TikTok’s Viral Date ‘Snickers’: Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Chocolate

Dates are a type of nutrient-dense stone fruit, with a naturally high sugar and fibre content. Sometimes dubbed “nature’s energy balls”, dates are commonly consumed during the month of Ramadan to help break fast after long periods without food.

The more commonly available varieties in Singapore are the medjool dates, which originate in Morocco but are now mostly grown in California’s sunny shores, and the ajwa dates, which are imported from Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Medjool dates are larger, more moist, and have a softer flesh that is perfect for adding to your blended smoothies or protein shakes. In contrast, ajwa dates are smaller, firmer in texture, and are less sweet.

Most dates have a leathery, outer skin that protects the inner flesh, which can be chewy and often tastes like caramel or brown sugar. Hence, it has also become a popular, healthier substitute for sweeteners in baked goods and dessert recipes.

One such recipe is the viral “date snickers” that took over TikTok. Snickers is an American candy bar made with nougat, caramel, and chopped peanuts coated with a layer of melted milk chocolate. 

Some netizens have discovered that if you split open a date, stuff it with creamy peanut butter, and dip it in melted dark chocolate, it pretty much tastes like a Snickers bar!

Do be forewarned that this is not a low-calorie alternative to the American candy bar, but for those who prefer a less processed flavour profile. It is also a fun way to use up your surplus of dates from the festive season.

The steps to recreate the “date snickers” are fool-proof. First, acquire a box of dates. Medjool dates work better in this recipe thanks to their caramel-like sweetness. Next, split each date using a knife or with your fingers. 

The date flesh should tear apart easily, revealing an elongated stony pit in the centre. Discard the seed, and place the pitted dates onto a tray. You can also choose to flatten out the dates at this stage if you want a more layered presentation at the end.

Fill up each exposed cavity with a teaspoon of peanut butter. More creative iterations opt for cookie butter, like speculoos spread. Some are inspired by the famous Dubai chocolate, which uses pistachio cream and toasted kataifi. 

To stay true to the original recipe, close the dates after they have been stuffed with the filling of your choice. Chill the enclosed dates in the fridge for at least 10 to 15 minutes so that they firm up, and are easier to handle when coated with melted chocolate.

For convenience, melt some pellets of dark chocolate in the microwave. If the chocolate is streaky, you can add some drops of coconut oil to smooth it out. Dip each date in the pool of melted chocolate till the top surface area is covered.

Place them back on the tray, and top with sea salt flakes to contrast the sweetness. Chill the dates until the chocolate sets, and bon appetit!