Simple Date Bites

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These chocolate-covered date bites are a sweet and simple snack made with just three ingredients: dates, cashews, and chocolate chips. They’re naturally sweet, no-bake, and perfect for little hands. Whether you’re looking for an energy-boosting treat, a lunchbox-friendly snack, or a no-fuss dessert, these bites come together in minutes and store well for days. Whether you’re trying to cut back on processed treats or just want a quick snack you can feel good about, these cashew date bites check all the boxes.

A hand holding simple date bites

Why These Simple Date Bites are a Great Toddler Snack

Naturally Sweet with No Added Sugar – Medjool dates are naturally high in natural sugars and fiber, which makes them a great alternative to packaged snacks or cookies. They add plenty of sweetness without needing honey or syrup.

Soft and Easy to Chew – The date and nut base blends into a smooth, sticky dough that’s soft and gentle on little mouths.

Healthy Fats and Protein – Cashews add healthy fats and a little protein, making these bites more filling and nourishing than a sugary treat.

Fun and Appealing – The chocolate topping makes these feel like a dessert, but they’re still packed with real food ingredients—perfect for winning over picky eaters.

Freezer-Friendly – Great for prepping ahead and grabbing on busy days.


Ingredients

  • 15 large dates (I use medjool pitted dates)
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

How to Make Easy Cashew Date Bites

Blend: In a food processor, blend the pitted dates and cashews until the mixture becomes a sticky dough that holds together when pressed. Add a tiny bit of water if you need to for easier blending.

Scoop and Press: Spoon the mixture into a mini muffin tin. This recipe makes about 12–16 mini date bites depending on how full each cup is. Create a hole in the top of each bite.

Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until fully smooth.

Top: Spoon the melted chocolate into the holes. (I pour the melted chocolate into a ziploc bag and cut the corner to make it easier to pour).

Chill: Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Serve: Remove from the muffin tin and enjoy.


Substitutions

Cashews – Swap with almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Chocolate Chips – Use dairy-free chocolate to make it vegan or allergy-friendly.

Dates – If your dates are dry or smaller than Medjool, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before blending.


Storing Extra No-Bake Date Bites

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.


Common Questions

Do I have to use Medjool dates?

  • Medjool dates work best because they’re soft and sticky, but you can use other types—just soak them in warm water for a few minutes if they’re dry.

Can I roll these into balls instead of using a mini muffin tin?

  • Absolutely! Just roll the dough into balls with your hands, then dip or drizzle with chocolate before chilling.

Are these healthy date bites allergy-friendly?

  • It can be. Use a nut-free substitute like sunflower seeds and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it suitable for common allergies. Always double-check packaging for allergens.

More Easy Toddler-Approved Snacks

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Made with only frozen bananas and chocolate chips, this creamy “ice cream” is a naturally sweet, dairy-free treat that feels like dessert but is made entirely from whole ingredients. It’s great for toddlers on warm days or whenever you need a simple, feel-good treat.

2-Ingredient Apricot Bars – These no-bake bars come together with just dried apricots and coconut. Blended and pressed into bars, they’re soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for toddlers who need a quick, filling snack without any added sugar or fuss.

Strawberry Oat Bars – These soft-baked oat bars are layered with a lightly sweet strawberry filling, perfect for little hands and snack time. Made with simple ingredients like oats and fruit, they’re a great option for breakfast on the go or a satisfying afternoon bite.

Veggie Fruit Snacks – A fun, colorful blend of fruit and vegetables blended and baked into chewy snack shapes. These homemade gummies are toddler-approved and packed with real produce—perfect for picky eaters who love finger foods and parents who want an easy veggie win.

Raspberry Oat Bites – These bite-sized snacks are made with oats, raspberries, and a touch of sweetness, all rolled into soft, toddler-friendly balls. Great for snack time, lunchboxes, or breakfast, they store well in the fridge and are easy to prep ahead.


These simple date bites are my kids’ favorites! I hope you love this healthy snack recipe as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!

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A hand holding simple date bites

Simple Date Bites

These soft and chewy date bites are made with just dates, cashews, and melted chocolate on top. They’re naturally sweet, no-bake, and perfect for toddlers as a healthier treat or quick snack. Store them in the fridge or freezer for an easy grab-and-go option.
Prep: 5 minutes
Fridge Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 15 large dates, (I use medjool pitted dates)
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Add the nuts and dates to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add a tiny bit of water if needed.
  • Roll the dough into 12-16 balls, place them in a mini muffin tray, and create a hole in the center.
  • Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove.
  • Pour some chocolate on each date bite. (I pour the melted chocolate into a ziploc bag and cut the corner to make it easier to pour).
  • Place them in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set and enjoy!

Notes

Use soft Medjool dates for best texture—if using drier dates, soak them first.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
For easier clean-up, use silicone muffin liners or lightly oil the tin.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 449mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @reallittlemeals or tag #reallittlemeals!

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About Ashley

As a mom to two, I know how stressful feeding little ones can be. That’s why I love helping other parents provide simple, healthy meals that your toddler and whole family will love. From quick and easy snacks, to full meals, I’ve got your mealtimes covered.

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