I have little kids so I don't have time to make long recipes; that's why I created these 4-ingredient brownies. They are fudgy and indulgent, even though they are gluten-free and sugar-free! My picky-eating son asked if he could have these in his lunchbox! They are the perfect healthy brownie!
If you are obsessed with chocolate (like me) and care about eating quality wholesome food (like me), you've got to try these moist carrot chocolate muffins and this chocolate date bark next!
I love to use dates to naturally sweeten the treats I make. It's one of my go-to alternative sweeteners. I've been making lots of date recipes in the last couple of months on repeat to support my body before having my third child. This was one of those recipes. So send this to all your pregnant friends along with my recipes for a smoothie with dates, and these granola bars with dates!
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Danika's healthy chocolate recipes
I didn't like chocolate as a kid, but later on, I realized I just never had quality chocolate! Now I'm a huge fan of making wholesome chocolate snacks and treats for my family. Here are the top chocolate recipes on my blog.
How to make baked date brownies
These step-by-step photos are from my kitchen. Follow along, and let's make some healthy fudgy brownies!
- Place the soft dates (I recommend soaking them first if they aren't soft and squishy), the cocoa powder, and the nut butter in the food processor.
- Pulse until you get a thick, smooth dough: about 30-60 seconds.
- In a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, place the dough and spread it into the corners of the pan. Sprinkle the top with chocolate chips.
- Bake the brownies at 375 F (190 C) for 18 minutes.
My tips for the best brownies sweetened with dates
- If your dates are hard, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and use them! To learn more, I wrote a blog post to explain the difference in dates and why I always use medjool dates!
- Mom tip: My kids pick the chocolate chips off the top, so I started folding them into the batter. Then they would take bites instead of picking off the top!
- Use runny nut butter, or add a tablespoon of water if your nut butter is thick.
- To spread the thick batter into the loaf pan, get your fingers slightly wet and use them to press the brownies into the corners of the pan.
Tired of figuring out what to have for snacktime? Ready for wholesome options to have on the go:
I've created a 4-week snack prep eCookbook!
With grocery lists, recipes, and guides to help you prep all the wholesome snacks you will need for the week (or two weeks!), all in one prep time block. More protein, less sugar: real food ready to go.
More wholesome snacks
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Date Brownies
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates (I use medjool dates)
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Soak the pitted dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 Fahrenheit (190 C). Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper (or grease the pan).
- Drain the water from the dates. Place the dates in a food processor, add the cocoa powder and almond butter, and blend until a thick paste forms and there are no big chunks of dates - about 30-60 seconds. Place the thick brownie batter into the loaf pan and spread it into the corners. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 18 minutes at 375 Fahrenheit (190 C). The edges will start to look dry, and the middle will look wet. Let the pan cool and then cut into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Danika Vanderpyl, C.H.N
I create snack recipes with healthy ingredients that are mostly already in your kitchen. I'm certified in Holistic Nutrition and I care about giving my kids real food. Let me share my nutrient-dense easy snacks with you.
Anonymous says
So good