No-Bake Date Brownies

These No-Bake date brownies are a perfect vegan afternoon pick-me-up for when you are craving chocolate but want something a little on the healthier side. This recipe comes from Simply Delicious Vegan by Caitlin Shoemaker (which was gifted to me from Abrams Books).

It’s officially cookbook season again! And if you are sick of hearing me talk about my new cookbook coming out, you’ll be very happy to hear that I’m taking a break this week to talk about another cookbook that I’m really enjoying right now – Simply Delicious Vegan by Caitlin Shoemaker! Abrams gifted me this promo copy as part of their Dinner Party promotion series and it actually came out last year but the first pressing sold out so fast that I just got my hands on it a few weeks ago. Caitlin’s vegan recipes are super approachable and I love how this book includes a lot of my favorite foods (brownies, fried rice, mac and cheese) but they are made more nutritious by swapping out the meat for plant based options.

When I first flipped through the book, I was immediately drawn to this brownie recipe. Do I love chocolate? Yes! Do I crave it almost every night but wish I had a healthier option than reaching for a candy bar? Yes! So when I saw these, I knew these would be perfect to make a big batch of and then store in my freezer for when I get a chocolate craving. I’ve actually made these three times now and, although her recipe calls for buckwheat flour, have found I really like to use almond flour in the dough to help not overpower the chocolate flavor (I give directions for both options in the recipe below).

The end result of these no-bake date brownies is a dense and intense flavor bomb – very much so how I like my sweets! I did end up freezing part of the recipe and also ended up liking them a bit firmer when they were fresh from the freezer. I used mini semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe but you would be totally fine to use regular sized ones if that is what you have on hand. I bet these would also be delicious with dark chocolate chips or even butterscotch ones!

Learn more about Caitlin’s book here and jump below to grab the recipe for these No-Bake Date Brownies.

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No-Bake Date Brownies

These No-Bake date brownies are a perfect vegan afternoon pick-me-up when you are craving chocolate but want something a little on the healthier side. This recipe comes from Simply Delicious Vegan by Caitlin Shoemaker (which was gifted to me from Abrams Books).

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Vegan

Servings: 8 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 packed cup (220 g) Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup (65 g) unsalted almond butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buckwheat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (75 g) mini dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Put the pitted dates in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for 5 minutes and drain.

2. Transfer dates to a food processor and add the almond butter and vanilla extract. Process for 30 seconds or until a smooth paste forms.

3. Add the buckwheat (or almond) flour, cacao powder, and salt and process until a thick and even batter has formed, about 1 minute. If the batter is too dry to become combined, add 1 Tbsp of water until it is smooth and fudgy.

4. Set 2 Tbsp chocolate chips aside and fold the remaining chips into the batter.

5. Line a 9×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and transfer brownie batter to it. Use a spatula to firmly and evenly press the batter into the pan and then sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.

6. Place in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to let it firm up slightly. Remove from pan and cut into 8 equal pieces. Enjoy right away and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (for up to 5 days) or in the freezer.

Make sure to tag Vegetarian ‘Ventures on Instagram and use #vegetarianventures when trying this dish out!