flourless brownies

Ingredients:
2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the pitted Medjool dates, almond butter, cocoa powder, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough.
If using, fold in the chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the pan using a spatula or your hands.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top is slightly firm to the touch.
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious plant-based flourless brownies.