In the dynamic world of social media, where trends come and go the Date Bark has emerged as the latest sensation, captivating the taste buds and creative minds of food enthusiasts. This delectable treat has taken the virtual world by storm, thanks to its blend of dates, creamy peanut butter, salty peanuts and rich dark chocolate. Beyond its deliciousness, what sets this viral dessert apart is its wholesome nature, offering a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars.
The Date Bark frenzy began with the inventive mind of Lina, the creator behind That Health Junkie. The root of this date bark can be traced back to- date snickers. The concept involves stuffing each dates with a delightful combination of peanut butter, chopped peanuts and a decadent chocolate coating. This date bark takes this idea a step further, transforming it into a shareable, customizable and more healthy dessert. This date bark has undoubtedly earned its place as a viral sensation, bridging the gap between indulgence and health-conscious choices.
Why you’ll love the Date Bark?
Quick and Easy to Make: The simplicity of the recipe ensures that anyone can make this delicious dessert within just10 minutes.
Nutrient Rich: Packed with the natural sweetness of dates, nuttiness of peanut butter and the crunch of peanuts, the bark is not just tasty but also nutritious.
Versatile & Customizable: The beauty of the recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
No-bake wonder: Perfect for those who prefer to avoid turning on the oven, this no-bake treat is a convenient option for satisfying sweet cravings.
Dietary Accommodations: The recipe caters to various dietary preferences, being vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and easily adaptable for nut-free alternatives.
Perfect for Snacking: An ideal snack for any time of the day, the bark is a wholesome alternative for those seeking healthier indulgences.
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will find find joy in this treat, making it an excellent option for family snack time.
Ingredients needed for Date Bark:
Dates: The star of the show are the dates, serves as the perfect base. Most recipe recommend medjool dates as they are large, dark and reminiscent of caramel and they also contribute a natural sweetness that forms the foundation of the bark. If you like your date bark a little less sweet then you can also use regular dates, as they are less sweet than the medjool dates.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty richness to the mix.
Peanuts: Salty peanuts provide a delightful crunch and enhance the overall salty-sweet taste. The recipe allows for experimentation with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans etc.
Chocolate: Opting for a 70% cocoa solid dark chocolate adds a luxurious taste and a hint of bitterness, complementing the sweetness of the dates. The choice of dark chocolate also brings in antioxidants, but feel free to explore with milk ow white chocolate.
Flavour variations:
The simplicity of the Date Bark recipe makes it an ideal canvas for experimentation. Here are some flavour variations to spark your creativity:
Swap the Peanut Butter: Experiment with different nut or seed butter such as almond, cashew, sunflower or tahini.
Use different Nuts: Mix and match with your favourite nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, pepitas or sunflower seeds.
Topping of your choice: Introduce a chewy texture and fruity twist with dried fruits like, cherries, cranberries, raisins or dried blueberries. You can also use coconut flake as topping.
Swap the Chocolate: Alter the flavour profile by using milk or white chocolate in place of dark chocolate. You can also use mix of any chocolate.
How to store Date Bark?
- To store: Once they are sliced, transfer the barks to an airtight container layered with parchment paper or in a sealable bag and refrigerate for up to one week.
- To freeze: Freeze the leftover bark for up to three months. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Ingredients
22 nos. Date
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (warmed)
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp Peanut (chopped)
120 gm Dark chocolate (melted)
Preparation
First slice the dates down the middle and remove the pit. Spread the pitted dates out on a parchment paper lined small baking sheet. Place another layer of parchment paper over the dates.
Then smash the dates with a rolling pin or glass jar, into a thinner layer.
Next drizzle the warmed peanut butter evenly over the dates. Then sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the peanut butter.
Then melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Melt the chocolate in microwave using 15 seconds intervals and stirring between reach one.
Then pour the melted chocolate over the date bark, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle about 1 tbsp of chopped peanut over the chocolate layer.
Chill the bark in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Remove from the fridge and cut into bars using a sharp knife.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
If your madjool dates are hard, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes until soft and juicy.
Customize the recipe to your liking- adjust nut butter, nuts, chocolate and toppings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for a longer self life.
Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy clean-up.
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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