No-Bake Healthy Brownies

Recipe From: Shae Johnson

**These brownies are to make ahead of time. At least 2-3 hours to set. Makes an 8x8 pan of bars**

The texture and taste of these brownies were amazing! With no butter, flour, processed sugar or eggs, we were a bit surprised!  When Winco has a sale on dates, stock up and make a batch or two of these. You definitely need either a (larger) food processor or a high powered blender to make sure that it all gets blended in well. Stop to scrape down the sides often when blending to ensure even consistency and to perhaps spot any dates that weren't pitted so you can throw any pits out.

Photo Credit

Ingredients:

2½ cups loosely packed pitted dates 

1 1/2 cups walnuts 

6 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 

2 tsp water

 1/4 + 1/8 tsp salt

For the frosting: 

 1/4 cup cacao or cocoa powder

¼ cup pure maple syrup, honey or agave nectar

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine the dates, walnuts, 6 tbsp cocoa, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, water, and salt in a food processor or high powered blender.  Process until completely smooth, scraping down as needed – It may seem dry at first, but don’t add any extra water. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan, or line the pan with parchment or wax paper. Transfer dough to pan and press very firmly until dough is evenly distributed in the pan. 

For the frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining cocoa and vanilla extract with the maple syrup and oil. Stir until mixture forms a paste. Spread evenly over dough in the baking pan.

Refrigerate brownies for at least 2 hours, to set. Leftovers can stay covered at room temperature for a day, or up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or 1-2 months in the freezer.