Healthy Date Candy Bars (Vegan + Paleo) 

These Healthy Date Candy Bars from Bananas about Life are a delightful, guilt‑free treat combining chewy Medjool dates pressed into a peanut butter date caramel and wrapped in rich dark chocolate. They’re entirely vegan, paleo‑friendly, and refined sugar‑free (aside from the optional maple syrup). With just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re simple to make, freezer‑friendly, and perfect when you're craving something sweet yet nourishing. Great as an afternoon pick‑me‑up or quick dessert combining nut‑butter richness with natural fruit sweetness. 

Ingredients

• 8 large soft Medjool dates (pitted)
  
  

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
  
  

• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  
  

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (dairy‑free if needed)
  
  

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the Medjool dates until they form a smooth paste (add a splash of water if too thick).
   
   

2. Add peanut butter and maple syrup (if using), and blend again until fully combined into a thick, sticky caramel.
   
   

3. Press the date‑peanut butter mixture evenly into a lined loaf pan or square baking dish. Level the top.
   
   

4. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
   
   

5. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the date mixture and spread evenly.
   
   

6. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is firm, about 1 hour.
   
   

7. Remove from pan, slice into bars or squares, and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer—they’ll last several weeks.
   
   

Nutrients (approximate, per bar, assuming 12 servings)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
  
  

• Fat: ~8–10 g (from peanut butter and chocolate)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~18–20 g (mostly natural sugars from dates and maple)
  
  

• Protein: ~3–4 g
  
  

• Fiber: ~3 g
  
  

• Sugars: ~15 g (natural fruit sugar)
  
  

• Sodium: ~50–100 mg (depends on peanut butter used)