I. LOVE. DATES. They’re just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. I love turning them into 4-ingredient date caramels, healthy snickers, cookie dough date bites, or even enjoying them completely on their own. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these smashed dates would be delicious! There’s just something about getting that perfect ratio of date to peanut butter to chocolate in this smashed dates recipe that makes these – dare I say… the best dates ever?! You also can’t beat that they’re just 3 ingredients and entirely no bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and uses only 3 ingredients!
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with natural sweetness, protein, and healthy fats, these dates are as nutritious as they are delicious.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

What You’ll Need to Make Smashed Dates
- Medjool Dates: These plump and naturally sweet fruits are the star of the recipe, offering a chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.
- Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and a protein-packed, nutty richness to complement the sweetness of the dates. Substitute with almond or sunflower seed butter for based on your needs/preferences.
- Melted Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a rich topping. Opt for dairy-free or refined sugar-free chocolate if needed, I love these Hu Kitchen chocolate gems!
How to Make Smashed Dates
- Prep the Dates: Slice each medjool date lengthwise to remove the pit, then lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Smash and Fill: Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to flatten each date. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over each one.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt your chocolate chips, drizzle over the dates, and transfer them to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy: Sprinkle with flaky salt, serve, and enjoy!

Topping Options
- Flaky Salt: A must for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavors.
- Chopped Nuts: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling crushed peanuts, almonds, or pistachios on top.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes over the chocolate.
Sam’s Recipe Tips
- Pit Removal Hack: Use a small knife or your fingers to easily remove the pit from the dates.
- Smashing Technique: If your dates stick to the glass, lightly grease the bottom with a bit of oil or butter.
- Storage: Store smashed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3 months!

Smashed Dates with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Equipment
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter or any nut/seed butter
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips
Instructions
- Open up each date, remove the pit, then lay it flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press down on each date to smash it until it’s as thin as you’d like. Then, spread some peanut butter on top of each smashed date.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over each date, then transfer the dates to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate has hardened. Top with flaky salt and enjoy!