Chunky Monkey Date Bark
I am obsessed with everything dates right now. Date bark recipes are all the craze right now, so I was inspired to make this chunky monkey date bark recipe. This delicious bark is layered with chocolate, dates, peanut butter, and peanuts. Anytime I make it at home or in the studio, they don’t even last a day.
- A dessert to feel good about: No need for caramel sauce with this chunky monkey dessert. Dates add a delicious sweetness without using processed sugar.
- No Bake: Throw this bark together and let it set in the freezer. No need to turn on the oven.
- Fun flavor: Who isn’t obsessed with chunky monkey? You just can’t beat the caramel, banana, and peanut butter combination. Obsessed.
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Lay a large piece of plastic wrap in the bottom of a standard loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with date halves. Fold the remaining plastic wrap over the dates. Use a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a mason jar to firmly press the dates into the pan. The goal is for the dates to squish to fit the shape of the bottom of the pan, forming a sheet of dates. Remove the plastic-wrapped dates from the pan and set aside.
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Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high for 20-second increments until the chocolate chips are melted and glossy. Be sure to stir the chocolate in between each increment.
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Line the same loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour half of the melted chocolate into the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly in the bottom of the pan.
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Carefully unwrap the dates and place them on top of the melted chocolate. Next, spread the peanut butter over the dates and lay the banana slices over the peanut butter. Add the chopped peanuts to the top of the peanut butter, trying to fill any holes with the peanuts.
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Lastly, add the remaining melted chocolate. Spread it evenly. Option to add peanuts to the top of the bars because it looks pretty. Cover with plastic wrap or tin foil and transfer to the freezer. Allow the bars to freeze for at least 2 hours.
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Remove from the freezer and slice into thin bars.
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Store in the freezer in an airtight container or bag.
- If more dates are needed to cover the bottom of the loaf pan, use more. Date size varies by brand.
- Any nut butter can be substituted in place of peanut butter.
- Any nut can be used in place of the peanuts.
- Feel free to slice the bananas into rounds rather than lengthwise. The amount of bananas you need may vary.
Calories: 195 kcal, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 11 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 18 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
