Vegan Black Forest Brownies with Cherries and Coconut (Oil-Free, Date Sweetened)
Chocolate, cherries, and coconut come together for a flavor twist on a classic recipe in these Vegan Black Forest Brownies. Oil-free and free of any refined sugar or syrups, these plant-based treats are naturally sweetened with dates and banana. Make a batch of this kid-friendly dessert for something the whole family will love.
Calories: 111kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates 200g
- 1/2 cup warm water 4 oz
- 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour 90g
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder 60g
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon ground flax meal 6.5g
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 114g
- 3/4 cup ripe banana, mashed (about 1 1/2 medium bananas) 180g
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried unsweetened cherries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flake
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350. Line a 9×9 square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Soak the Dates: Combine the dates and 1/2 cup warm water. Let soak at least 5 minutes, to soften the dates.
- For Whole Wheat Dry Ingredients: Sift together the dry ingredients: whole wheat pastry flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- For the Oil-Free Wet Ingredients: Combine the dates (and their soaking liquid), black beans, flax meal, applesauce, mashed banana, and vanilla in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.
- To make the Black Forest Vegan Brownie Batter: Add the pureed wet mixture to the sifted dry ingredients. Add the dried cherries. Stir together until combined. Spread brownie mixture evenly in the pan. Sprinkle on the coconut flake.
- Bake at 350, 50-60 min. Bars are ready when a toothpick can cleanly be inserted and removed. The top will also start to crack. Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
Servings: 16
Yield: 16bars (9×9 pan)
Yield: 16bars (9×9 pan)