Ultimate Unbaked Brownies

Two words:

MAKE THESE!!!

Now! Tomorrow! This weekend...just don't wait!

I have been craving sugar....probably because I haven't been eating any.  So, I found this recipe on Pinterest.  

I do not like dates.  I don't like raisins either.  I love craisins, so I don't think it's a texture thing.  I just don't like their flavor.  So, I was a little hesitant to make these, since they are made with 2.5 cups of dates.  Hopefully you can find fresh ones where you are.  I had never even looked for them before, but found them in the produce section (in case you didn't already know that).

Ultimate Unbaked Brownies

Brownies

2 1/2 C loosely packed pitted dates

1 1/2 C walnuts

6 TBSP cocoa powder (or cacoa)

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsp water

1/4 + 1/8 tsp salt

Icing

1/4 C cocoa powder (or cacoa)

1/4 C pure maple syrup (or raw agave)

2 TBSP vegetable oil or melted coconut oil

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Like I said, I have never bought dates or pitted them.  I don't get grossed out by things easily, but don't the pits kind of look like cockroaches?  Maybe it's just me.  Kind of gross.  Anyway....

Pit the dates, if they are not already pitted. 

Combine the dates, walnuts, 6TBSP cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, water and salt in a food processor - or blender if your food processor is too small. Process until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.  It will seem dry at first, but don't add anymore water.  

(My blender did not get it completely smooth.  Stupid Ninja blender that everyone raves about.  But, I loved having big chunky walnut pieces in each bite, so I was not discouraged).

 Lightly grease (or use parchment/wax paper) an 8x8 square baking pan.  Transfer the dough to the pan and press down firmly until it's evenly distributed in the pan.  In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining cocoa powder, vanilla, maple syrup and oil until smooth.  Stir mixture until it forms a paste.  Spread evenly over the dough in the baking pan. Refrigerate brownies for 2 hours to set.  

You read that right...refrigerate. You do not have to bake these.  The only downside is that your house doesn't smell like warm brownies hours after you make them.  

Leftovers (there won't be any!) can be stored, covered, at room temperature for a day, or up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or 1-2 months in the freezer.

(I forgot to take a picture with the icing on it:o) 

Of course mine did not look anything like the picture on Pinterest.

(It never does.  Why is that??)

But, the taste is AMAZING!!

I think it's more like a decadent fudge than a brownie.  It didn't take like dates one single bit.  After I tried one, I realized how rich they were and cut each (already cut) brownie, in half again.  I would say grab a big glass of milk, but this is a vegan recipe. Haha! It would go so well with a cup of coffee though!

I took them to our community group last night and told them they were my guinea pigs.  They ate them up.  Everyone raved about how great they were.  And they're good for you!  

Try them!  You will not be disappointed!