Vanilla Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Bark

Chocolate date bark isn’t anything new but if you follow any baking content creators on socials, you know it’s been a food trend as of late! Our vanilla bean chocolate peanut butter date bark is one of those simple treats that doesn’t take long to prep and can be made for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing something sweet for a picnic, or just in the mood for a low-effort, high-reward snack, this bark delivers. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and an enjoyable activity to do with kids, too. 

The combination of soft Medjool dates and smooth dark chocolate makes for a naturally sweet bite. Add the peanut butter and it’s a creamy treat; plus, who doesn’t like that peanut butter chocolate combo? We elevate this simple dessert with a drizzle of Rodelle’s Natural Vanilla Bean Paste that adds a depth of flavor and warm vanilla notes. Vanilla paste is naturally sweet too, so it goes well in this recipe (plus no alcohol after-taste)! 

This recipe works well in both warm and cool months—no oven required, and it can be stored in the fridge or the freezer for convenient snacking throughout the week. Whether you top it with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or dried fruit, it’s a treat that feels thoughtful without being overly fussy. 

Bring a batch to your next get-together or make it just because. It’s a timeless option that feels special without being complicated—and that’s the kind of balance we can get behind. 

  • Easy
  • 40 mins
  • 12 servings
close up of vanilla peanut butter chocolate bark cut in slices. One slice has been taken out with a brass spoon replacing it containing vanilla paste where you can see the flecks of vanilla seeds.
top shot of a whole chocolate with peanut butter covered date bark. The organic block sits on a wooden cutting board with white parchment paper. close up photo of Rodelle's 2oz natural vanilla paste sitting on top of vanilla chocolate date bark sprinkled with flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup (12oz) Medjool Dates – pitted preferred but you can pit your own too 
  • 1 cup (163 g) Dark Chocolate Chips 
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) Peanut Butter (or other nut butter) – crunchy or smooth 
  • 2 tsp (9 g) Coconut Oil 
  • (Optional) Flaky Sea Salt 
Uses
Occasions
Directions
  1. Line a small baking tray or large plate with parchment paper; you’ll put this in the freezer later. Next, take the pitted dates and split them open and line them close together in a rectangular shape so they are partially overlapping on the tray. You can use dates with pits for this too but will need to first remove the pits to use.  
  2. With another piece of parchment paper laying on top of the opened dates, press them down slightly and then with a rolling pin, roll out the dates until they are evenly flat. You can also just use your hands for this step instead of a rolling pin. Set aside. 
  3. With a small microwavable safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil and melt until fully combined. We did increments of 30 seconds and mixed in between. Set aside to slightly cool. 
  4. With your rolled out dates, gently peel off the top parchment paper, keeping the date rectangle intact. With your preferred peanut butter, scoop some out with a spoon or spatula and spread it evenly on top of the dates. It’s best to not have the peanut butter spill over so keep the peanut butter within the date area. 
  5. Grab your bottle of vanilla paste and drizzle over the top of the peanut butter layer.  
  6. Next, grab your melted chocolate and spread evenly across. Sprinkle some flaky salt on top and place in the freezer for 45min-1hr or until fully set. 
  7. Once date bark is fully hardened, move from baking tray onto a cutting board and cut to preferred sizes and enjoy! 

Notes:  

  • The ingredient quantities are a general guideline. You can always add more peanut butter or chocolate or use more vanilla paste! 
  • If you don’t have any vanilla paste on hand, use ¼ tsp (or a small splash) of Rodelle Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract and add to the chocolate chips when melting! 
  • Switch out peanut butter for any other nut (or seed) butter or feel free to omit and instead add different fruits like blueberries or dried strawberries. Instead of dark chocolate you can use white chocolate. So many ways to make this date bark!  

Recipe and photos were prepared for Rodelle by Kathryn Herndon.