Date Almond Brownies

Makes 16 servings 

You can always count on the caramel-like flavor of Medjool dates to add the perfect amount of sweetness to any recipe. Brimming with fiber and antioxidants, these brownies can improve digestion. The toasted almonds and shredded coconut paired with a touch of espresso powder, make this dessert the definition of velvety goodness!

INGREDIENTS

½ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
½ cup almonds
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
¾ cup hot water
¾ cup almond flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons stevia
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Coat an 8-×-8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread the shredded coconut and almonds in a single layer onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake 8–10 minutes, stirring every two minutes, until coconut is golden. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Combine the dates and hot water in a small bowl for 10 minutes, allowing the dates to soften.
4. Drain the dates and transfer to a food processor, blending into a smooth paste.
5. Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, stevia, vanilla extract, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt to the food processor’s bowl and blend well, scraping down the sides as needed, until a smooth batter is formed.
6. Remove lid and blade from the food processor and fold in the toasted almonds and coconut. 
7. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 18–20 minutes or until the center of the cake springs back when lightly touched.
8. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack, cooling completely.
9. Cut into 16 squares and serve. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 101 (5%)
Total Fat 4.85 g (10%)
Saturated Fat 0.561 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.112 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.935 g
Trans Fat 0.001 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 68 mg (5%)
Total Carbohydrate: 19.89 g (8%)
Dietary Fiber: 2.9 g (12%)
Total Sugars: 10.16 g
Protein: 2.69 g (5%)
Vitamin A 21 mcg (1%)
Vitamin C 0.2 mcg
Vitamin D 0 mcg
Potassium 252 mg (5%)
Calcium 60 mg (6%)
Iron 0.93 mg (5%)

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my Mediterranean Desserts Cookbook here