Homemade “Snickers” Bites (Naturally Sweetened Treat)
Satisfy your candy bar cravings with these easy, naturally sweet “Snickers” inspired bites! Featuring soft dates filled with crunchy pecans, creamy nut butter, and coated in rich chocolate, these make a delightful no-bake treat.
Yields: Approximately 10-12 bites Prep time: 15 minutes Freeze time: At least 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 10-12 large Medjool dates
- 10-12 pecan halves (or enough to fill each date)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar-free nut butter of choice (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter – check label for no added sugar)
- ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s, ChocZero, or stevia-sweetened brands)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate, optional but recommended for smoother coating)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Equipment:
- Small microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Prepare Dates: Carefully make a slit down one side of each Medjool date and remove the pit. Try to keep the date intact as much as possible.
- Stuff the Dates:
- Place one pecan half inside the center of each pitted date.
- Add a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of your chosen nut butter on top of the pecan inside the date.
- Gently press the date closed around the filling, shaping it back into a “bar” or “bite” shape.
- Melt Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Dip & Garnish: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each filled date into the melted chocolate, coating it completely or partially as desired. Use a fork to lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the chocolate-covered dates onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the chocolate-covered dates in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened and the bites are firm.
- Serve & Enjoy! These bites are best enjoyed straight from the freezer for a firm, candy-bar-like texture.
Storage: Store leftover “Snickers” Bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Moderate protein from the nuts and nut butter.
- Low-Carb: No, this recipe is NOT low-carb. Dates are a concentrated source of natural sugars and carbohydrates. Each Medjool date contains about 18-20g of carbohydrates, almost all of which are sugar.
- Keto: No, this recipe is NOT keto-friendly. The high sugar and carbohydrate content from the dates makes it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.