Fudgy Date Brownies

Fudgy Date Brownies - The Baker Chick

1 1/2 cups pitted dates
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup unsalted butter softened (1 1/2 sticks) 

2 cold eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour Sea salt for sprinkling

Grease or line an 8x8 baking pan. Preheat oven to 350F.

In a food processor or blender, puree the dates and hot water until smooth. Measure out a cup of the paste (mine yielded exactly a cup,) and transfer to a large bowl with the butter.

Cream the butter and date paste until smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and smooth.
Add the cocoa and flour, and mix on low until well combined.
Spread batter into prepared pan, smoothing with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top. Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until edges are set. Allow pan to cool while you prepare the glaze. 

Glaze;

3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons honey or other natural syrup-type sweetener 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 

Whisk together the butter, honey and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and whisk until smooth. If the glaze seems a little runny- add a dash more of cocoa powder. If it seems too thick- you can add a splash of milk. Drizzle over the brownies and sprinkle with more sea salt.

Brownies will last for up to a week in a sealed container in the fridge.