11 hours Ago By Sydney Evans
As someone that’s fond of a post-dinner snack, and usually one that’s sweet, trying to find a healthy alternative for cravings is something I’m always keen to give a go. Indulging in dessert doesn’t always have to feel like an unhealthy choice either. There’s plenty of recipes available for sweet treats that also pack in fibre and antioxidants, meaning dessert can even be a healthy option (sort of).
After seeing endless videos on Instagram of this sweet snack that’s gone viral, I decided to test it out for myself, and it was such a success that it didn’t even last for a day in my house before it was entirely gone. Although there’s a bunch of versions available for this viral smashed dates chocolate bar, I chose to follow one posted by Divya Sharma who runs the Instagram account @doctorbowl, as her recipe called for pistachios which I love. Laying dates flat on a baking sheet, before spreading a layer of peanut butter and melted dark chocolate over them, and adding a sprinkle of nuts, this recipe is a healthy and speedy dessert that can be kept in the fridge or freezer for days.
Enjoyed in the afternoon with a cup of tea, or post-dinner, they’re even more enjoyable to indulge in given that there’s no cooking involved besides melting the dark chocolate, and once assembled, it just needs to be thrown in the freezer to set. Native to the Middle East, medjool dates naturally have a sweeter and stickier taste and texture, making them a great snack if you’re someone that enjoys a sugary kick. Rich in antioxidants, they’re also high in fibre which helps support gut health, and contain magnesium and calcium, which are essential for strong bones.
You don’t need to be too precise with this recipe , and can add or remove ingredients based on what you prefer. I managed to find a dark chocolate with pistachios already in it, which made the recipe even more simple, and used pitted dates to save myself from having to remove the stone. Ingredients 10 dates sliced in half, with the stone removed Three tbsp peanut butter 125g melted dark chocolate 1⁄4 cup of pistachios or your preferred nut Method Break your chocolate into squares and melt it using a heat-proof bowl over a pan of boiling water.
While your chocolate is melting, slice your dates in half and place them on a baking sheet. Use the back of a glass, or any flat surface, to flatten the dates so they join together, making for an even layer. Spread the peanut butter on top and add the melted chocolate afterwards, making sure the edges are covered.
Sprinkle over your chopped nuts and freeze for one hour, or until set..
