Chocolate Date Nut Squares

Name: Chocolate Date Nut Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I absolutely love making Chocolate Date Nut Squares because they are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, natural sweetness from dates, and crunchy nuts. This recipe has become a go-to treat for family gatherings and casual snacking alike. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking only a few minutes to whip together. Each bite offers a burst of flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought snacks!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-15T18:53:35.162Z

When I first experimented with Chocolate Date Nut Squares, I was amazed at how effortlessly the flavors came together. The combination of dates and nuts not only adds sweetness but also packs in nutrients, making these squares a guilt-free indulgence. I found that using a mix of almonds and walnuts provided a perfect crunchy texture.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly toast the nuts before mixing them in. This enhances their flavor and brings depth to the squares. Plus, pressing the mixture into a lined baking dish ensures that they hold together well once sliced!

Why You'll Love These Squares
Rich chocolate flavor paired with natural sweetness from dates
Nutty crunch that adds texture and satisfaction
Easy preparation makes it perfect for quick snacks or gatherings

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star of this recipe is the Medjool dates, which not only sweeten the bars naturally but also contribute to their chewiness. When selecting dates, look for ones that are soft and plump rather than dried out. If you can’t find Medjool dates, Deglet Noor can be a suitable alternative, though they’re less sweet. Just ensure you soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before processing to achieve the right consistency.

The mixed nuts add both crunch and healthy fats to these squares. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans each contribute a unique flavor, but feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have at hand. Toasting the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the mixture can deepen their flavor profile and enhance the overall taste of the squares.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the desired texture is key to making these Chocolate Date Nut Squares truly delightful. When processing, aim for a consistency that sticks together without being overly sticky. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a touch more honey or a few drops of water; conversely, if it’s too sticky, a small amount of cocoa powder can help. You should be able to form a ball without it sticking excessively to your hands.

While pressing the mixture into the baking dish, take care to apply even pressure throughout. This will help your squares hold their shape when cut. Using a spatula to smooth the surface can also help create an appealing look. If you find it challenging to get a smooth top, dampening your hands or spatula slightly can assist in preventing sticking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious squares:

Prepare the Mixture

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, mixed nuts, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is well combined and starts to form a dough.

Press into the Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly and evenly using your hands or a spatula.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 10 minutes to firm up. Once set, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Date Nut Squares!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before chilling. You can also sub in different nut varieties based on your preference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These squares can be made ahead of time and stored conveniently in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to prepare them for longer storage, consider freezing the cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or allowed to thaw at room temperature for a short period.

To ensure the squares remain fresh while stored, always check that they are fully chilled before covering them. This prevents condensation, which could make them soggy. If you’re enjoying these over multiple days, consider storing them in smaller, divided containers for even easier access.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Date Nut Squares make for an energizing snack at home or on the go. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, or crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and flavor. For a special occasion, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate on top before chilling for an elegant touch.

If you’re feeling creative, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top right before chilling. This little finishing touch not only enhances the flavor but also complements the sweetness of the dates beautifully. You can also fold in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds into the mixture for added nutritional benefits while maintaining the original taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of sweeteners?

Absolutely! You can substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup based on your dietary preferences.

→ How long do these keep?

These squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

→ Can I freeze them?

Yes! They freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to keep them fresh.

→ Are these squares gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any flour.