Woah, it’s Thanksgiving week. It creeps up on me every year somehow and here we are. Eeeek! Then again, I did work my little tail off last week trying to get ahead a bit so I wouldn’t have so much “extra” to do this week. I plan to take a breath. Slow down. Open my eyes and look around. Enjoy more giggles and snuggles with the kids. And eat ALL the turkey day deliciousness! Today’s we’re all about some healthier desserts. Cause we’re coming into the season of cookie exchanges and parties and sugar overload. So I’m bringing these 5-ingredient raw date brownies that I can feel good about eating any time of day.
Don’t get me wrong though. I indulge. But it’s nice to have some healthier, heartier treats on hand when I need an energy boost to get through a crazy day. These wholesome raw date brownies are a great way to satisfy my insatiable sweet tooth and get my chocolate fix without going overboard during a time of year that’s always ripe with temptation. They’re kinda like homemade Lara bar brownies - soft, chewy, chocolate-filled bites you can sink your teeth into. They’re naturally sweetened and they are hearty thanks to the walnuts that bulk them up and help keep me full. Plus, they are gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly. (Just swap agave or maple syrup for the honey if you need them to be vegan.) And I particularly love that I can make such a small batch. It’s perfect for all of us to have one big or a couple small brownies. And then they’re gone. (You may also want to check out my raw brownie bites, a very similar recipe but in a rounded ball form. Great for popping! Or browse all of these healthy dessert recipes and ideas for more inspiration.) These bars are also great packed for a school lunch or school snack or to wrap up to take to the office. You could wrap and throw one in your gym bag or purse for an on-the-go treat, too. Great for days when you’re running from one thing to the next. Wait, that’s pretty much all the days, right? OK, here are a few quick tips on making these.
Tips on making healthy date brownies:
Water/consistency: I use about a teaspoon of water for these, but it will depend on how dry your dates are. Add as needed. The mixture will be crumbly but should stick to itself when it’s ready if you press it between your fingers. Pan size: I pack these into a small 3" x 5.75” bread pan that’s lined with cling wrap to get them pressed together. You could use just half of a side of a regular bread pan or another small container. Double: You can also double the recipe and make it in a regular bread pan or quadruple the recipe and use an 8x8 pan. Optional fridge time: These are ready to go immediately - they hold together well enough that you can slice them right away. However, if I’ve got the time, I like to stick them in the fridge to get them to firm up a bit more. Yield: We either make 4 large or 8 small brownie bites from this recipe. The big ones are good as an energy bar substitute while the small ones are great for a quick snack or school lunch extra.
Last thing, what to do with any leftovers. You can store these healthy brownies in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to a week. If they last that long. I hope you give these easy no-bake brownies a try, whether it’s during the holiday season, the new year or when you just need a healthier snack. Enjoy! XO, Kathryn P.S. I have a whole collection of healthy chocolate recipes if you are looking for more yummy dessert inspiration. Water/consistency: I use about a teaspoon of water for these, but it will depend on how dry your dates are. Add as needed. The mixture will be crumbly but should stick to itself when it’s ready if you press it between your fingers. Pan size: I pack these into a small 3" x 5.75” bread pan that’s lined with cling wrap to get them pressed together. You could use just half of a side of a regular bread pan or another small container. Double: You can also double the recipe and make it in a regular bread pan or quadruple the recipe and use an 8x8 pan. Honey: You can swap maple syrup or agave for the honey if you need these to be vegan. Optional fridge time: These are ready to go immediately - they hold together well enough that you can slice them right away. However, if I’ve got the time, I like to stick them in the fridge to get them to firm up a bit more. Yield: We either make 4 large or 8 small brownie bites from this recipe. The big ones are good as an energy bar substitute while the small ones are great for a quick snack or school lunch extra. Leftovers: These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to 1 week.
Cuisinart DLC-8SY Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor, White New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups Combo, Set of 8 Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan Set, 3-Piece
