The Best Medjool Date Recipe {Candy Bar Bites}
This post is about the best Medjool Date recipe.
Wow these Medjool date bites are seriously, SO GOOD. Even my husband who does NOT have a sweet tooth like I do, loves them!
I had fun making these and it reminded me of my grandmother who worked in a candy shop as a young girl. I always thought that was a dream job and she did it back in the days when the local candy maker actually made all the candy right there in the shop, so she knew how to make all kinds of candies.
This date recipe only take a few minutes to throw together and you can totally adjust the recipe filling and toppings to suite your tastes. I’m the only one who loves coconut in my family, so I made half with just almonds and half with almonds and coconut.
Medjool dates do vary in size, but I found one date to be a perfect serving size.
I cannot take credit for these yummy bites - @nutritionbykylie shared this recipe on her instagram and I just knew I had to make them. I actually had all the ingredients on hand!
What are Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are a variety of sweet dates that grow on the date palm tree. They are one of the oldest cultivated fruits and are larger, darker and have a more caramel-like taste than smaller date varieties. They are typically thought of as being from the Middle East in Morocco, but can grow in other similar climates here in the United States. You can find Medjool dates in your grocery store in the fresh produce or dried fruit aisles. I often buy them at Trader Joe’s.
Fresh Medjool dates are dried, but not dehydrated which makes them soft and sticky and a perfect substitute for your typical candy bar nugget. Store them in your refrigerator and make note of the expiration date on the package.
You can use fresh dates as a natural sweetener with many recipes including desserts, smoothies, salad dressings, savory recipes, sauces or even baked goods.
You will find this simple recipe more filling and satisfying than a regular candy bar. Next time you see them at the store, grab a package and make these candy bar bites! Plus for a sweet treat, Medjool dates are full of fiber and anti-oxidents with potential health benefits and you certainly won’t find those in regular candy bars.
How to make these candy bar bites
When it comes to this recipe, don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand and make substitutions. You can substitute the peanut butter for almond butter and get creative with the toppings.
I made mine with 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup semi-sweet chips. You could even use white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
When it comes to melting the chocolate, the microwave is your best bet. I microwaved the chocolate chips on high for 1 minute, stirred and then heated in 20 second increments until the chocolate was smooth. I do recommend working quickly, so the chocolate is easy to work with. If it starts to harden on you, just pop it back in the microwave until smooth.
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The Best Medjool Date Recipe {Candy Bar Bites}
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the date pits and slice the date lengthwise, creating a space.
- Carefully spoon about 1/2 a teaspoon of peanut butter inside the date and then squeeze date back together.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave.
- Carefully dip the filled date in the melted chocolate, using two forks to make sure it is coated on all side.
- Place chocolate coated date on parchment paper and immediately top with chopped almonds and coconut.
- Allow to chocolate to cool and harden before eating.
- Repeat until all dates are filled, coated, and topped.
- Store in fridge for up to 4 days.
