Date Brownies are the best nutritious, no-bake treat ever! These 4-ingredient brownies are quick to make and free of refined sugars. They’re fudgy, soft, and chewy.
Date Brownies
I’m totally obsessed with these quick “brownies!” They taste like a rich dessert but are made with nutritious ingredients and can be completely free of refined sugar depending on what you use.
But, I will say here, if you don’t like dates or almond butter, you might not enjoy these. My husband doesn’t like either, and he didn’t love them.
Ingredients
- Medjool Dates: Use very soft, fresh ones. If your dates are firm, soak in boiling water and drain well.
- Roasted Almond Butter: Stir well before using. Choose a tasty, roasted almond butter for best flavor.
- Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich brownie flavor. Dutch cocoa powder is best.
- Salt: Brings out flavors and balances sweetness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds fun flavor and texture, but you can leave these out.
Optional Topping
- Chocolate Chips: Use good quality; any type works. Dark chocolate is most nutritious.
- Coconut Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and keeps the top layer from being too firm.
How To Make Date Brownies
- Prepare Pan: Line a bread pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra hanging over the edges.
- Blend Ingredients: Blend dates and almond butter in a food processor until smooth.
- Mix: Add cocoa powder and salt, then blend until well mixed. Add mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Press: Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Make Topping: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour over the mixture and tap the pan to even it out.
- Refrigerate: Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Cut and enjoy!
Tips When Making Date Brownies
- Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, soft dates blend easily and deliver a chewier texture.
- Blend Well: Blend the mixture until smooth for the best texture. This takes some patience!
- Press Evenly: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Smooth Topping: When melting chocolate for the topping, heat in short bursts and stir often to prevent burning.
- Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife heated under hot water and dried before cutting for clean slices.
Storage
Storage
Return any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
More EASY Nutritious Treats:
- Yogurt Bark with granola and nut butter
- Healthy Nut Bark sweetened with honey
- Healthy Crunch Bars only 3 ingredients!
- Rice Cake With Peanut Butter topped with chocolate
- Healthy Banana Bread made with Greek yogurt
Date Brownies
Date Brownies are the best nutritious, no-bake treat ever! These 4-ingredient brownies are quick to make and free of refined sugars. They're fudgy, soft, and chewy.
Equipment
- Mini Food Processor
- 8.5x4.5-inch bread pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 8 oz SOFT Medjool dates Note 1
- 1/2 cup roasted almond butter Note 2
- 5 tablespoons dutch process cocoa powder Note 3
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
Optional Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips, use dark, semi-sweet, or milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8.5x4.5-inch bread pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- Add dates and almond butter to a mini food processor and pulse until dates are evenly chopped. Scrape sides as needed; this takes some patience!
- Add the cocoa powder and salt. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Take your time; there shouldn't be any chunks!
- If desired, add mini chocolate chips and pulse to integrate. Transfer mixture to prepared bread pan and press it down firmly into an even layer.
- Optional Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each burst, until smooth. Once smooth, pour over the bars and tap the pan a few times to even out the chocolate layer.
- Refrigerate the pan until firm, about 1 hour.
- Let the bars stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Use a sharp, hot knife (run under hot water and dry with a towel) to make decisive cuts through the bars. Enjoy!
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Medjool dates must be fresh and soft!
Note 2: I don't recommend using plain cocoa powder; it will make the brownies dry and less flavorful. Hershey’s® “Special Dark” cocoa powder is easy to find at most grocery stores. Don't pack it into measuring cups.
Note 3: The better the flavor of the almond butter, the better the brownies taste. I prefer dry-roasted and lightly salted almond butter.
Storage: Return any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.7g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 94.9mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18.1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
