If you love a Snickers bar but don’t love the ingredient list, this recipe is about to change your LIFE. Okay, maybe not your life, but it will be a game changer to your sweet treat fix from here on out. These no refined sugar Snickers bar dupes are made with whole food ingredients only. No baking, no fancy equipment, very quick, and very easy. Just dates, peanut butter, peanuts, dark chocolate, and a little flaky salt.
The base is rolled-out Medjool dates, which sounds simple because it is. Dates become naturally sticky and caramel-like when pressed together, making them the perfect foundation for a bar like this. Make sure that your medjool dates are ROOM temperature, though, or ready your forearms for quite the workout in the rolling process. You’ve been warned.
From there though, it’s all about layers. First is the creamy peanut butter for richness – try to use a peanuts only butter, but if you use one that is peanuts and salt just make sure to be light with the flaky sea salt later. Next goes the chopped peanuts for crunch (regular is fine but roasted unsalted? Delightful too). Dark chocolate melted brings it all together. And as a finishing touch, sea salt and a little more chopped peanuts, because why not.
Tips for Success: Keep these stored in the fridge for best texture. Use soft Medjool dates; if yours feel dry, soak them briefly in warm water. Roll the date layer thin and evenly so the bars slice cleanly. Chill fully before cutting.
And of course, share and enjoy your final product before they are inhaled (because they will be).
No-Refined-Sugar Whole Food Snickers Bar Dupes
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Sharp knife
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Baking sheet or flat plate
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 12 –14 Medjool dates pitted
Toppings
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter peanuts only
- ⅓ cup chopped peanuts
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate no refined sugar, if possible
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Extra chopped peanuts for topping
Instructions
- Place the pitted Medjool dates on a sheet of parchment paper. Cover with a second sheet of parchment and use a rolling pin to roll and press the dates into a thin, even rectangle, pressing the dates together until they form a cohesive layer.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment. Spread the peanut butter evenly over the date layer using the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly over the peanut butter layer, gently pressing them in so they adhere.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and peanut layer. Spread evenly to fully cover.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt and additional chopped peanuts over the chocolate while it’s still warm.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 30–45 minutes, or until fully set. Once firm, slice into squares.
Notes
These also freeze well if you want a firmer, extra-snappy bite.
If your dates are dry, let them sit in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat dry before rolling.