Living Paleo doesn't mean you can't enjoy a rich, chocolatey brownie. This recipe for no-bake fresh mint dark chocolate brownies uses healthful, Paleo-approved ingredients instead of heavily processed ingredients that can help satisfy your cravings for brownies without the guilt. (And, depending on the season, can help you use up some of that fresh mint from your garden!)
Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus chilling time
Yield: 12 servings
1/2 cup fresh mint (You can use 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of the fresh mint.)
1 cup pecans
1-1/2 cups Medjool dates (13 to 15 large dates)
1 cup blanched almond flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder, divided
2 pinches of salt
1/4 cup Paleo-friendly dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon raw honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Handful of cacao nibs
Chop the mint in a food processor; add the pecans and pulse until coarsely ground. Place the mixture in a large bowl.
Remove the pits from the dates and process the flesh in a food processor until a creamy paste forms.
Mix the date paste, almond flour, 1/2 cup of the cacao powder, a pinch of salt, and the chocolate chips with the mint mixture until all ingredients are combined.
Line an 8-x-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spread the brownie mixture evenly across the pan. Set aside.
Mix the coconut oil, remaining cacao powder, honey, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Spread this mixture evenly on top of the brownie and sprinkle with the cacao nibs. Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Per serving: Calories 306 (From Fat 194); Fat 22g (Saturated 9g); Cholesterol 23mg; Sodium 23mg; Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 7g); Protein 6g.