Stone the dates. If they seem dry, soak them briefly in hot water and drain well.
Put the dates in a food processor with the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Blend everything into a sticky mixture that's as smooth as possible.
Line a small tin with baking paper and add the mixture. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spoon or your hands.
Sprinkle the top with a little coarse sea salt and chill the tin until the mixture is firm.
Lift the slab out of the tin and cut it into squares. Keep the bites chilled until serving.
Serve the bites straight from the fridge or briefly from the freezer.
Good to know
When you want something sweet but not over the top, these little bites are just right. They're quick to make, pleasantly fudgy and best straight from the fridge.
Swaps
Peanut butter → almond butter (a little more vitamin E, mild nutty flavour); Medjool dates → dried figs (more fibre, seedier texture); vanilla extract → cinnamon (spicy aroma, without extra sugar)
Allergens
Contains peanuts; depending on the version, other tree nuts may be added. Only offer to children in small pieces that are easy to chew; during pregnancy the ingredients are usually not a concern, as long as there's no allergy or individual intolerance.
