Chocolate Brownie Bars (No Bake, Gluten Free)

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate chunks

Dark chocolate offers a richer flavor with less sugar.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: pecans

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and more affordable.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

Add 1/2 cup chopped dates and 2 tablespoons water to a bowl.

Microwave the bowl for about 30 seconds until the water is hot and the dates soften.

Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of boiling water and let the dates sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain excess water without patting dry.

Add softened dates to a blender or food processor.

Add 1/4 cup walnut pieces, 1/4 cup cashew pieces, 2 teaspoons ground flax meal, 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon ground chia seeds, and 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender or food processor.

Pulse the mixture until finely chopped and sticking together.

Spread the mixture out and form it into a bar shape using hands or a spatula.

Wrap the formed bar tightly and refrigerate preferably overnight to allow flavors to blend and firm up.

If using a loaf pan, line it with plastic wrap, press the mixture into the pan, fold the wrap over, and refrigerate overnight before slicing into bars.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens