Healthy Fudgy Brownies
Ooey gooey, chocolatey no bake brownies – perfectly fudgy and topped with a healthy frosting. There is no flour, no eggs, and no refined sugar needed.Dates are used as a sweetener both in this brownie recipe and the frosting as it’s a very healthy sugar substitute. It is also a healthy fruit for diabetics, high blood pressure and heart patients. Dates have a rich nutrition profile and contain fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and Vitamin B6.Dates are commonly referred to as "nature's candy" for a reason. One bite of this delectable fruit will send your taste buds through a dimension of incredibly sweet and deeply rich flavor reminiscent of caramel. Their delicate,soft and chewy texture makes them an exceptional addition to desserts and savory dishes alike. Although sinking your teeth into these sweet treats might seem like you are eating a lot of sugar, dates are exceptionally nutrient-dense and impart many health benefits. When you consume a whole, unprocessed date, the sugar within the fruit is naturally occurring, and it's packaged with fiber and other plant compounds that are beneficial to your health. It’s the refined, added sugars that are abundant in our modern foods that are what should be limited in your diet.Back to these brownies….I know I say this… every single time I make them, but – these are the best brownies I’ve ever made or eaten. I mean it, they literally tick every single box. They are terribly indulgent and sinfully decadent. They really have it all, the luscious fudgy texture, the intense chocolate flavour, packed full of nutrients, easy to make and taste amazing!And to top it off, can you believe a healthy “to-die-for” chocolate frosting, creamy, rich and made with 5 simple ingredients! Naturally sweetened with dates, infused with nut butter, and perfect for both raw and baked desserts! Keep some in your fridge to dollop on any dessert or simply eat it with a spoon. Leftovers (if there are leftovers… how could there possibly be leftovers?!) can stay out for a few days, making these brownies a fantastic option to keep in the fridge fora dessert or any time snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- 2 cups dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 4” loaf pan or similar sized dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the brownies out easier for cutting.Combine the dates, walnuts, nut butter, cocoa, water and vanilla in a food processor and process until mixture is well combined. Depending on the power of your food processor or blender this may take a few minutes. Stop and scrape down sides if necessary and continue to process until dough is smooth. Transfer the batter into the lined pan and press down with a spatula or back of a spoon until evenly distributed. Place in fridge while you make the frosting.
Chocolate Frosting
- Blend everything together until completely smooth. Stop and scrape down sides if necessary and continue to process until mixture resembles a thick, caramel like paste that is spreadable.Use immediately, or if you prefer a firmer frosting, cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.Scoop on top of chilled brownie base and cut into 10 bars (or more smaller squares if desired).Note: This secretly healthy chocolate frosting recipe is so deliciously rich and chocolatey, you will want to eat it straight up with a spoon! Try it on cakes, cupcakes, muffins, pancakes, sweet breads, add a dollop to a smoothie bowl or eat it right out of the blender.Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1week, or in the freezer up to 1 month.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
