dates for their plumpness and chewy texture. If your dates seem dry, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes to rehydrate.
Don’t have peanut butter? Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a unique twist. Natural creamy peanut butter works best for smooth layering.
Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil while melting for a glossy finish.
For a nut candy bar vibe, sprinkle crushed peanuts, crunchy almonds, or pumpkin seeds on top of the chocolate.
Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh. They’ll last up to a week in the fridge and longer in the freezer.
If stored in the fridge, let the bites sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best chewy texture.

A hand holds a chocolate-covered treat topped with sea salt flakes. Behind it, more similar treats are placed on a wooden board. The treat appears to have a chewy base, possibly made of caramel or nougat.

Variations

Snickers Viral Date Bark – add a layer of crunchy nuts or flaky salt to mimic a Snickers bar.
Dark Chocolate Tahini Date Bark – swap peanut butter with tahini and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a sophisticated twist.
Chocolate Coconut Date Bars – try this healthy snack that I’ve been making the boys for years!
Easy Pumpkin Date Balls – one of my favorite flavour combos.

A close-up of a hand holding a chocolate-covered treat with a visible cross-section showing layers of date and peanut butter. Other similar treats are blurred in the background on a wooden surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These smashed date bites are an easy snack to prepare in advance. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until needed.

What if I don’t have Medjool dates?

You can use other types of dates, but Medjool dates are preferred for their caramel-like flavor and size. If using smaller dates, adjust the amount of peanut butter and chocolate accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use vegan chocolate and ensure your nut butter is plant-based. This simple step makes it a healthy treat that fits a vegan lifestyle.

Chocolate-covered treats with a caramel center are sprinkled with sea salt on a wooden board. They are accompanied by natural dates, one partially visible in the background.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick snack, dessert or sharing them as a homemade candy bar, these bites are sure to impress. I throw them in a container in the freezer and the kids use them in school lunches!

So grab your pitted Medjool dates and favorite nut butter, and let’s make the viral recipe everyone’s talking about!

Three chocolate date bites are covered in a rich chocolate layer and sprinkled with sea salt, elegantly arranged on parchment paper. Text reads, 3-ingredient date bites recipe from homemedeheather.com.

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