These dark chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates with protein powder are a healthier dessert or snack with some protein in them! They are seriously the most delicious treat and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This is my unique spin on the stuffed Snickers dates with a little extra protein by adding some protein powder to the peanut butter. I honestly couldn’t even taste it – they are that good! They’re rich, decadent, chewy and feel like an indulgent dessert but they’re actually very nutritious.
Why I Love This Recipe
- A delicious snack to curb a sweet tooth. They’re called Snickers stuffed dates because they really do taste like a Snickers bar! I honestly think they are way better, actually.
- Healthy and a good source of both protein and fiber! Each date has 7 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fiber. It’s a filling and satisfying couple bites.
- Anti-inflammatory, brain boosting ingredients. Dates are a good source of prebiotic fiber, feeding that good bacteria in our gut. Both dates and dark chocolate contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids which can enhance memory, alertness and cognitive function.
- Snack prep. The process isn’t what I would call super “easy” but it pays off when you have a freezer full of these delicious dates to snack on. Double the recipe – it will be worth it!
Ingredients
How to Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
This recipe makes 12 dates but since this is such a process (and they’re insanely good) – you might want to think about making more! They’re sweet, chewy, decadent and rich. These dates feel so indulgent yet they’re super nutritious.
There is no specific rhyme or reason to this process. It will taste amazing no matter how messy it gets. The peanut butter and protein powder mixture is quite thick which actually means it’s less messy to fill the dates. Once the dates are assembled you still get that peanut butter flavor and texture.
Directions
- Get ready for assembly. Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about 3/4 the way down. Sometimes, the dates have a seam already that you can just pull apart or use your knife to cut through it.
- Mix the protein powder and peanut butter together. Heat the peanut butter in the microwave to soften – about one minute (microwaves may vary). Add the protein powder and water. Stir really well until a thick yet well-combed mixture forms.
- Fill the dates with peanut butter. Fill each date with a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and place on the baking sheet.
- Microwave the chocolate. Add dark chocolate and avocado oil to a microwaveable bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted.
- Dip the dates. Using a (slotted) spoon, toothpick, or two forks, dip each date into the bowl of chocolate – coating the entire date in dark chocolate. Place back onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Microwave the chocolate for another 30 seconds as needed during this process.
- Sprinkle each date with sea salt.
- Freeze or refrigerate to set. Place the baking sheet into the fridge or freezer for at least 20 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for Success & Variation Ideas
- If the peanut butter is runny and coming out of the date as you are dipping the chocolate, place the peanut butter stuffed dates into the freezer for about 10 minutes before dipping.
- The sea salt is the best part, in my opinion, so make sure to evenly distribute on the dark chocolate.
- Use crunchy peanut butter (may need to add a little more water if too thick) or stuffed some chopped peanuts in there for some texture and crunch.
- Can sub with any nut butter or sun butter, if needed.
- Drizzle the dates with softened peanut butter for a fun effect and more peanut butter flavor.
- If you have a hard time mixing the protein powder with the peanut butter or it’s too gritty, add a teaspoon of water and stir. Repeat until desired consistency.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Protein Powder
This is my unique spin on the stuffed Snickers dates but with a little extra protein by adding some protein powder to the peanut butter. The most insanely delicious protein snack or dessert! They're rich, decadent, chewy and feel so indulgent but they're actually very nutritious. Each date has 7 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fiber.
Ingredients
- 12 pitted Medjool dates I used Natural Delights and found them to be very soft.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter can use crunchy for more texture
- 2 scoops protein powder Unflavored works best for more peanut butter flavor, vanilla works too
- 3 ½ tablespoons water or milk
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon avocado or coconut oil
- Coarse sea salt for garnish fine sea salt would work too
- Chopped nuts, optional topping
Instructions
- Get ready for assembly. Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about 3/4 the way down. Sometimes, the dates have a seam already that you can just pull apart or use your knife to cut through it.
- Mix the protein powder and peanut butter together. Heat the peanut butter in the microwave to soften – about one minute (microwaves may vary). Add the protein powder and water. Stir really well until a thick yet well-combed mixture forms.
- Fill the dates with peanut butter. Fill each date with a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and place on the baking sheet.
- Microwave the chocolate. Add dark chocolate and avocado oil to a microwaveable bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted.
- Dip the dates. Using a (slotted) spoon, toothpick, or two forks, dip each date into the bowl of chocolate – coating the entire date in dark chocolate. Place back onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Microwave the chocolate for another 30 seconds as needed during this process.
- Sprinkle each date with sea salt.
- Freeze or refrigerate to set. Place the baking sheet into the fridge or freezer for at least 20 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Throw these dates in your cooler for a delicious summer treat on-the-go! My favorite way to eat them is from the freezer – pull out and let sit for about 5 minutes to thaw out a little.
- The sea salt is the best part, in my opinion, so make sure to evenly distribute on the dark chocolate.
- If the peanut butter is runny and coming out of the date as you are dipping the chocolate, place the peanut butter stuffed dates into the freezer for about 10 minutes before dipping.
- If you have a hard time mixing the protein powder with the peanut butter or it’s too gritty, add a teaspoon of water and stir. Repeat until desired consistency.
- Use crunchy peanut butter (may need to add a little more water if too thick) or stuffed some chopped peanuts in there for some texture and crunch.
- It’s easier to dip when there is more dark chocolate but you may not use the entire cup.
- Can sub with any nut butter or or try sun butter.
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