If you have been to my house and opened my freezer, you will have seen my consistent stash of my Snickers Date Bark right next to Nick’s nightly fruit popsicle stash. I know for sure my father in law and brother in law know about my stash because every time they come to visit, the stash mysteriously dwindles. 

As my food prep power hours on Sundays transition to massive amounts of fresh cleaned fruit and finger food snacks for Koa, I have found that this dessert still finds a way onto the weekly menu despite things like my homemade granola falling to wayside. I chalk it up to two things – it’s healthier than the alternative store-bought desserts and it’s so dang easy to make. 

But of course, with everything, the more times you do it, the more experimental you get with combinations. This past time around, I was in the mood for a crunch so I opted to add a layer of crispy rice cereal and boy was I happy with how it came out. It elevates the texture and is oh so satisfying to the ears when you bite down. 

While I was at it, I also decided to mix the peanut butter layer with granola butter. Now granola butter can be found at almost any grocery store now right next to the alternative nut butters. I think Nick and I first discovered it on Shark Tank? Or maybe we were influenced on social media back in the day. We used to drizzle it on top of yogurt or oatmeal in the morning. Then we dropped off it for a few years for no apparent reason. But we are now back on board. It is decidedly sweeter than most peanut butters so I opted to mix it half-n-half with the PB for a happy medium. And because we now purchase the 100% peanuts only peanut butter with no salt or oil for Koa, the combination feels super decadent. 

When compared side by side with the OG recipe, it’s a tough call to pick a favorite. This version is a bit sweeter and definitely crunchier. The original remains simple and delicious. We went back and forth for a few nights before deciding that we prefer this version… for now! 

But now it’s time for the real test – what will the in-laws prefer? I am going to make a batch for them at Thanksgiving later this month and will be sure to report back!

INGREDIENTS

• 18-20 pitted Medjool dates
• ½ bag (6 oz) chocolate chips 
• ½ cup granola butter
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal (I use Seven Sundays Little Crispies)
• Flaky sea salt

Serving Size: 12-16

INSTRUCTIONS

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Gently open the dates and lay on the parchment paper, pressing until flat. Line each date next to each other so they are touching into an even layer on the baking sheet (there still may be spaces in between, that’s okay, just minimize). 
• Using a microwave, heat the peanut butter for 30 seconds then mix the granola butter in with it.
• Drizzle the peanut & granola butter mixture over the dates to create a thin even layer on top. 
• Sprinkle crispy rice cereal on top. 
• Using a microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate chips and layer on top.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt all over before it cools. 
• Freeze for 30+ minutes. 
• Using a sharp knife, cut the date bark into smaller bites for easy storage and easy grabbing/grubbing. Enjoy!
  • *Store in the freezer then remove and thaw for 2 minutes before consuming.