Candy Bar Dates

1 . Stage

Prepare the dates: Pull the stem off each date and pull open to remove the pit, leaving the date still in one piece. It’s okay if you end up tearing the date—they’re easy to seal back together—but try to avoid tearing it into separate pieces.

2 . Stage

Add the filling: If you’re using natural nut butter, give it a good stir . For Snickers dates : Add about 1/2 teaspoon crunchy or creamy peanut butter to the center where the pit used to be.  For Milky Way dates: Add about 1/2 teaspoon caramel sauce to the center where the pit used to be.  For Baby Ruth dates: Add about 1/2 teaspoon caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to the center where the pit used to be.  For Twix dates: Add about 1/2 teaspoon caramel sauce to the center where the pit used to be. Snap the Pocky sticks into pieces that are shorter than the date and press 1 or 2 pieces into the caramel. For Almond Joy dates : Stuff the center with shredded, sweetened coconut and chopped almonds.

3 . Stage

Seal the date: Form the date around the filling back into its original shape. Since dates are sticky, you should be able to seal it without much effort.

4 . Stage

Melt the chocolate and dip the dates: Top a sheet pan or platter with parchment or wax paper. Place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, just until melted. Alternatively, place the bowl over a pot containing an inch of barely simmering water and stir until melted. Add a date to the melted chocolate and turn to coat. Use a fork to lift it out of the chocolate, gently shaking it up and down a few times to encourage the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Scrape the bottom of the fork on the side of the bowl a couple of times, then place the date on the prepared sheet pan or platter. Repeat with the remaining dates, spacing them apart so they don't touch.

5 . Stage

Sprinkle the tops: For extra crunch or a bit of saltiness, top the dates while they’re still wet.  Top the Snickers and Baby Ruth dates with chopped peanuts and the Almond Joy dates with chopped almonds and/or shredded coconut. Any or all of the candy bar dates are delicious topped with flaky salt, especially the Milky Way and Twix dates.

6 . Stage

Chill: Move the dates to the fridge and let chill until the chocolate is set, at least 30 minutes. Serve or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze candy bar dates for up to 2 months. Let defrost in the fridge or on the counter for a few minutes before enjoying. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!