Don’t tell Little Debbie, but brownies don’t have to be processed or wrapped in plastic to be crowd-pleasers. This recipe from Well+Good Wellness Council member and Nutrition Stripped founder McKel Hill, RDN only uses nutrient-dense, all-natural ingredients—and no refined sugar. It’s all the antioxidants, fiber, protein, and healthy fats without any weird fillers. (But yes, it still tastes like a brownie.)
SERVES 20
Ingredients:
• 2 cups (about 200g) dates, pitted
• 1 1/4 cup walnuts, ground finely
• 1 cup almonds, ground finely
• 1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and ground finely
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon maca powder, optional
• dash of cinnamon
Directions:
1. In a food processor or blender, ground the walnuts, almonds, and pistachios until fine (I prefer to leave a couple chunks).
2. Next add in the pitted dates, a few at a time helps, using your tamper from the blender or gently using a spatula to scrape the sides. Repeat pulsing and blending until the mixture has come together. Add in cocoa powder. Pulse to combine again.
3. In a large mixing bowl, pour this mixture, add in melted coconut oil, cacao nibs, and remaining ingredients.
4. Using a spatula or your hands, stir.
5. In a lined (with parchment paper) 7×7 square pan, pour the brownie mixture in and start to evenly press down until you form a brownie layer.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
7. Cut into squares.
8. Store in the freezer for a later snack or serve immediately!