Naturally Sweetened Brownies | No processed Sugar & Gluten free!

I definitely, had a sweet tooth. Especially something chocolaty and gooey. But I didn't want all the processed sugar that normally sweetens brownies. So I decided to sweetened it with dried dates and a some monkfruit extract sweetener. That's it! You don't need anything else. Such a simple and easy recipe. Just take all the ingredients and stick them in a blender or food processor and you're done! Great sweet treat when you want a snack or something after dinner. They freezer great in a plastic container or freezer bags.

Naturally Sweetened Brownies

Yields: about 10-11 muffin size brownies

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour

1 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 cup dried pitted dates (plus 1 cup hot water)

30-40 drops monkfruit extract

1 tsp espresso powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup avocado oil

2 eggs

1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts or any other favorite chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

preheat oven 350F

1. In a small mixing bowl, place your dates and add the 1 cup hot water. Then let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help soften them and easier on your machine.

2. In your food processor or blender, add all the ingredient from above (except the hazelnuts). Add the dates last.

3. Then blend all the ingredients until the batter is smooth.

4. Then fold in the nuts by hand with a spatula.

5. I used a muffin pan to have even portions and easier to cut than bars. Especially when you want to eat them warm! Just a tip! Use a cookie scoop or spoon the batter in your pan. Make sure you line your muffin pans with paper cupcake liners.

** If you want to use a pan, make sure you grease a 8" x 8" baking pan.

6. Bake the muffin size brownies for 15 minutes. If using a 8" x 8" baking pan, bake for 20-25 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick, to see how gooey you want your brownies.

Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of your favorite milk. They are so tasty you wouldn't know they are sweetened by dates!

Leave your comments below and let me know what you all think of these chocolaty gems!