If you have a sweet tooth but crave something wholesome and satisfying, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Date Mounds Bars Recipe. These delightful treats bring together the natural sweetness of Medjool dates, the creamy richness of coconut butter, and the decadence of dark chocolate, all dusted with a hint of flaky sea salt to balance each bite perfectly. Whether you need a quick snack or a gorgeous dessert to impress friends, these bars hit that magic spot between indulgence and nourishment with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, natural ingredients is what makes this Date Mounds Bars Recipe so special. Each component plays a crucial role—from the soft, caramel-like dates adding sweetness and chew, to the silky coconut butter that creates a luscious center, and the dark chocolate coating that brings everything together with a touch of bittersweet contrast.
- 15 Medjool dates (pitted): These naturally sweet, juicy dates are the star ingredient, providing a sticky base and rich caramel flavor.
- 3 Tablespoons coconut butter (melted): It adds a creamy, tropical richness that melts beautifully inside the dates.
- 3 Tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut: This brings texture and a subtle crunch, plus a lovely coconut aroma.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Using a good-quality chocolate like Enjoy Life ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth coating.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil: It helps the chocolate melt into a silky, glossy finish perfect for dipping.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and adds a deliciously crunchy surprise with each bite.
How to Make Date Mounds Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by slicing each Medjool date down the center and carefully removing the pits. This step is super important to create a perfect little pocket for the coconut butter. Take your time so the dates stay intact but open wide enough to fill.
Step 2: Fill Dates with Coconut Butter
Next, spoon between a quarter to half a teaspoon of melted coconut butter into the center of each date. This luscious filling is what will make your Date Mounds Bars Recipe feel so indulgent and creamy inside.
Step 3: Sprinkle Coconut and Seal
Now sprinkle about half a teaspoon of unsweetened desiccated coconut on top of the coconut butter and gently close up the date around the filling. This little surprise inside gives a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft date.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Place your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir thoroughly until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. If you’d rather, melting the chocolate gently over a stovetop double boiler works just as well.
Step 5: Dip the Dates
One by one, dip each stuffed date into the warm chocolate and roll it around until fully coated. Lay them carefully on parchment paper so they don’t stick and remain beautifully shaped. This chocolate covering is the signature element that makes this Date Mounds Bars Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a little extra shredded coconut on the top for a stunning finish. Place the dates in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden perfectly. After chilling, they are ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Date Mounds Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are gorgeous on their own but adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of desiccated coconut on top takes them to the next level. A few toasted coconut flakes also add a nice crunch and make for a stunning presentation if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Date Mounds Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of black coffee or a frothy latte, balancing their caramel-like sweetness. For a healthier twist, they complement fresh fruit platters or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Date Mounds Bars on a wooden board with sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a rustic, elegant touch. Wrapping a few individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes them cute gifts or party favors that friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Date Mounds Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, so leftovers often taste better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to prepare these in advance for busy days, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want the chocolate coating a bit melty, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave does the trick, but be careful not to soften the dates too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dates?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and natural caramel flavor, but if you can’t find them, softer varieties like Deglet Noor can work—just be sure to soak them briefly if they’re dry.
Is coconut butter essential?
Coconut butter adds creamy texture and flavor that complements the dates perfectly, but you could experiment with almond or cashew butter for a slightly different twist, though it won’t be quite the same.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
While coconut oil helps create a smooth chocolate coating, you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable oil or even butter, keeping in mind the flavor will be slightly altered.
Can I make these vegan and allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! Using dairy-free dark chocolate chips and ensuring the coconut butter is pure keeps this Date Mounds Bars Recipe vegan. It’s naturally gluten-free too, making it a great allergy-friendly sweet treat.
How long do these bars last outside the fridge?
Because of the coconut butter filling and chocolate coating, it’s best to store these bars in the fridge to prevent melting and preserve freshness. Leaving them out too long could soften the chocolate and make them sticky.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely cannot recommend this Date Mounds Bars Recipe enough if you love simple, wholesome sweets that feel like a little luxury with every bite. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy natural ingredients with a wow factor that friends and family will adore. Give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your favorite go-to treats!
Print
Date Mounds Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Date Mounds Bars are a deliciously simple treat combining soft Medjool dates stuffed with creamy coconut butter, coated in rich dark chocolate, and topped with flaky sea salt. Perfect as a wholesome snack or an indulgent dessert, they’re naturally sweet, gluten-free, and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Dates and Filling
- 15 Medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tablespoons coconut butter, melted (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut (plus extra for topping)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand recommended for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: Slice each Medjool date down the center lengthwise and carefully remove the pit.
- Stuff Dates: Spoon about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of melted coconut butter into the cavity of each date.
- Add Coconut: Sprinkle approximately ½ teaspoon of unsweetened desiccated coconut on top of the coconut butter inside the date, then close the date back up to enclose the filling.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute until the chips are mostly melted, then stir thoroughly until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt over low heat on the stovetop.
- Dip Dates: Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, using a spoon or fork to coat completely, then place on a piece of parchment paper.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle flaky sea salt or additional shredded coconut on top of each chocolate-coated date, then refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Serve and Store: Remove from the refrigerator and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for freshness.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their softness and natural sweetness.
- Coconut butter can be homemade or store-bought; melting it makes stuffing easier.
- Enjoy Life chocolate chips are recommended for a dairy-free option.
- Refrigerate to ensure the chocolate coating fully hardens for a neat presentation.
- These bars are best kept chilled to maintain texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
