This post contains affiliate links.
If you’re looking for a naturally sweet, wholesome dessert, these dark chocolate covered dates are a must-try! Think of them as a healthier version of a Snickers bar, thanks to their chewy, caramel-like texture and nutty filling. Perfect for a quick energy boost to get you through the 2pm lull or energize you during a long hike or run.
I love Medjool dates. They are truly nature’s candy, packed with natural sweetness, fiber, and essential nutrients. When stuffed with creamy nut butter and slathered in rich dark chocolate, they are next level. If you love milk chocolate, peanut butter, coconut butter or even wanna sneak a pecan into the middle— you can totally customize this recipe! It’s sooooo easy to make these chocolate covered dates your own!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
Ready to forget those sugary, processed energy bars. We’re talking real, whole-food goodness packed into a bite-sized treat. Here’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe:
- Portable power-up: Think of Medjool dates as nature’s little energy bombs, packed with natural sugars for a quick, clean boost whether you’re hiking, biking, or just surviving a busy day. They’re one of my favorite pre-workout snacks, and you’ll find more simple, nourishing ideas there.
- Indulgent BUT with benefits: Dark chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat. It’s packed with antioxidants and has less sugar than its milk chocolate cousin.
- Creamy, dreamy goodness: To take these Dark Chocolate Covered Dates to the next level, we’re adding a dollop of my favorite creamy almond butter.
For my date lovers, here are a few more recipes to try: Salted Date Caramel for dipping with apples, No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites for a sweet treat, and a Cinnamon Date Smoothie to sip.
Chocolate Covered Dates Ingredients
As simple as this recipe is to make, you wouldn’t know it from the elevated taste. The magic of chocolate covered dates comes from just a few simple ingredients, each adding its own irresistible touch:
- Dates: Medjool dates work best because they’re naturally soft, chewy, and caramel-like. Look for fresh, plump dates for the best texture.
- Almond butter: Choose natural almond butter with minimal ingredients for a creamy, nutty filling. My favorite of all time is Barney’s Smooth Almond Butter. Feel free to swap with peanut or cashew butter. Want to make your own nut butters at home? Check out my guide on Homemade Nut Butter.
- Dark chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) for a rich, deep flavor. Opt for dairy-free chocolate if needed.
- Coarse sea salt: I cannot stress enough how much a little coarse sea salt elevates these dates. It elevates all the flavors in the dates. Plus, if you use Unrefined Flaky Sea Salt, you also get trace minerals thanks to their gentle extraction process.
November 9-13, 2026
Jen’s Free Soup Challenge
I’d love for you to soup it up with me! For 5 days, I’ll send you a daily veggie-packed soup that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and makes enough to freeze and pull out all winter.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Dates
Making dark chocolate covered dates is quick, easy, and requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a knife for slicing the dates, and a microwave or stovetop to melt the chocolate. These naturally sweet treats come together in minutes and set in the fridge or freezer—perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert!
- Cut a slit in each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Spoon a small amount of almond butter into each date and place it on a baking sheet or shallow dish lined with parchment paper. Repeat for all dates.
- Melt dark chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, until fully melted. Alternatively you can use the double boiler method and melt the chocolate on the stovetop.
- Dip each date halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place back on the baking sheet or dish and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Refrigerate for about an hour or until the chocolate hardens. Once set, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for later!
Melting Chocolate Tip
If the chocolate coating is too thick or difficult to dip, try adding a teaspoon of unrefined coconut oil while melting the chocolate. This simple trick helps create a smoother, glossier consistency, making it easier to coat the dates evenly. Plus, coconut oil adds a subtle richness to the chocolate and a subtle flavor enhancer.
Recipe Swaps and Add-Ins
Looking to mix things up? There are plenty of fun ways to customize these chocolate-dipped dates to suit your taste or dietary needs! Whether you’re craving a different chocolate coating, an allergy-friendly alternative, or an extra touch of indulgence, try these easy swaps and add-ins:
- Swap chocolate: Use dairy-free dark chocolate to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Swap almond butter: To make this chocolate covered dates recipe allergy-friendly use tahini or sunflower seed butter to make these allergy-friendly.
- Add more chocolate: Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with cacao nibs for a gourmet touch.
- Add coconut: Stuff the dates with shredded coconut and nuts for a tropical-inspired treat.
Gifting Chocolate Covered Dates
Homemade chocolate covered dates make a thoughtful and delicious gift. I promise your friends will appreciate it soooo much! Their rich, caramel-like sweetness paired with velvety dark chocolate feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Find a cute tin: Arrange in a decorative tin or gift box lined with parchment paper for a polished, gourmet look.
- Customize flavors: Drizzle with white chocolate, roll in shredded coconut, or add a sprinkle of cacao nibs for a unique touch.
- Make-ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, making them perfect for stress-free, advance gifting!
Common Questions
Yes, chocolate covered dates can be a healthy treat when made with wholesome ingredients. Medjool dates are naturally high in fiber, aiding digestion and providing a slow-releasing source of energy. Dark chocolate, especially with at least 70% cacao, is rich in flavonoids, which support heart health and brain function.
How to make chocolate covered dates?
Making a chocolate-covered date is simple and requires just a few steps. Start by slicing each Medjool date lengthwise and removing the pit. Next, fill the center with a small amount of nut butter for a creamy, flavorful filling. Melt dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth, then dip each stuffed date halfway into the melted chocolate.
Chocolate-covered dates can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. Keep them chilled to maintain freshness and texture!
Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is the best choice for coating dates, as it balances their natural caramel-like sweetness with a rich, slightly bitter contrast. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with minimal added sugar for the healthiest option. Dairy-free dark chocolate is also a great plant-based alternative, offering antioxidants and heart-healthy benefits.
Recipe Card
Dark Chocolate Covered Dates
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup creamy almond butter
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- ⅛ teaspoon unrefined flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or a shallow dish that fits in your freezer or refrigerator with parchment paper.
- Cut a slit lengthwise in each date and spoon in the almond butter. Place the dates on the prepared sheet.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave, heating for 30 seconds and stirring, then heating in 15-second intervals and stirring until fully melted.
- Dip each date halfway into the melted chocolate, return it to the sheet and sprinkle with the salt.
- Freeze or refrigerate until the chocolate is set, 15 to 45 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Tip: Use soft dates, like Medjool. If yours are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry.
- Chocolate Tip: For a silkier coating, stir 1 teaspoon coconut oil into the chocolate as it melts.
- Nut-Free: Use tahini or sunflower seed butter in place of the almond butter. Peanut butter also works if nuts aren’t a concern.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 dates | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sugar: 16 g | Calcium: 20 mg | Iron: 1 mg
You’ll want it later
Save this recipe
Drop your email and I’ll send it to you.
Share with a friend
Way too good! These are awesome, but honestly, dates are a favorite, so pairing these with almond butter and chocolate was always going to be a winner for me. The only down side is I am totally incapable of eating only one of these. Made them yesterday and already down to 5 left!! So simple to make, and wickedly delicious!
I’m so with you Nicola, so hard to stop at just a few!
Delicious and simple to prepare! I dipped mine in unsweetened coconut flakes and sprinkled with Celtic sea salt. For the next batch I will try pecans, too. Thanks for the nice treat idea!
Yummm, Colette! Such a great idea!
I agree! Double this recipe if you haven’t made it yet! I also recommend a creamy almond butter (or even peanut butter) so make to super smooth.
Such great tips, Tracy!
I love these. I made them right away because I had all of the ingredients. They were easy and very tasty.
So easy and the best for a sweet snack, Mary Ann!
These dates are AMAZING! So easy and incredibly delicious. My only issue was that 12 dates aren’t enough.
Hi Becky! I definitely agree, 12 dates aren’t enough when they taste so good!