---
title: "Dates Brownies"
date: 2026-05-29
tags: ['dessert', 'chocolate', 'vegetarian', 'gluten-free', 'baked']
prep_time: "15 min"
cook_time: "10 min"
servings: 16
---

# Dates Brownies

Fudgy date brownies made with Medjool dates, cocoa powder, pecans, and chopped [dark chocolate](/chocolate-bar-from-cocoa-beans). They bake briefly, so they stay dense and chewy.

## Ingredients

- 2 cups Medjool dates, measured after removing the pits
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup roasted pecans, walnuts, or a mix of the two, chopped
- Some unroasted pecans, walnuts, or a mix for topping
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 50 g [dark chocolate bar](/chocolate-bar-from-cocoa-beans), chopped
- 1 tbsp water
- Small pinch of kosher salt, for finishing

## Equipment Needed

- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish

## Instructions

1. **Pit the dates:** Remove the pits from the dates, then measure out 2 cups.

    ![Pitted dates and brownie ingredients](dates-brownies-3.jpg)

2. **Chop the mix-ins:** Chop the roasted nuts and [dark chocolate bar](/chocolate-bar-from-cocoa-beans) into small pieces.

    ![Chopped nuts and dark chocolate for dates brownies](dates-brownies-4.jpg)

3. **Make the date paste:** In a **food processor**, process the dates, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, and water until you have a smooth, sticky paste. Scrape down the sides as needed.

    ![Dates in the food processor](dates-brownies-5.jpg)

4. **Mix everything together:** Move the paste to a **mixing bowl**. Add the chopped nuts and chocolate, then mix well until evenly combined.

    ![Date brownie mixture with nuts and chocolate](dates-brownies-6.jpg)

5. **Press into the dish:** Line the baking dish with parchment paper. Move the mixture into the dish and spread it into an even layer.

6. **Add the topping:** Top with the unroasted nuts, pressing them lightly into the surface so they stick.

    ![Dates brownies topped with pecans before baking](dates-brownies-7.jpg)

7. **Bake briefly:** Bake for 10 minutes at 350 F. This is just enough to set the brownies without drying them out.

8. **Finish with salt:** Remove from the oven and sprinkle a very small pinch of kosher salt all over the top.

    ![Baked dates brownies with pecans and salt](dates-brownies-8.jpg)

9. **Cool and cut:** Let the brownies cool, then cut them into small bites.

    ![Finished dates brownies with pecans](dates-brownies-1.jpg)

## Notes

- If the dates are very dry, add a tiny splash more water while processing, but keep the paste thick.
- These are rich, so small bites work best.