Get ready for a tasty alternative to your standard candy bar. My Addictive Date Bark is made using chewy Deglet Noor dates, creamy peanut butter, fruity coconut flakes, crunchy and salty ripple or wavy potato chips and rich chocolate drizzle. What makes this dessert or snack so interesting and satisfying is the variety of flavours and textures present in a single bite. It’s almost too good to be true!
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 worth the wait!
Enjoy it for dessert or as a snack. Indulge on your own or share it with friends, family or coworkers. After all, sharing is caring! So, let me show you how it’s done. Grab a spoon and come and cook with me!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes 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 chips, gently crushed
1 1/3 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
1 tsp avocado oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
Set aside a 8”x10” metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
Tempering the Chocolate: To a medium microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and avocado oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and carefully remove it and stir. Continue to microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring throughout, until the chocolate has fully melted.
Preparing the Dates: 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.
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 chips.
Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the date bark, ensuring that it is fully coated.
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for at least 30 minutes but preferably 1 hour. Once the date bark is fully chilled and set, remove it from the freezer and break or cut it into individual portions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
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 hand 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.
Tempering the Chocolate: Avocado or coconut oil helps facilitate the melting process, making the melted chocolate easier to work with and silkier and shinier in texture.
Storing Any Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
