Yep! You read that right! 100% fruit-sweetened brownies… Made in your food processor. Does life get any better?
Since starting my whole food, no refined-sugar journey I’ve craved brownies. I kept looking longingly at my brownie recipe and wishing there was a way.
In 2013 I started sweetening all my baked goods with dates. I have no idea why it took me so long to develop this recipe. But, I’m so glad I finally did. Not only is it refined-sugar free but it doesn’t taste like it. These brownies are fudgy and sweet with enough chocolate to satisfy your craving. They so closely resemble brownies made with sugar that I doubt anyone would know the difference if you didn’t tell them. But, YOU SHOULD TELL THEM! Because now we can ALL have brownies without the sugar overload. This is an indulgent treat that comes guilt-free for yourself and your family. So have a fruit-sweetened brownie or two, enjoy them, you deserve it!
Fruit-Sweetened Brownies in 5 Easy Steps
Recipe yields one 8 by 8-inch pan, or 9 to 12 servings.
12 ounces pitted dates (about 2 cups, I like Medjool dates)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
10 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup walnuts, lightly chopped
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Add the pitted dates, flour, cocoa, and salt to your food processor and process them until they are fine and sandy
2. In a bowl or large measuring cup whisk together the eggs, cream, and vanilla. Slowly add the melted butter to the egg mixture while whisking.
3. Pulse the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture. When it is fully combined and smooth the batter is done!
4. Grease an 8 by 8-inch baking pan and smooth the batter into it. Top with the walnuts and gently press them into the batter.
5. Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. Let them cool completely before cutting. Store them in the refrigerator for an even more fudgy texture.
I like to eat my brownies with raw whipped cream on top. Try it, you won’t be sorry!
Claire
Friday 24th of February 2023
Hi! These look delish, and I am definitely going to try them!!! But I do have a question--- I'm transitioning to a more traditional diet, and have been using mostly organic ground brown spelt flour in my baking lately. I haven't gotten to sprouting flours yet, but I think I would have to sour the flour somehow to make this, right? Would it adapt well to spelt? Do you have any ideas?
Butter For All
Monday 27th of February 2023
Hi Claire!
You can use pre-sprouted flour in this recipe. That is my go to for cookies and cakes now. Also, most AP or white flour has very little outer husk and bran remaining in the flour. It is basically just the inner starch, so if you aren't gluten sensitive, a little white flour doesn't need soaking, sprouting or souring (for anti-nutrients) as long as it's a once-in-awhile kind of treat! The soaking, sprouting or souring does break down gluten though too.Anyway, that's why I really like sprouted flour for treats. It expensive, but I don't make treats that often anyway.
As far as using a whole wheat flour like spelt, you might need to decrease the quantity a tad as whole wheat tends to absorb more moisture.
Martha Baxter
Wednesday 15th of March 2017
Courtney actually made these yummy Brownies with dates when I was there, the best I've ever had. I have to a admit, I have never been a big Brownie fan, but these were wonderful and are fudgy! I mentioned to Courtney these are so fudgy and she mentioned that is what they should be... I did not know that. What a great recipe and the raw whipped cream is yummy too...not bad for a bite in the am or anytime of the day(which we indulged).
Butter For All
Sunday 26th of March 2017
Hi Martha! I'm so glad I was able to change your opinion on brownies! Come back for more soon!