1packed cup (180 g)pitted medjool dates, (1/2 packed cup 90 g for almond butter version)
2 tbsp (14 g)unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2cup (45g)quick oats, or 1/2 cup (122 g) natural almond butter
Instructions
Line an 8 x 4 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Soak dates for about 10 minutes in warm water.
Drain dates from water but do not dry them. Add dates to food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Add in cocoa powder and almond butter (or oats if doing oats version). Pulse until everything is fully blended. Your mixture should resemble a sticky dough. If you are doing the oats version, your mixture may be a little dry. If it is, add 1-2 tbsp of water and blend again until a sticky dough forms.
Place dough into prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread and press the brownie mixture evenly across the pan. If desired, place into fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up. This step is not necessary as the brownies can be eaten right away but putting them in the fridge will let them firm up slightly, making them easier to cut. Store uneaten brownies in an airtight container in fridge or at room temperature.
Notes
When you are finished making the brownies, you can taste and adjust as needed. If you want your brownies more sweet, add more dates. If you want more chocolate flavor, add more cocoa powder. If your batter is too sticky, add more oats or more cocoa powder.
The nut butter version of these brownies is very rich, almost like a dessert. The oat version tastes healthier and less sweet. It is more like eating a brownie flavored protein bar.
Almond butter can be substituted with any other nut butter or with sunflower seed butter.
I do not have a substitute for dates. Make sure to use Medjool dates which have more soft flesh than other date varieties. If the medjool dates you are using are not pitted, remove pits before weighing/measuring them.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. This is not a comprehensive list of all the nutrients in the recipe (i.e., does not include vitamins, cholesterol, etc). I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.