I know, I didn't believe it either, but with a little tweaking this recipe is now completely fool-proof, easy, and so so delicious.
Having a major sweet tooth, I am always on the hunt for ways to eat sweet things with a little less guilt. These caramel-y gooey brownies really hit the sweet spot, with nothing bad in them whatsoever.
They are rich, delicious, gluten free, refined sugar free and can easily be made vegan also.
You will need:
~ 2 cups (256g) of dates, pitted and soft.
If they aren't soft, soak in warm water first for 10 minutes, then discard water.
~ 2 tbsp of coconut oil (melted)
~ 1/2 cup (64g) of roughly chopped nuts (your preference of nut, I used a mixture)
~ 1/2 a cup (64g) dark chocolate (the darker the better, find one without sugar! I used Goddiva 85% cocoa, you could also pick up a vegan bar here) roughly chopped.
~ 1/2 cup (64g) cocoa or raw cacao powder (unsweetened, cacao will have a higher nutrition content, sold in most supermarkets and health food stores)
Optional:
Pinch of sea salt
Tahini & honey / maple syrup to drizzle on the top.
Method:
~ In a food processor, place the dates, coconut oil and 1tbsp of water, blend until it makes a well blended thick caramel type consistency. You will need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
~ Add the roughly chopped nuts, blend again, but this time you want to keep a bit of texture and shape with the nuts.
~ Remove the blade from the processor to use as a bowl. Add the roughly chopped dark chocolate chunks and cacao / cocoa powder. Mix well with a spoon.
~ Line a baking tray (I used a loaf tin) with parchment paper, spread the thick, sticky mixture into the bottom of the tray, and spread and flatten.
~ This mixture can be kept in the fridge and eaten raw, but to add extra delicious gooey-ness, pop in the oven at 190degrees for 10minutes.
Cut into little squares, and enjoy whenever the sweet tooth strikes!
Optional topping:
A pinch of sea salt, some melted dark chocolate drizzle
and/or
A little tahini mixed with maple syrup/honey
Recipe notes:
If you don't have a food processor, you can squash the dates with the back of a spoon, and mix all ingredients by hand.
Contains nuts! You could always leave them out. Store in the fridge, will keep for 5 days, but will not last that long !
Let me know how you get on,
Kimi X