
Rich with nutty tahini and naturally sweet dates these brownies are my secret trick for satisfying a chocolate craving with barely any effort or sugar crash They come together quickly in one bowl no special equipment required and pack a fudgy bite that wins over every single friend who tries them
I first whipped up a batch after a busy week with a half-empty pantry and now they are my reliable Sunday treat with coffee or tea
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: They give all the natural sweetness and fudgy texture Soak them if they feel firm fresher is always better
- Tahini: A drizzle-worthy runny tahini makes a soft rich batter Use a variety that tastes mild and creamy avoid any bitter or dry ones
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder: This brings the chocolate power Choose a good cocoa for richness I sometimes use extra-dark for intensity
- Almond flour: Makes these brownies gluten free and adds a tender crumb Go for fine blanched almond flour for the best texture
- Baking soda: Gives a hint of lift so the brownies stay soft and not too dense
- Sea salt: Brings out all the flavors I love a flakey sea salt on top for more bite
- Dairy free milk: For consistency Use something mild like almond or oat milk Unsweetened keeps the flavors balanced
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat Always use pure vanilla not imitation
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Dates:
- Soak dates in warm water for about 10 minutes if they are not super soft This makes them blend up smooth and luscious
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- Combine the pitted dates tahini vanilla extract and dairy free milk in a food processor or blender Blend until the mixture becomes a creamy paste with no large pieces of date left
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Toss cocoa powder almond flour baking soda and sea salt into the blender with the wet mix Blend until you have a thick sticky batter You might need to scrape down the sides to fully mix
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Line muffin tins with parchment paper for easy removal Drop spoonfuls of the batter into each well Using slightly wet fingers press the batter down gently to fill the tins evenly
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes The brownies should look set on top and feel just a little soft in the center
- Cool and Set:
- Let the baked brownies cool completely in the tin before removing This helps them firm up and get even fudgier as they sit

Tahini is my favorite ingredient for its nutty creamy flavor and the fact that it keeps these brownies super moist without any butter My little cousin once tried these at a family picnic and now no birthday goes by without a plate of them getting devoured
Storage Tips
Keep these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days They last even longer up to a week in the fridge I like to freeze a few individually wrapped for chocolate emergencies just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have almond flour you can try finely ground oat flour for a nut free version Peanut butter makes a good swap if you do not have tahini but will change the flavor slightly Any plant milk will work just choose one that tastes neutral Unsweetened soy or cashew also performs well
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these brownies still slightly warm with a scoop of coconut yogurt or a dusting of additional cocoa powder For parties add a tiny sprinkle of chopped pistachios or even flaky salt on top They pair so well with black coffee or an afternoon tea break

Cultural and Historical Context
Tahini has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking It is often used for savory dishes but in recent years bakers have embraced its richness for sweets like these brownies Dates have been a staple in desserts for generations thanks to both their flavor and natural sweetness The mashup here feels modern but draws on old traditions
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of dates work best for these brownies?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and natural sweetness. If your dates are firm, soaking them in warm water helps achieve the right texture.
- → Can store-bought tahini be used?
Yes, opt for a runny, pourable tahini, preferably unsweetened. Brands like Soom or Whole Foods work well for smooth blending.
- → Is almond flour necessary or can I substitute it?
Almond flour provides a tender crumb. Oat flour or another nut flour can be used if needed, but texture may vary.
- → How should I store these brownies?
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- → What’s the best way to ensure a gooey center?
Bake until the center is just set but slightly soft. Allow brownies to cool completely before removing from the tin for optimal texture.