SALTED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER DATES
Looking for a guilt-free dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these delectable salted peanut butter chocolate dates! This recipe takes the classic Snickers bar to a whole new level of heavenly goodness. Not only are these treats incredibly delicious, but they also provide a dose of fiber, antioxidants, and brain-boosting goodness, thanks to the chewy and sweet dates. Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can experiment with different nut or seed butters for a variety of flavors. Try almond butter for a slightly nutty taste or cashew butter for a creamy and buttery texture. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also roll the chocolate-covered dates in crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios.
Ingredients:
Dates: Choose fresh, plump dates that are soft and slightly sticky to the touch. Medjool dates work exceptionally well for this recipe.
Natural peanut butter: Opt for all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. The creamy and slightly salty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates.
Chocolate chips: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich and decadent coating.
Olive oil: Adding a small drizzle of olive oil to the melted chocolate helps achieve a smooth and glossy texture.
Flakey sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flakey sea salt on top of the chocolate-covered dates to enhance the flavor and create a delightful contrast.
Instructions:
Start by pitting the dates. Slice off the top of each date and carefully remove the seed, creating a cavity for the filling. You can do this by gently squeezing the date to separate the flesh, then pulling out the seed.
To make cleanup easier, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will prevent the dates from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove them once they are set.
Place the pitted dates on the prepared sheet pan. Fill each date with a generous dollop of natural peanut butter, ensuring they are well-sealed. You can use the back of a spoon or your finger to press the peanut butter into the cavity of each date.
In a microwaveable bowl, combine the chocolate chips and add a small drizzle of olive oil. The olive oil helps to create a smooth and glossy texture when the chocolate is melted. Microwave the mixture in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Using two forks, roll each peanut butter-filled date in the melted chocolate, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the sheet tray. The forks will help to lift and transfer the dates without touching the melted chocolate, ensuring a neat and even coating.
Sprinkle the chocolate-covered dates with a pinch of flakey sea salt. The salt enhances the flavors and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
Place the sheet tray with the chocolate-covered dates in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set. Freezing them will also help the peanut butter filling to firm up.
Once the dates are set, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to enjoy. These frozen treats can be stored for several weeks, allowing you to have a delightful and guilt-free dessert whenever the craving strikes.
So go ahead and indulge in these heavenly salted peanut butter chocolate dates, knowing that you're treating yourself to a guilt-free dessert that's both nourishing and irresistibly delicious!
