I have a huge sweet tooth. Truly, I love dessert. But, as it is not in the best interest of my physical health, I try to avoid it. My opinion is that dessert is good for my mental health, so I have been searching for some healthy-ish dessert options. I found this recipe, originally by Chocolate Covered Katie. I made some adjustments based on ingredients I already had in the house. 

...and to be honest, I considered this endeavor a failure at first! While the flavor is amazing, the consistency was not great. Very crumbly. However, I shared these bites with friends and they still wanted the recipe! So I decided to share it. :) I think if you follow the original recipe, you probably will have a better outcome! 

My version used sunflower seeds instead of walnuts and honey in lieu of agave/ maple syrup. The original recipe looked way better. But mine were tasty AF. Especially the frosting! I could dive into a pool into this frosting. So, so, good!

These are a definite #treatyoself, so use them on your cheat days doing the SHED program, or as an occasional treat in maintenance! These may not be the best for your waistline, but definitely good for the soul! Leave me a comment on Instagram or Facebook if you decide to try them! -AHS

Ultimate Unbaked Brownies 

by Chocolate Covered Katie

(Makes 16 brownies)

Ingredients

• 2½ cups loosely packed pitted dates
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts
• 6 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsp water
• 1/4 + 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or raw agave)
• 2 tbsp vegetable or melted coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine the dates, walnuts, 6 tbsp cocoa, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, water, and salt in a food processor. Process until completely smooth, scraping down as needed – It may seem dry at first, but don’t add any extra water.  Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan, or line the pan with parchment or wax paper. Transfer dough to pan and press very firmly until dough is evenly distributed in the pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining cocoa and vanilla extract with the maple syrup and oil. Stir until mixture forms a paste (this is the frosting). Spread evenly over dough in the baking pan. Refrigerate brownies for at least 2 hours, to set. Leftovers can stay covered at room temperature for a day, or up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or 1-2 months in the freezer.

Unbaked Brownies (Amended by AHS)

Ingredients

• 2½ cups loosely packed pitted dates
• 1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
• 6 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsp water
• 1/4 + 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• ¼ cup raw honey
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine the dates, sunflower seeds, 6 tbsp cacao, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, water, and salt in a food processor. Process until completely smooth, scraping down as needed – It may seem dry at first, but don’t add any extra water.  Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan, or line the pan with parchment or wax paper. Transfer dough to pan and press very firmly until dough is evenly distributed in the pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining cocoa and vanilla extract with the maple syrup and oil. Stir until mixture forms a paste (this is the frosting). Spread evenly over dough in the baking pan. Refrigerate brownies for at least 2 hours, to set. Leftovers can stay covered at room temperature for a day, or up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or 1-2 months in the freezer.