I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but I’m so excited to share these “no-effort” ice cream bars. These dates are honestly magical and taste shockingly just like an ice cream Snickers bar. The difference? No caramel, no marshmallow, and aside from the sugar in the ice cream, no added sugar. I just adore these so much. They really are perfect. The idea came to me pretty simply. I really, really wanted to have an excuse to make some peanut butter-stuffed dates. They’re one of my favorite, sweet, and healthy snacks to enjoy. Most of the time, I’ll keep them stashed in the freezer and enjoy them frozen with flaky sea salt. Peanut butter-stuffed dates are such a deliciously simple 2 to 3-ingredient treat. Sometimes I’ll cover them in chocolate and then freeze them. So it’s dates, peanut butter, and chocolate – YUM! Since no one really needs a recipe for something so simple, I’ve never shared it. I literally just told you how to make them in one sentence. But then! Then I thought, what about adding vanilla ice cream? That could make them kind of like ice cream Snickers bars. It sounded SO YUMMY. Once I had the idea, I never looked back, I immediately began to make them. And they might just be one of my most favorite creations.
Details
Step 1: pit the dates Slice each date in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Grab the pit and discard. Try to use the softest, plumpest, fresh Medjool dates you can find. I get mine from Rancho Meladuco Date Farm. They’re the best I’ve ever had. I mean, so sweet, so soft, and so chewy. They taste better than a piece of caramel candy. I also love that they’re organic and harvested by a family-owned business. The owners, who I’ve known for years now, are so sweet. Step 2: stuff with ice cream Use your very favorite vanilla ice cream. It can be dairy free, vegan, or classic. You can even use frozen yogurt, though ice cream is probably yummiest. I love Tillamook French vanilla or vanilla bean. Here’s an explanation I found on the difference between Tillamook’s three vanilla ice creams. Stuff each date with a spoon full of ice cream, then freeze for 30 or so minutes. Step 3: add the peanut butter and peanuts Now grab the dates and drizzle or spoon over your favorite salted peanut butter. I use Whole Foods 365 organic creamy peanut butter (just peanut butter – not peanut butter spread). The only ingredients are dry roasted peanuts and salt. Then top with peanuts and freeze again until completely frozen. Step 4: cover in chocolate Once frozen, dip each date into melted chocolate, then sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Freeze to chill the chocolate, then keep these stashed away in the freezer. Assuming your dates are super soft, you should be able to enjoy these straight out of the freezer. They’ll be chewy, creamy, sweet, and salty – literally perfect. Better than a Snickers bar! These stuffed dates are a healthy way to enjoy a summer ice cream treat with limited sugar. Which just makes us love this recipe even more! Looking for other frozen summer recipes? Here are a few of my go-to’s. Creamy Vegan Chocolate Fudge Pops Frozen Chocolate Banana Yogurt Clusters 6 Ingredient Rice Krispie Treat Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake Creamy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bars Lastly, if you make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Stuffed Dates be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
