I have developed a real passion for all things involving dates lately. Date bark has become incredibly popular these days, which sparked my creativity to develop this irresistible chunky monkey date bark variation. This delectable treat features multiple layers of rich chocolate, soft dates, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy peanuts. Whenever I prepare it whether at home or during a filming session in the studio, it vanishes completely within just one day, leaving everyone wanting more.
Here are several compelling reasons why this recipe stands out and deserves a spot in your dessert lineup.
- A guilt-free indulgence: Skip the store-bought caramel sauce entirely with this chunky monkey-inspired creation. The natural sweetness from the dates provides all the delicious flavor you need, eliminating the reliance on refined or processed sugars that are common in traditional desserts.
- Effortless no-bake preparation: Simply assemble the layers of this bark and allow it to firm up in the freezer. There is absolutely no requirement to preheat your oven or deal with any baking time, making it perfect for hot days or when you want a quick treat without heating up the kitchen.
- Irresistible flavor profile: Who could resist the timeless appeal of chunky monkey flavors? The perfect harmony of caramel-like notes from the dates, ripe banana essence, and smooth peanut butter creates a combination that is simply unbeatable and utterly addictive.
Chunky Monkey Date Bark
Discover the ultimate frozen indulgence with this chunky monkey date bark recipe, designed as the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. It boasts beautiful layers of fresh bananas, plump dates, roasted peanuts, and smooth chocolate, capturing every element of the classic chunky monkey dessert experience in a convenient bark form.
Created by: Linley Hanson
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Servings: 18
Ingredients
- 12 medjool dates, pitted and halved*
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, separated
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- ½ cup drippy creamy all-natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts, plus more for garnish
- 1 large banana, sliced in half widthwise and then sliced in thirds lengthwise
Instructions
- Begin by placing a large sheet of plastic wrap at the bottom of a standard-sized loaf pan. Arrange the date halves to completely cover the base of the pan. Gently fold the excess plastic wrap over the top of the dates. Then, using a meat tenderizer tool or the flat bottom of a mason jar, press down firmly and evenly on the dates. The objective here is to compress the dates so they mold perfectly to the shape and size of the pan’s bottom, creating a solid, uniform sheet of date mixture. Once achieved, carefully lift the plastic-wrapped date sheet out of the pan and set it aside for later use.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Heat the mixture on high power in 20-second intervals, stopping to stir thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate chips are fully melted and have a smooth, glossy appearance. Stirring between bursts prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing up.
- Prepare the same loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour approximately half of the melted chocolate mixture into the bottom of the lined pan. Grab a spatula and spread the chocolate out evenly, ensuring it forms a thin, uniform layer across the entire base.
- Gently unwrap the pressed date sheet and position it directly on top of the layer of melted chocolate. Proceed by spreading a generous layer of the drippy creamy peanut butter evenly over the dates. Arrange the prepared banana slices across the peanut butter layer. Finally, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top, pressing them lightly into any gaps or spaces to create a packed, textured surface.
- Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the entire assembly. Use the spatula once more to spread it smoothly and evenly, fully encasing all the fillings below. For an extra touch of visual appeal, scatter additional chopped peanuts on the very top of the chocolate layer before it sets. Cover the pan securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. Allow the bark to freeze solid for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best texture.
- Once fully frozen, remove the pan from the freezer. Lift the bark out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the bark into thin, even bars or squares, depending on your preference.
- For optimal freshness and texture, store the sliced bars in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag directly in the freezer. They are best enjoyed straight from the freezer for that perfect crunch and creaminess.
Tips & Notes
- Date sizes can vary significantly between brands, so if you find that 12 dates do not fully cover the bottom of your loaf pan, simply add a few more until the base is completely covered without any gaps.
- Feel free to experiment with different nut butters in place of the peanut butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- The peanuts can be swapped out for any other nuts you prefer, like chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans, which will add their own unique crunch and flavor to the bark.
- When preparing the bananas, you have flexibility in slicing. Instead of lengthwise cuts, you can slice them into thin rounds if that fits your vision better. Keep in mind that the exact quantity of banana needed might adjust slightly based on the size of your fruit and slicing style.
Nutrition
Calories: 195 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 18 g
Please note that the nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and intended only as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
