Sweet and Salty Date Bark

Let’s build the ultimate snack: Sweet ✅ Salty ✅ Chewy ✅ Crunchy ✅ and Satisfying ✅ Say hello to my Sweet and Salty Date Bark recipe - it's the snack that eats like a candy bar and checks all the boxes! Deglet Noor dates, creamy peanut butter, coconut flakes, crushed potato chips and rich, melted chocolate combine to create a satisfying bite! What makes this snack or dessert so interesting is the contrasting flavours and textures! It's quite the mouthful - trust me!

This quick and easy recipe is one for the books and something that you'll be making on repeat! This candy-like confection couldn’t be easier to make and comes together with just 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll have to wait at least another 30 minutes to let it chill and set, but you’ll be happy that you did. It’s definitely worth the wait!

Enjoy my Sweet and Salty Date Bark recipe for dessert or as a snack! You really can't go wrong! Indulge on your own or share it with friends because, after all, sharing is caring! So, let me show you how it’s done. Grab a spoon and come and cook with me!

For more fun and exciting snack ideas, try my Candied Frozen Grapes, Stovetop Popcorn, Croissant with Strawberries and Cream and Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie recipe!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes of inactive time for chilling)

Serves: 4 - 8

Ingredients:

• 25 Deglet Noor dates, pitted

• 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1/2 cup ripple or wavy potato chips, gently crushed

• 1 1/3 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips

• 1 tsp avocado oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Grab a 8” x 10” metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Tempering the Chocolate: To a medium microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and avocado oil (or coconut oil). Microwave for 30 seconds and carefully remove it and stir. Continue to microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring throughout, until the chocolate has completely melted.

3. Preparing the Dates: Using your hands, split the dates open and lay them side-by-side on the parchment paper, flesh side down. Lay another piece of parchment paper over top and, using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a cup, press down gently to flatten the dates.

4. Creating the Date Bark: Drizzle peanut butter over top and, using a spatula or spoon, smooth it over the surface of the dates. Top with coconut flakes and crushed potato chips.

5. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the date bark and transfer the baking pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes or preferably 1 hour.

6. Once the date bark has set, remove it from the freezer and break or cut it into individual portions. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

1. Parchment Paper is Key Here: Dates are sticky little fruits. Using two sheets of parchment paper to form the bark solves that problem. The parchment paper prevents the dates from sticking to your hands or cup during the flattening process. Bonus points - once the candy-like dessert has been formed and has sufficiently chilled, the parchment paper peels right off, making it easily transferable to a serving platter or storage container.

2. Tempering the Chocolate: Avocado or coconut oil helps facilitate the melting process, making the melted chocolate easier to work with and leaves your date bark with a silkier and shinier texture and appearance.

3. Storing Any Leftovers: If you're lucky to have leftovers, just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.