Description
These Healthy Date Candy Bars are a delicious vegan and paleo-friendly treat made with soft medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich dark chocolate. Naturally sweetened with optional pure maple syrup, these bars are perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert that combines chewy, crunchy, and smooth textures.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 large soft medjool dates
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural)
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional for more sweetness)
- 1/4 cup crushed pretzels (gluten-free + paleo if needed)
Assembly and Coating
- 20 whole pretzels (gluten-free + paleo if needed)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan + paleo if needed)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Soften Dates: If your dates aren’t really soft, soak them in water for 10 minutes, then drain off the water before proceeding to the next step.
- Make the Filling: Add the softened dates, creamy peanut butter, and maple syrup (if using) into a food processor. Blend until a smooth, gooey filling forms. Next, fold in the crushed pretzels by hand or pulse the processor very briefly to keep small pretzel chunks intact.
- Form Candy Bars: Lay out the whole pretzels on a tray. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling on each pretzel. Using a spoon or your hands, spread and smooth the filling over the pretzel to create a small bar shape.
- Freeze to Firm: Place the pretzel bars in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up while you prepare the chocolate coating.
- Melt Chocolate: In a bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt using a double boiler setup or carefully in the microwave, stirring frequently to ensure smooth, even melting.
- Prepare Dipping Station: Line a tray or baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- Coat Candy Bars: Dunk each bar fully into the melted chocolate to coat. Transfer to the parchment paper with the pretzel side facing down. Optionally, drizzle additional chocolate over the top in a zig-zag pattern for decoration.
- Harden the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated bars in the freezer for about an hour to allow the chocolate to fully harden before enjoying.
Notes
- For softer dates, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Use gluten-free and paleo-certified pretzels and chocolate chips if dietary restrictions apply.
- The maple syrup is optional and adds extra sweetness depending on your taste.
- Double boiler melting helps prevent chocolate from burning.
- Store bars in the freezer or refrigerator to maintain firmness and freshness.
