Lykkers, got a few minutes and a sweet tooth that won't quit? This silky chocolate bark ripples with gooey date caramel, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a whisper of flaky salt.

Everything you crave in a classic candy, minus the dairy and extra fuss. Let's dive into a treat that tastes like a sophisticated Snickers and looks fancy enough to share at any gathering!

Why This Bark Belongs in Your Freezer

Picture an ultra-thin sheet of glossy dark chocolate, marbled with ribbons of naturally sweet date caramel and buttery peanut butter. Add the satisfying snap of chilled chocolate, the crunch of salted nuts, and a sparkle of sea salt that makes each flavor pop. It's vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar syrups—yet every square feels indulgent.

Best of all, you need only pantry staples and a small baking tray.

Ingredients (Yields about 16 pieces)

- 1 cup (175 g) dairy-free chocolate chips – mix half semi-sweet, half dark for depth; Enjoy Life works well.

- ¼ cup (70 g) prepared date caramel – see tip below for a quick recipe.

- ¼ cup (60 g) drippy salted peanut butter – natural style, runny at room temp.

- ⅓ cup (45 g) roasted salted peanuts, roughly chopped – feel free to swap almonds or cashews.

- Flaky sea salt – Maldon crystals recommended; measure with your heart.

Quick date caramel: Soak 6 pitted Medjool dates in hot water 5 minutes, drain, then blend with 2 Tbsp warm water until creamy. That's it!

Essential Gear

- Microwave-safe bowl or heatproof bowl plus small saucepan (for double boiler).

- Rubber spatula or offset tool for spreading.

- 9 × 13 in (23 × 33 cm) rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment; adjust size if scaling recipe.

Directions

1. Melt the Chocolate (2 minutes)

Pour the chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy.

No microwave? Set the bowl over a saucepan with 1 inch of simmering water, stirring until melted.

2. Spread & Level (1 minute)

Scrape the melted chocolate onto the parchment-lined tray. Use a spatula to create a thin, even rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border from the edges so nothing slides off.

3. Add Caramel Swirls (1 minute)

Drop teaspoon-sized dollops of date caramel across the surface, spacing them every couple of inches. With the back of your spoon, gently drag and swirl the caramel through the chocolate so ribbons form.

4. Peanut Butter Marble (1 minute)

Repeat the dollop-and-swirl process with the peanut butter. A thin tool or skewer can help create delicate waves of caramel and peanut butter without overmixing.

5. Finish with Crunch (30 seconds)

Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly across the top. Pinch flaky sea salt over everything; the crystals should glimmer but not blanket the chocolate.

6. Freeze to Set (1 hour inactive)

Slide the tray into the freezer, making sure it's level. Freeze for at least 60 minutes, or until the bark snaps cleanly when bent.

7. Break & Store (2 minutes)

Lift the parchment from the tray, place the bark on a cutting board, and use your hands or a serrated tool to break into 16 shards. The bark softens at room temperature, so enjoy it straight from frozen for the best snap.

Serving & Variation Ideas

- Trail Mix Twist: Dice bark into small cubes and toss with dried cherries and puffed rice for a decadent snack mix.

- Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for tahini and peanuts for roasted sunflower seeds; bump up the sea salt for balance.

- Extra Crunch: Stir 2 Tbsp crisped rice cereal into the melted chocolate before spreading for a light crackle in every bite.

- Espresso Kick: Dust the surface with ¼ tsp finely ground espresso before freezing to deepen chocolate flavor.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Piece, Approximate)

About 117 calories, 12 g carbs, and 2.7 g protein, plus a hit of potassium and fiber thanks to those mighty dates and peanuts.

Stash a batch of this Midnight Peanut Caramel Bark in your freezer, Lykkers, and watch late-night cravings bow in defeat. Every shard offers creamy chocolate, lush caramel, and salty crunch—proof that five humble ingredients can create candy-shop magic. What creative spins will you try? Share your sweet experiments below; your twists keep this community deliciously inspired!