Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth the Balanced Way
Craving something sweet but don’t want the guilt that comes with store-bought candy bars? You’re in the right place. At Balanced Treats, we believe dessert should never mean compromise—and these Mini Vegan Snickers Bites are proof that you can have it all: healthy ingredients, lightning-fast prep, budget-friendly costs, and absolutely delicious flavor.
Imagine biting into a frozen chocolate shell that gives way to creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet dates, and crunchy peanuts, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These homemade Snickers bites taste indulgent but are made with just five wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why This Is a Perfect Balanced Treat
This recipe embodies everything we stand for at Balanced Treats:
- Healthy: No refined sugar here! Dates provide natural sweetness plus fiber, while dark chocolate delivers antioxidants. Peanut butter and peanuts add healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied.
- Quick: From start to finish, active prep takes just 10 minutes. The freezer does the rest of the work while you go about your day.
- Affordable: With only five ingredients—most of which are pantry staples—you can make 14 bites for under $8. That’s less than 60 cents per piece!
- Delicious: The combination of rich chocolate, caramel-like dates, nutty peanut butter, and that hint of sea salt creates a flavor explosion that rivals any candy bar.
Key Healthy Swaps & Tips
The secret to making these bites both nutritious and incredibly satisfying lies in one genius ingredient: Medjool dates. These naturally sweet fruits have a caramel-like consistency when soft, making them the perfect whole-food substitute for the sticky, sugar-laden nougat in traditional Snickers bars. Dates are packed with fiber, potassium, and natural energy-boosting sugars that won’t spike your blood sugar the way refined sweeteners do.
Dark chocolate is another powerhouse ingredient. By choosing vegan dark chocolate chips (aim for 70% cacao or higher), you’re getting antioxidants called flavonoids that support heart health, plus less sugar than milk chocolate varieties. The touch of coconut oil helps create that glossy, snappy chocolate coating that makes these bites feel truly special.
How to Make Your Vegan Snickers Bites
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Start by gathering your ice cube tray or silicone mold—this is your secret weapon for creating perfectly portioned treats. Melt your chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth. This technique ensures your chocolate coating is glossy and easy to work with.
Now comes the fun part: assembly. Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate into each mold compartment to create your base. Take your soft Medjool dates (if they’re not soft, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first) and cut each one into four pieces. Place one date piece into each chocolate-lined compartment—this is your “caramel” layer.
Add the smallest dollop of peanut butter on top of each date piece—about a quarter teaspoon is perfect. You want just enough for flavor without overwhelming the other components. Sprinkle a few chopped peanuts over the peanut butter for that signature Snickers crunch, then generously cover everything with the remaining melted chocolate, making sure all the filling is sealed in.
The final touch? A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over each bite before they head to the freezer. This elevates the entire flavor profile, making the chocolate taste richer and the sweetness more balanced. Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm, then pop them out of the mold.
Store these beauties in an airtight container in the freezer, and you’ll have a healthy treat ready whenever cravings strike. They’re perfect straight from the freezer with that satisfying frozen snap, or you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer, more fudgy texture.
Mini Vegan Snickers Bites
Description
No-bake frozen chocolate bites layered with dates, peanut butter, and peanuts for a healthy homemade Snickers alternative.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a clean ice cube tray or silicone mold with 14 compartments and set aside.
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until completely smooth and melted.
- Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each mold compartment, creating a thin base layer.
- Place one piece of quartered date on top of the chocolate in each compartment.
- Add a small dollop (about ¼ teaspoon) of peanut butter on top of each date piece.
- Sprinkle a few chopped peanuts over the peanut butter in each compartment.
- Cover completely with remaining melted chocolate, ensuring all filling is sealed.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of each bite, if desired.
- Transfer to freezer and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until completely firm.
- Pop bites out of mold and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Notes
- Storage: Keep frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Enjoy straight from the freezer or let sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes for a softer texture.
- Date Tip: If your dates aren’t soft and pliable, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
- Substitutions: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter, or swap peanuts for chopped almonds for a nut variation.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 14
Serving Size 1 Bite
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 90kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Sodium 15mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Your New Go-To Healthy Candy Bar
These Mini Vegan Snickers Bites prove that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring or complicated. With just five simple ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on time, you can create a freezer stash of perfectly portioned treats that satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-workout sweet, or something special to share with friends, these bites deliver on every level.
Ready to make your own batch? Grab those ingredients and get started—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
