Reese’s Peanut Butter Date Bark
PREP TIME: 30 MIN | COOK TIME: 1 HR | YIELD: 9-12
Scrumptious Moment - Galentine’s Day 2025
I hosted my very first Galentine's Day party this year at my apartment, and these little treats were one of two desserts I whipped up for the event. I wanted to offer a somewhat healthier option amidst all the decadent sweets, candy, and amazing food we were indulging in – and they ended up being a total hit!
REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER DATE BARK
Date Bark – You’ve probably seen this sweet and super-easy treat all over TikTok and Instagram. It’s chewy, crunchy, rich, and tastes almost like a Snickers bar, but with just three simple ingredients: dates, crunchy peanut butter, and melted chocolate. This recipe takes it up a notch with a few tweaks to the base ingredients and two delicious additions: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Maldon’s flaky sea salt! Whether you're rushing to whip something up for your next Galentine's Day party or want to indulge in a sweet treat with your partner, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Date Bark is the perfect match for your Valentine’s Day celebration.
WHAT ARE DATES?
Dates are the sweet, nutrient-packed fruits of the date palm tree and with origins in the Middle East and North Africa. Because of my Persian heritage, dates were always a staple in my life, so I was thrilled to see dates finally getting some well-deserved love on social media, especially with bakers embracing them in creative ways. Growing up in a Persian household, we would often enjoy them with Sadaf tea (the only tea brand you need) after a meal, or as a pick-me-up during the day, as they are a natural energy booster, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. My mom always used to say, "One date a day keeps the doctor away."
INGREDIENT AND BAKING NOTES
Dark Chocolate
For a dessert with three layers of sweet, especially the dates that can be overpowering, I like to use dark chocolate instead milk chocolate for a deeper and more balanced flavor. Instead of dark chocolate chips, pick out your favorite high quality chocolate bar - like Ghirardelli or Lindt - to elevate the taste.
Dark Chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Thins
On the same note as the melted dark chocolate, I also buy the dark chocolate Reese’s thins. I find them easier to chop while still maintaining that creamy peanut butter center.
Maldon’s Flaky Sea Salt
We all know I worship sea salt on all desserts, and this one is no exception. You can find flaky sea salt at any grocery store, and it just brings a level of finality and sophistication that make this treat so impressive, even though it is so simple.
How to make the bark:
Step 1: Start by preparing your baking sheet: line it with parchment paper to prevent the date bark from sticking. Take your pitted Medjool dates and carefully make a shallow slit in each one, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Lay the dates on the parchment paper with the cut side facing down (see photo above). Arrange the dates neatly in a grid, aiming for three rows with six dates in each row.
Step 2: Next, take another sheet of parchment paper and place it over the arranged dates. Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the dates, applying light pressure to flatten them. The goal is to press the dates together into a smooth, nearly seamless rectangle. If necessary, lift the parchment paper and stack the dates to flatten them more evenly until they form a uniform layer.
Step 3: Now, take the crunchy peanut butter and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften it and make it easier to spread. Once it’s nice and smooth, spread the peanut butter generously over the flattened dates, ensuring an even layer that covers every part of the date mixture.
Step 4: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle half of the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the peanut butter layer. These little pieces will add a delightful crunch and rich peanut butter flavor. Then, break your dark chocolate bar into pieces and melt it in the microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until it's completely smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle it evenly over the peanut butter and Reese's layers. Use a spatula to carefully spread the chocolate, ensuring it covers all the peanut butter beneath it. Afterward, scatter the remaining chopped Reese's cups over the chocolate, followed by a light sprinkle of Maldon’s flaky sea salt. The salt will enhance the sweetness and give the bark a satisfying contrast.
REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER DATE BARK
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Using a knife, carefully slit each date (without cutting all the way through) and place them with the cut side facing down on the parchment paper. Continue this process, arranging 6 dates horizontally and 3 dates vertically (forming 3 rows of 6 dates each).
- Place another sheet of parchment paper on top, then use a rolling pin to gently flatten the dates, pressing them together into a rectangular shape. You might need to lift the parchment and stack the dates on top of each other again. Continue this process until the dates have melded into a nearly seamless rectangle.
- Gently warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it, making it easier to spread. Spread the peanut butter into an even layer on top of the dates.
- Take half of the chopped Reese's peanut butter cups and sprinkled them on top of the peanut butter layer.
- Melt your chocolate bar in the microwave in 30 second intervals, making sure to stir between each interval, until smooth and runny.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter/Reese’s layer, then use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring there are no visible patches of peanut butter left.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the chopped Reese's peanut butter cups evenly and finish off with the Maldon's flaky sea salt.
- Place in the fridge to set for about 1 hour before serving. You can also store this in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Enjoy!