Chocolate Almond Joy Date Bark is my spin on the viral recipe! It's made with sweet Medjool Dates, crunchy almonds, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate. Satisfy your sweet craving with this healthier alternative to candy!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have always loved using Medjool Dates to create homemade candy because they are very sweet and have a caramel-like flavor.
Typically, I cut the dates in half, stuff them, and dip in chocolate, but the beauty of this viral trend is that you don't have to stuff and dip each individual date! It saves so much time! (Inspiration from Lina aka That Healthy Junkie.)
The viral date bark is incredibly delicious and a fun new way to enjoy dates. It's the perfect combination of crunchy nuts, chewy dates, sweet coconut, and rich dark chocolate. (And no baking required!)
Unlike a traditional candy bar, this Almond Joy Date Bark is great for anyone with dietary restrictions! It's made with natural ingredients, lower in sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Medjool Dates - You can purchase dates pitted or pit them yourself. I like Natural Delights and Terrasoul Medjool Dates.
- Raw Almonds - Any nuts will work, but I love using almonds to create an almond joy style date bark.
- Finely Shredded Coconut - I prefer using finely shredded coconut, but any unsweetened shredded coconut will work.
- Dark Chocolate Chips - My favorite dairy-free chocolate brands are Pascha and Hu Kitchen. Both are soy-free! You can also swap for white chocolate chips.
- Coconut Oil - To create a smooth chocolate that is easy to pour, I like adding in a little coconut oil to thin it out.
- Flaky Sea Salt - This is optional, but it's a nice finishing touch on top of the chocolate date bark.
Recipe Variations
- For a nut-free version, swap the almonds for pumpkin seeds or just use larger flakes of coconut.
- Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter treat.
- Add a drizzle of almond butter before the layer of chopped nuts for a nuttier flavor.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut on top of the melted chocolate instead of underneath.
- To make snickers date bark, layer dates, a drizzle of creamy peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and melted chocolate. (I also have a Date Snickers recipe!)
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut & Pit Dates
To make this healthy date bark, start by cutting each date in half and remove the pit. Place them open side up on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover with another sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or bottom of a cup to flatten out the dates.
Step 2: Roughly Chop Almonds
Next, roughly chop almonds and sprinkle them on top of the dates.
Step 3: Add Shredded Coconut
Then sprinkle an even layer of shredded coconut on top of the chopped almonds.
Step 4: Pour Melted Chocolate
Finally, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 15-20 second increments until smooth and creamy.
Pour an even layer over top of the date bark. Freeze for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Cut Into Bark
Remove from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut into small "bark pieces." Top with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty combination! Store in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
Expert Tips
- To flatten out the dates, place parchment paper on top of the dates to prevent the rolling pin or the bottom of the cup from sticking to the dates.
- Use a spatula to help spread out the melted chocolate.
- Let the bark freeze for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting. (Use a sharp knife.)
- As long as you use parchment paper underneath the date bark, it will peel right off. If you don't have any, you'll need a nonstick cooking spray.
- Instead of chopping the almonds, you can put them in a food processor and pulse a few times until you've reached your desired texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would consider Date Bark to be a healthy treat! It's made with natural ingredients, lower in sugar, and contains healthy fats from the raw almonds and unsweetened coconut.
Yes! Regular dates are much smaller and not as soft and chewy as medjool dates. They would be very difficult to press into a "bark."
The date bark trend started by @thehealthjunkie! It's a twist on regular chocolate bark by pressing medjool dates onto a baking sheet and layering with nuts, nut butter, and melted chocolate.
How to store leftovers
Leftover date bark should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. (It will last longer in the freezer!)
More snack recipes!
After you make this Almond Joy Date Bark, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Chocolate Almond Joy Date Bark
Equipment
- 1 Small Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cup or Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Medjool Dates
- 1+½ Cups Raw Almonds
- 1 Cup Finely Shredded Coconut
- 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt
Instructions
- To make this healthy date bark, start by cutting each date in half and remove the pit. Place them open side up on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover with another sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or bottom of a cup to flatten out the dates.
- Next, roughly chop almonds and sprinkle them on top of the dates.
- Then sprinkle an even layer of shredded coconut on top of the chopped almonds.
- Finally, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 15-20 second increments until smooth and creamy. Pour an even layer over top of the date bark. Freeze for about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the freezer and use a sharp knife to cut into small "bark pieces." Top with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty combination! Store in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
Notes
Expert Tips
- To flatten out the dates, place parchment paper on top of the dates to prevent the rolling pin or the bottom of the cup from sticking to the dates.
- Use a spatula to help spread out the melted chocolate.
- Let the bark freeze for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting. (Use a sharp knife.)
- As long as you use parchment paper underneath the date bark, it will peel right off. If you don't have any, you'll need a nonstick cooking spray.
- Instead of chopping the almonds, you can put them in a food processor and pulse a few times until you've reached your desired texture.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftover chocolate almond date bark should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. (It will last longer in the freezer!)Nutrition
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