The Best Chocolate Date Bars Recipe

These Chocolate Date Bars are the perfect sweet snack/dessert: they are easy to make, require only 4 main ingredients, are fudgy with a crunchy chocolate top, and are naturally gluten-free, and vegan! They’re perfect for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge or freezer. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins, like shredded coconut, seeds, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost.

I am a huge date person. I make many desserts and snacks using dates, like Chocolate Covered Dates, Banana Chocolate Popsicles, Vegan Chickpea Brownies, and Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Bars.

My favorite match is dates and dark chocolate. The natural sweetness of dates perfectly balances dark chocolate’s slightly bitter notes, creating the perfect flavor and texture combination. Therefore, these chocolate date bars are one of my favorite things to make.

These bars not only taste amazing but also provide a healthier alternative to processed snacks. And they are so easy to make that even a busy person can fit them into their schedule.

All you need to do is combine dates, tahini, and cacao powder in a blender, spread it onto a square dish, cover it with melted chocolate, and let it chill. You can easily add some roasted nuts, seeds, orange zest, or shredded coconut on top.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Date Bars

What I love about this recipe is that it requires only a few ingredients. And I usually have them in the pantry anyway:

• Soft and juicy dates
• Tahini
• Cacao powder
• Salt
• Dark chocolate

When it comes to the dates, choose the soft ones, to make it easier for your blender. If your dates are hard, soak them in the hot water for 10 minutes, then remove all the liquid. The result will be slightly different but it still works, I did it many times. The important thing is to squeeze the water out of them after soaking.

Tahini. I love using tahini for this recipe because it tastes quite neutral when compared to peanut butter. Plus, tahini is healthy. However, feel free to use peanut butter if you prefer it. Otherwise, for a more neutral alternative, cashew butter or almond butter are good options.

Both cacao powder and cocoa powder will work well. Carob can also be used.

Dark chocolate. The more cacao concentration in the chocolate, the better. This is because it means the sugar concentration will be lower, and we don’t need extra sugar because dates are sweet on their own. Also, as I said above, the combination of the bitter dark chocolate and dates is so good. These two complement each other very well.

Step-by-step instructions

• Prepare your dates. Remove the pits from the dates. If your dates are hard, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes or boil them for 5 minutes.
• Blend. Add the dates and tahini to the food processor and blend until combined. Add the cacao powder and salt and blend again. The mixture should be sticky.

• Transfer. Pour the dough into a small dish (20 x 15 cm; 6 x 7 inch) lined with parchment paper. Press the dough using the back of a spoon.

• Cover with melted chocolate. Melt your chocolate on low heat then add it on top of the date mixture. Spread evenly. Add some toppings now if you wish.

• Cool down. Place the dish in the fridge for 30 minutes then cut into bars and enjoy!

Topping ideas for the Chocolate Date Bars

• Orange zest and roasted crushed walnuts (my personal favorite combo).
• Lemon zest and crushed pistachios.
• Toasted coconut flakes.
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
• Pecans and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Tahini drizzle and roasted sesame seeds.
• Pumpkin seeds.
• Crushed roasted hazelnuts.
• Roasted almond slices.
• Fresh mint leaves and lime zest.

Tips for Success

• Use the right dates. Soft dates like Medjool are ideal for their natural moisture and sweetness. If using harder varieties, don’t forget to soak and squeeze out the excess water for the best texture.
• Flavor options. For a slightly tangy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Or even lemon/orange zest can work well.
• Consistency is key. Ensure your date mixture is sticky and holds together. If it feels too dry, add a bit more tahini.
• Get creative with toppings. Sprinkle chopped roasted nuts, seeds, orange zest, or shredded coconut, over the melted chocolate layer for extra texture and flavor (my favorite combo is orange zest and roasted crushed walnuts). Add a pinch of flaky salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage options

1. Refrigerator
   Duration: Up to 7 days.
   Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. Layer parchment paper between the bars to keep them from sticking together.
   
2. Freezer
   Duration: Up to 3 months.
   Tips: Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go servings. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw the bars in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
   
3. Room Temperature
   Duration: 1–2 days.
   Tips: If the environment is cool and dry, the bars can sit out for a day or two. Keep them in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or near warmer places like the oven to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Bonus Tips for Storing

• Batch Prep: If you plan to make these in bulk, freezing is the best option for preserving their taste and texture.
• On-the-Go Storage: Wrap individual bars for travel or snacks.
• Gift box: Consider as an option to give these chocolate date bars as a gift. They look super cute, are delicious, and healthy. That’s a perfect way to show someone that you care about them.