If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without reaching for the processed sugars, dates are the next best thing. Packed with natural sweetness and nutrients, they’re a far healthier alternative to your favourite traditional sugary snacks, but just as delicious.
Here are 9 great ways to make dates the star of your snack game:
1. Date caramel
Blend pitted dates with a splash of water or milk to create a creamy, decadent caramel. It’s perfect for drizzling on pancakes, ice cream, or adding to smoothies. This simple date caramel can replace sugary syrups with a more wholesome option.
You can find a great recipe for date caramel here.
2. Date energy bars
Combine dates with nuts, oats, and seeds to create homemade energy bars. This is a great snack for on-the-go or as a pre-workout treat. Feel free to add cocoa powder or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour.
A recipe for date energy bars can be found here.
3. Stuffed dates with butter and flaky salt
Stuff dates with a dollop of butter or your favourite nut butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The balance of sweet and salty makes this a rich snack that’s also very Instagram-worthy!
For inspiration, check out this stuffed date recipe here.
4. Date balls with popped rice
For a crunchy, chewy treat, blend pitted dates with Rice Crispies and a little nut butter. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm. These are the perfect no-bake snack.
You can find a great recipe for these date balls here.
5. Snickers dupe with dates
Layer dates with peanut butter, chopped nuts, and dark chocolate for a healthier version of a Snickers bar. These date-based “Snickers” bars are a tasty, guilt-free alternative to curb those chocolate cravings.
Learn how to make them here.
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6. Sticky date cake
A classic dessert, sticky date cake is moist and rich with the natural sweetness of dates. Top with a warm toffee sauce or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Find a sticky date cake recipe here.
7. Stuffed dates with cream cheese and pistachios
Medjool dates can be stuffed with cream cheese and topped with crushed and salted pistachios and honey, which creates a great combo of sweet and savoury.
Recipe here.
8. Date and nut truffles
Blend dates, cocoa powder, and a mix of your favourite nuts to create truffles. Roll into bite-sized balls and coat with melted white chocolate and shredded coconut for extra flair.
A delicious recipe for date and nut truffles can be found here.
9. Date and dark chocolate bark
Melt dark chocolate and spread it on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with chopped dates and nuts, then let it cool in the fridge. Break into shards for a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
A good recipe for date and dark chocolate bark can be found here.
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Feature Image: Pexels
