Chocolate Dates (Take 5 Inspired!)

These Chocolate Dates are inspired by the Take 5 Candy. Dates, peanut butter, chocolate and pretzels make the most delicious date candy for a healthy(ish) treat.

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Recipe Highlights:

What’s not to love about these chocolate dates? They’re so crave-worthy that even my youngest kiddo is always asking if we can make more!

• Must lead with the obvious here – chocolate dates are DELICIOUS! They’re sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, chewy — they’ve got it all going on!
• Dare I say they’re more delectable than the candy they’re inspired by?!
• While you do have to melt the chocolate, no bake desserts are always fun, especially when you’re involving your kids (expect a little mess, fyi!)
• Need a lighter or less messy approach? You can drizzle your peanut butter and pretzel stuffed dates with chocolate instead of dipping them. This shows off the pretty pretzel inside, too!
• Did you know that Medjool dates are actually a fresh fruit? They’re a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Medjool Dates – you’ll want to remove the pits if yours are pitted.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter– you can use creamy peanut butter (or any other nut/ seed butter you like!), but crunchy with its tiny peanut pieces gives a little more crunch, authentic to the peanuts in Take 5 candy bars.
• Pretzels – adds a delicious salty crunch, and obviously keeps them true to the Take 5s! You could omit if they’re not your thing.
• Chocolate – I typically use semisweet or dark chocolate, but use what you prefer. For no added sugar, you can use an option like Lily’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Style No Added Sugar Baking Chips.
• Coconut Oil – melting a little into the chocolate helps make the chocolate a perfect texture for dipping or drizzling.
• Flaky Sea Salt – while totally optional, try sprinkling with some Maldon flaky salt after you’ve dipped the dates in chocolate.

How to Make Take 5-Inspired Chocolate Dates:

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Slice the top of a medjool date length-wise (hot dog style!) to expose and remove the pit.

Flatten the dates out, then fill with a teaspoon of crunchy peanut butter and then place a pretzel on top. Place in the freezer for 15-30 minutes, or until solid enough to easily dip into melted chocolate.

Dip semi-frozen dates into the melted chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate and then place onto a parchment lined pan. If desired, sprinkle with Maldon flaky sea salt.

Alternatively, you could also drizzle melted chocolate over the dates. This creates both a slightly lighter treat and it’s a little less messy to make. : )

Tips and Variations

• Need nut-free options? Skip the peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter instead.
• Use your favorite nut butter. Peanuts not your friend? Try almond or cashew butter for an equally delicious treat.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pretzel or just omit the pretzel entirely.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use whatever type of chocolate you prefer – semisweet, dark, milk, white, etc.
• No Added Sugar: Use a no added sugar chocolate chip to make these a healthy treat with zero added sugar. One of my favorite brands is Lily’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Style No Added Sugar Baking Chips.
• Try drizzling the chocolate for a less messy and lighter/ lower calorie option.

Meal Prep: Storing Chocolate Dates

I recommend storing these chocolate dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (although not gonna lie – they never last that long with my family!)

You can also freeze chocolate dates in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

More Healthy Treat Recipes to Love

• Chocolate Blackberries
• Pineapple Slush
• Chocolate Yogurt
• Frozen Banana Bites
• Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt
• Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Ninja Creami Dole Whip
• Protein Ice Cream

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