Cocoa Sweetie Pie Squares
Would you believe… combining dates and sweet potatoes create the most scrumptious brownie? Surely, you must say I have lost my mind! I dare you to try these unusual confections and tell me they don’t taste like a decadently delicious brownie! Kid and grown-up approved, these all-natural snack squares are also vegan and gluten-free!
Recipe adapted from: Sweet Potato Brownies by Deliciously Ella
Yield: 16 to 24 (depending on desired size)
Recipe adapted from: Sweet Potato Brownies by Deliciously Ella
Yield: 16 to 24 (depending on desired size)
Ingredients
- Coconut oil or olive oil spray
- Parchment paper
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 14 Medjool dates See MPM Mini-Bites
- 2/3 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup oat or almond flour not almond meal, which is coarser
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup natural chocolate chips I used Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using either coconut oil or olive oil spray, lightly coat the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Cut a piece of parchment paper 8 x 12-inches in size; place in pan allowing the longer side to overlap the pan about 2 inches on either side. (will allow for easier removal)
- With a paring knife, cut away pits from dates and coarsely chop. Cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Place in a steamer and steam for about 20 minutes or until very soft. (They will start to fall apart.) Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine dates with sweet potatoes; process for 2 minutes or until mostly smooth. (can also use a blender) Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
- Scrape the date-sweet potato mixture into a large bowl. Stir in ground almonds, oat or almond flour, cocoa, honey and salt. Fold in chocolate chips. Scrape batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out mostly clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. (very important or brownies may fall apart)
- Holding on to ends of parchment paper, lift out brownies. Allow to finish cooling completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife, cut to desired size.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. May also be frozen for up to 4 months.
Medjool dates are considered a tree fruit. Originating in North Africa and the Middle East, they are a prized ingredient in both cuisines. They are larger in size than most dates and are characterized by their juicy sweet flesh. (even when dried) Try these lovely dates in breads, muffins, cakes and cookies or include them in a homemade granola or trail mix. These dates are also delicious enjoyed alone as a healthy snack. You can read more about Medjool dates here. If you can’t find Medjool dates in natural food stores, they may be readily purchased online.
For information on healthier chocolate chip choices, look here.
This recipe is considered gluten-free if your chocolate chips are gluten-free.
3 Responses