Healthy Date Candy Bars (Vegan, Paleo) Recipe
These Healthy Date Candy Bars are a delicious, vegan, and paleo-friendly treat made with natural ingredients like Medjool dates, nut butter, and dark chocolate. Perfect for a guilt-free snack, they combine the sweetness of dates with the rich flavor of dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt for a balanced taste and satisfying texture.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Paleo, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Base
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
Filling
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Sea salt, optional, to taste
- Prepare the Base: Pit the Medjool dates and press them firmly into a lined pan to create an even base layer for your bars.
- Spread Nut Butter: Evenly spread the nut butter over the date base to add a creamy, rich layer.
- Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, gently melt the dark chocolate together with coconut oil until smooth and combined.
- Add Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the nut butter layer and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: If desired, lightly sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate for added flavor contrast.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate has fully set and the bars are firm, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, remove from the refrigerator and slice into individual bars. Enjoy your healthy date candy bars as a tasty, wholesome snack.
Notes
- Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for easier pressing and better texture.
- Choose your favorite nut butter for variety—almond, peanut, or cashew all work well.
- For dairy-free chocolate, ensure the dark chocolate is vegan-certified.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
- Optional sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor; skip or reduce if you prefer a sweeter bar.
Keywords: healthy date bars, vegan snack, paleo dessert, no-bake candy bars, dark chocolate bars, natural sweeteners, nut butter bars