Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by PorchLightReading
Date bark recipe with chocolate, peanut butter, and crackers. Quick and easy no bake dessert idea to curb your snickers craving.
The holidays come with a lot of baking, treats, and seasonal recipes. Whether you’re the one baking them, or you’re the one enjoying them at the holiday gathering, the special treats are everywhere!
So how do your curb your snickers craving on a Friday night without getting into all the goodies?
That’s easy- This no bake date bark recipe has everything you want in a chocolate craving and the gooey dates create the perfect faux caramel texture.
Follow us on…
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- Table of Contents: Date Bark Recipe
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to make date bark
- Tips you’ll want to know
- Variations
- Storage directions
- Jump to recipe
Friday night rolled around and my oldest was hoping for a special treat, per usual. Really, what she asked for was to make some chocolate chip cookies, but I wasn’t quite feeling up to cleaning up the kitchen from flour on the floor and a pile of cookie sheets waiting for me on Saturday morning.
Normally I’m a pretty good sport about her trying new things, but my energy level was low. But now that she mentioned it, I could go for some chocolate as well. It didn’t take much convincing to switch from cookies to this treat instead, and now it’s one of her favorites since it involves no baking and takes less than 30 minutes!
DATE BARK RECIPE
This date bark recipe combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet dates, and a salty crunch from the Saltines, making this a no-bake dessert favorite! The reason I mentioned earlier that it curbs a snickers craving is because of the blend of peanut butter and dates. Giving this treat a gooey texture with a bit of salted crunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No bake: This dessert requires no baking!
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can be enjoying this snack in less than 30 minutes.
- Balanced flavors: Salty crackers, sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. Need I say more?
- Versatile: You can easily change out the crackers or toppings and create your own twist on this recipe.
- Make ahead friendly: Stores well in the refrigerator, so you can prep it ahead of time.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 Pitted dates
- 12 Saltine crackers
- ¼ Cup peanut butter
- 5 oz Chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- ½ TBS butter
- Coarse salt
How To Make Date Bark
Prepare the base: On parchment paper, remove the pits of 12 dates and place them flat on the parchment in a row of 3×4. Take a rolling pin and roll them flat into a nice rectangle. Place parchment paper and dates onto a cookie sheet with lip.
Create the layers: Spread a layer of peanut butter on the dates and neatly arrange 12 saltine crackers on top.
Top with chocolate: In a heat safe container add 5oz. chocolate bar, or chocolate chips, and 1/2 TBS. butter. Microwave in short 20 second bursts until melted, stirring after each burst. Note- Keep in mind not to microwave the chocolate for too long as it can seize and become un-spreadable.
Sprinkle with toppings: Sprinkle with coarse salt and desired toppings such as crushed pretzels or chopped nuts.
Chill and slice: Chill the date bark dessert in the refrigerator until fully set. Slice into 12 squares using the saltine crackers as your guide. Serve and enjoy!
Tips For The Best Date Bark Dessert
Use soft dates: Medjool dates are best because of their natural sweetness and soft texture.
Spreadable peanut butter: If using a natural peanut butter that is a bit more difficult to spread, soften the peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds until spreadable.
Line your tray: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Slice using the crackers as a guide: Once fully set, slice the date bark using the crackers as a guide so that each portion has one complete cracker. This will give everyone even portions and will be less messy while slicing.
Related Posts:
Variations
Although this recipe is delicious as is, you may want to swap a few ingredients to something else you have in your pantry, or for personal preference.
Crackers: Try graham crackers or Ritz crackers for a slightly different flavor.
Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is what we have in our pantry, but crunchy peanut butter would be delicious as well!
Toppings: Once you pour the warmed chocolate, and before it sets in the refrigerator, try adding different toppings such as crushed pretzels, cranberries, or nuts.
The chocolate matters: Use a good quality chocolate for a richer taste.
Storage Directions
Place in an air tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This date bark recipe is so easy to make and comes together with little effort. It’s the ultimate no-bake treat that is equal parts indulgent and wholesome. With a blend of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunch it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion and is teenager approved. Or so says my oldest. Happy holidays!
Recipe Card
Date Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 dates- pitted
- 12 Saltine crackers
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 5 oz chocolate
- 1/2 TBS butter
- salt
Instructions
- On parchment paper, remove the pits of 12 dates and place them flat on the parchment in a row of 3×4. Take a rolling pin and roll them flat into a nice rectangle. Place parchment paper and dates onto a cookie sheet with lip.
- Spread a layer of peanut butter on the dates and neatly arrange 12 saltine crackers on top.
- In a heat safe container add 5oz. chocolate bar, or chocolate chips, and 1/2 TBS. butter. Microwave in short 20 second bursts until melted, stirring after each burst. Note- Keep in mind not to microwave the chocolate for too long as it can seize and become un-spreadable.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt and desired toppings such as crushed pretzels or chopped nuts.
- Chill the date bark dessert in the refrigerator until fully set. Slice into 12 squares using the saltine crackers as your guide. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE…
Back to Recipe Page
Like this recipe idea? Save this post to Pinterest for later by clicking the Pin below!
