I’m passionate about dates and all the inventive ways they can be used in desserts. Date bark has become a favorite lately, and this Chunky Monkey Date Bark is my spin on that trend. It combines a pressed layer of Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter, fresh banana, chopped peanuts, and rich chocolate. The result is a frozen treat that tastes indulgent yet relies on natural sweetness from the dates instead of refined sugar. These bars set quickly in the freezer and make a satisfying snack or dessert that disappears fast whenever I make them.

What makes this recipe great

• A dessert you can feel good about: The sticky sweetness comes from Medjool dates, eliminating the need for processed caramel or added refined sugars.
• No-bake convenience: Everything is assembled and frozen; no oven required. This makes it quick and easy to prepare any time you want a chilled treat.
• Classic Chunky Monkey flavor: The combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate is timeless — with dates adding a caramel-like warmth to the mix.

Chunky Monkey Date Bark

This frozen Chunky Monkey Date Bark is a layered dessert made with Medjool dates, banana slices, creamy peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and semi-sweet chocolate. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for serving cold as bars or slices.

By: Linley Hanson

Prep: 25 mins • Cook: 3 mins (melting chocolate) • Total: 28 mins • Servings: 18 bars

Ingredients

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted and halved (use more if needed to cover the pan)
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup creamy all-natural peanut butter (slightly runny works best)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, plus extra for garnish
• 1 large banana, sliced lengthwise into quarters (or sliced into rounds if preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare a loaf pan for pressing the dates. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap in the bottom of a standard loaf pan, leaving enough overhang to fold over the top. Arrange the date halves close together so they cover the bottom of the pan.
   Use a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or the bottom of a mason jar, covered with the plastic wrap, to firmly press the dates until they form a compact, even sheet that fits the pan. This creates a sticky base that will hold the layers together. Remove the wrapped date sheet and set it aside.

   
   

2. Melt half the chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy.
3. Line the same loaf pan with parchment paper and pour half of the melted chocolate into the bottom. Spread it evenly with a spatula to create a firm chocolate layer.

   
   

4. Unwrap and place the pressed date sheet on top of the chocolate layer. Gently spread the peanut butter over the dates in an even layer. Arrange the banana slices on top of the peanut butter. Scatter the chopped peanuts over the bananas, pressing gently to fill any gaps and help the layers adhere.

   
   

5. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top and spread it smoothly to completely cover the banana layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped peanuts on top for a decorative finish. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours, until fully firm.

   
   

6. Remove the pan from the freezer, lift the date bark out using the parchment, and slice into thin bars or squares. Work quickly while the chocolate is still firm to get clean slices.

   
   

7. Store the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. They keep well frozen and are easiest to serve straight from the freezer for a firm, refreshing texture.

Tips & Notes

• If your dates are small, add a few more to fully cover the bottom of the loaf pan. Medjool date size varies by brand.
• Swap any nut butter for peanut butter if you prefer almond or cashew butter; the flavor changes slightly but the technique is the same.
• Any chopped nut can replace peanuts — toasted walnuts or pecans also work well here.
• If you prefer round banana slices, feel free to slice the banana into rounds instead of lengthwise; you may need slightly more banana depending on the size.
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the peanut butter is free of added dairy ingredients.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 195 kcal • Carbohydrates: 23 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 11 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 18 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.