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Fudgy, Naturally Sweetened Date Brownies (Vegan & Gluten-Free Option)

A close-up of a thick, fudgy slice of date brownies resting on a light-colored plate.
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Make rich, fudgy brownies using dates for natural sweetness. This recipe offers a wholesome chocolate treat that is easy to prepare and satisfies sweet cravings without refined sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes and drained
  • 1/2 cup hot water (for blending dates)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (for gluten-free option, or all-purpose flour)
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, dairy-free if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Place the soaked and drained dates into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup of hot water. Blend until you create a smooth, thick date paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour (or all-purpose flour), baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the date paste, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached for a fudgy texture.
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting them into squares.

Notes

  • Soaking the dates is key; it helps them blend into a smooth paste that replaces refined sugar effectively.
  • For an even fudgier texture, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes.
  • If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the dry ingredients.
  • These brownies taste best after they chill for at least one hour, allowing the fudgy texture to set.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/date-brownies-fudgy-naturally-sweetened/