Thanks for joining Sarah and me for Meatless Monday today! Just realized that it’s Valentine’s Day week and I am getting into the loving spirit today with these Hot Date Chocolate Valentine Brownies. These are not just any brownies, oh no, they are filled with all kinds of healthy goodness but decadent enough to let you feel like you are treating yourself. I won’t tell if you don’t.
Did you know that dates have 50% more potassium than bananas? I didn’t either! Great runner fuel and a natural replacement for sugar in baked goods.
Hot Date Chocolate Valentine Brownies
I used unsweetened apple sauce as a moistening ingredient and natural sweetener as well but you won’t find any added sugar in these brownies. You won’t miss it at all. Win-Win! So what else is in my Hot Date Chocolate Valentine Brownie?
Using almond flour makes these brownies naturally gluten free. I’ve added some high quality dark chocolate because chocolate. To make these brownies even better I’ve added a few scoops of chocolate protein powder and slivered almonds. Fabulous combination trust me!
I don’t do too many dessert recipes here on the blog but when I do, I promise they are delicious and healthyish. We all need to treat ourselves every so often and Valentine’s Day week is the perfect excuse to do so. Hope you give them a try.
“Hot Date” Chocolate Valentine Brownies
hot date chocolate Valentine brownies for your sweethearts this year. Sweetened with dates and no added sugar. I won't tell if you don't
Ingredients
- 1 C almond flour
- 2/3 C unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 oz high quality dark chocolate-chopped
- 1/2 C slivered almonds
- 4 oz unsweetened apple sauce
- 5 egg whites
- 1/2 C vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 C reduced fat buttermilk
- 1/2 C chopped pitted dates
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375
- In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients and set aside
- In a medium bowl whisk together egg whites, oil, vanilla, buttermilk until frothy
- add in applesauce
- slowly combine wet and dry ingredients
- Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray
- Pour batter into tins to make 12 brownies
- bake 15-18 minutes until middle is cooked
- Allow to cool and enjoy
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Tell me-Have a hot date this Valentine’s Day? Do you cook with dates? What’s your favorite special occasion treat?
Ooh wow they look like little heart brownies. <3 I love that you sweetened them with some dates.
Thanks they were a great change of pace for me
These look amazing! I love that you used dates, almond flour, and dark chocolate. Pinning this to try next weekend!
Fabulous I really hope you enjoy them
(((add dates to Trader Joe’s list!)))
Ah thanks I hope you all enjoy them
Your hot date is with me, right? Because I want some!
Now that would be a hot date! 🙂
Love these- they look amazing and I bet they taste amazing too!
Thanks they were delish if I say so myself 🙂
Yum, what a cute idea!
Thanks so much!
How fun are these? Since they are chocolate, I bet I could get everyone at my house to eat them. We’ll just keep the health benefits a secret…
Sounds like a plan enjoy them 🙂
What a fun recipe and so healthy!! Dates really are a magical food! Thanks for hosting.
I am just getting into them super yummy!
These look delicious! I love all the date recipes! Thanks for hosting!
Me too I have to find more ways to start using them
These are so cute! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much!
These are so cute! The heart shape is definitely perfect for next week.
Ah thanks! Fun to do the Valentine’s day recipes
I love brownies and these look delicious. I would have never thought to make them with dates. I might have to give this a try.
They are a fun change of pace!
These are too cute! Perfect sweet (and healthy!) treat for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much!
I LOVE dates and just picked some up yesterday, so sweet! I haven’t had brownies in a long time, these look so good!
Oh fabulous I hope you try them
I love cooking with dates, no need to add more sugar and adds such a delicious flavour too!! These look awesome.
I have been enjoying experimenting with them lately and thanks
ooooo yumm!! I love dates, so I’m sure I’ll love these, too!
Thanks they came out delish!
These look so amazing, Deborah!!!
Thanks Kaila I really liked the way they came out
These are cute! I usually make valentine’s muffins for my kids – gotta get those v-day tins out now!
Yes indeed!!
Hey! Do you have a substitute for vegetable oil?
So the most common substitute for veg oil is apple sauce. I already added that to reduce the oil amount so not sure if you could do a total replacement. Let me know if you try!
I love brownies and thank you for sharing a healthier version! Those look delicious!
thanks so much hope you try them out
Thank you for the link-up and all the delicious meatless recipes!
So glad you joined us today!
Ok I just have to make these. They look SO good! MAYBE I’LL MAKE THEM AND SURPRISE MY HUSBAND!
Fabulous I hope he enjoys them
These are so festive and delicious looking! What kind of heart-shaped pan did you use?
I found one at William Sonoma last week 🙂
OK you had me at chocolate! These look awesome and I love the idea of using the dates. Must try!!
Oh thanks I think you will love them!
Yum, these sound delicious! I love dates but I’ve never tried adding them to baked goods.
My first time too but I loved them and will be doing more stay tuned
These sound fantastic! I love a good brownie.
Thank you for hosting! 🙂
Thanks so much!
You lost me at the buttermilk . . . but I know how to substitute for that. Otherwise these sound really yummy!
I LOVE dates! Because, sweet tooth. I didn’t know about the potassium. I really ought to remember to eat them more often when I get a craving for sweets!
Ok great let me know if your sub for the buttermilk works!
These are too cute and look delicious! I love the name as I have a recipe that would pair well with these and the same “hot date” coming. 😉 Happy Meatless Monday!
Fabulous can’t wait to see yours as well! Have a great week friend
These look SO good! Can you ever go wrong with brownies?!
I think not!!
I do love dates and don’t use them enough. These look a little interesting texture-wise, but I bet they are delicious.
We are usually pretty low-key for Valentine’s Day – we will just have a nice dinner at home, and call it a day. Maybe I’ll whip up something nice for dessert.
I think that’s a great idea!
Oh, these look “datefully” delightful LOL I’ve heard of dates, but honestly have never even looked for them in the store. Looks like I need to go shopping! I’m saving & pinning this baby 😉
OH good! They are really just like big huge raisins and similar in texture.
These looks delicious and perfect for that “hot date”! 🙂
Thanks so much!
Those brownies look yummy, and I love that they are gluten free 🙂
It took a little tinkering around with the almond flour but yes they are tasty and GF
I love that these are sweetened with just applesauce and dates! I’m a big fan of pretty much ANYTHING chocolate so these will definitely be getting made in our house this weekend.
Fabulous! I really hope you all enjoy them
These look just great! And so much fun! I will have to try them as I’m trying to make a better effort to eat better.
These look simply fantastic! I’ll have to try them with my boys!!
Wonderful I hope they like them
I love using dates in baked goods as a sweetener. Just a hint of extra flavor and not just sweetness.
Yes I’ve been trying to experiment with them more they are great
These sound tasty but they have too many ingredients I probably would never think to buy. I do like dates though, and buy them often to snack on.
Yes baking does require more precise ingredients for sure as opposed to other recipes that you can just wing it
These look so cute – and delicious!
Ah thanks I think you would like them
These are super cute and look so yummy. You’d never know how healthy they are compared to others on the market. I like that you didn’t add sugar and used applesauce. I substitute applesauce a lot in my baking.
Thanks apple sauce is a great sweetener and I’ve found I can really cut the sugar in most recipes without sacrificing taste
I couldn’t wait to check this out when I saw it on IG! I DO have a hot date… who I’m dragging to a Valentine’s yoga event… but it’s at a brewery! Maybe I’ll make some healthy snacks too. 🙂
Yoga at a brewery?! That does sound like a fun Valentine’s Day indeed
these brownies sounds like a wonderful treat for breakfast 🙂
Thanks yes great breakfast treat or afternoon snack
I love brownies! These look great!
Thanks so much hope you try them out for your kiddos
Love this! It sounds so yummy! And it’s gluten free and milk free! Woo hoo!
Yes hope you try it out
I definitely have to try these!!!! !!!!! !!!!!
Thanks so much
I loveeee baking with dates. These look delicious! And I love the “hot date” food pun 😉
Thanks Kara! Dates are great to bake with
Hehehe “hot date” Sadly Valentine’s day falls on a work night this year! But I am a huge fan of brownies and dates! What a lovely combination! Have you ever made stuffed dates?
I have not made stuffed dates yet but maybe I should!
These look amazing! I love dates! Such a cute healthy Valentine’s Day treat!
Thanks so much!
These look amazing! Brownies are my favorite sweet treat.
Thanks so much hope you try them out
Can I pick up 2 dozen for Tuesday please! These look adorable!
Ah thanks so much! They are easy to make too
I love cooking with dates! This is a great recipe Deborah
They are a great natural sweetener
These are so cute! I also didn’t know that dates have more potassium that bananas. Maybe races should have dates as a post-race food option instead of bananas!
Happy early Valentine’s Day!
Ha maybe they should!
I’m not a huge date fan but I love the play on words for the name of this recipe. So cute!
So I do not like to eat them plain but they are great as a sweetener in recipes
I just had 2 brownies yesterday and could go for one of these for breakfast with my coffee! Yesterday was National Have A Brownie Day and Cream Cheese Brownie Day so I went with Chocolate Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies.
I love the addition of protein in these and it is the week of love and chocolate so I’ll have to whip up a batch for after barre and Aurora’s gymnastics since she’ll be at the gym 6 hours this week, including 2 on Valentine’s Day.
It is the week of chocolate and love
These look so good! I’m noticing a lot of chocolate recipes in the linkup today! It must be Valentine’s Day! Thanks for hosting!
It must be the week of chocolate for sure!
These are adorable! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
I love dates in baked goods – they turn out so rich and fudgy.
Those sound really good! I’m going to have to give these a try the next time I have a chocolate craving.
Thanks! I have chocolate cravings every day!
Wow! These look so delicious. What a healthy chocolate alternative!
Thanks so much hope you give them a try
These look awesome! I usually send some baked goods to my son at IU for Valentine’s Day…he may just be getting a batch!
Ah great idea I may send some to my kids as well this week
These sound amazing! I will definitely be giving them a shot once all my fudge is gone (which will be soon! haha).
I think you would love them!
Yum, yum, yum! If it’s chocolate and fudgy then it is 100% for me!
These look heavenly and I bet the dates add just the right texture!
Thanks so much hope you try them out!
Very catchy (and clever) title tofor these chocolate goodies 😉 I don’t have any chocolate protein powder in the house, or I’d be firing up the oven over my lunch break. Guess I need to make a stop by the store on the way home later LOL
I have not made them in a while but now I want to as well!
Oh yum! These look and sound just perfect! I could totally go for a sweet treat about now!
Thanks! I am always looking for a little bite of sweetness myself
These look good and I love the use of the dates! I don’t bake often but I may need to try these.
The dates give them a nice sweetener without the sugar
Who needs a hot date when you can have these all to yourself! 🙂 These looks so yummy!
I agree!! Happy Valentine’s Day
Teehee, I see what you did there with the “dates” 🙂 My family will be making a Valentine themed dinner. I like to involve my kids when I cook. With teenagers that doesn’t happen often, but I always say it’s a “life skill” they need to learn! They have fun when they do get involved.
I have always loved cooking with my kids! This is the first year that they are both off at school for Valentine’s Day. Just might have to make these all for myself
We are big date fans. My youngest is anemic and its a yummy source of iron. I bake with paste and give her dates stuffed with peanut butter.
These brownies sound so good. I am going to give them a try.
OH great hope she enjoys these too!
I’m going to have to subtly share this recipe with my hubby
ha great idea!
These sound so delicious! I love that they are gluten free too, can’t wait to make them!!
Thanks so much hope you enjoy!
Oh yes, I love brownies! I’m having company this weekend and I’m making a sort of Valentine’s Day themed dinner, so I think I might make a chocolate cake or brownies with strawberries for dessert. Happy day of love to you on the 14th!
sounds fun have a great party!
Those brownies look delicious!
I did not know that dates have 50% more potassium than bananas. That’s good info to pass on to my older clients who get leg cramps at night.
Well thanks so much! Hope you give them a try
Those brownies look so good! I love a healthy dessert 🙂
Me too thanks!
Oh my goodness, those look so amazing! My husband just saw them and said he needs one right now!
I guess I need to make some for Valentin’s day!
*Valentine’s*
I think you do!
Gluten free? Hello lover! Can’t wait to hopefully be able to get nuts, eggs and chocolate back in my diet so I can try these!
Fingers crossed for you! xoxo
These look great! I’m booked for an OTF class on Valentine’s Day so these would be a good treat for after the class 🙂
Thanks! Hope they all enjoy them! Wow you do book ahead 🙂
These look yummy! Great minds! I’m also sharing heart shaped date treats today!
Can’t get enough of the heart shaped healthy treats! Have a great week
First of all how fun are these cute brownies. I have never thought to put dates into brownies. What a great idea!
Thanks they bring a great natural sweetness and a punch of potassium too
You probably know I don’t like raw bananas, but I was introduced to Medjool dates last year & they are my go-to now for potassium. They are soooo yummy!
I was surprised by how versatile dates are!
These look terrific! I love the idea of using dates!
Thanks they are great for baking
I’m back to loving dates lately, so good with dark chocolate!
No big plan we usually stay in so I’m sure we’ll do the same this year.
They are great to bake with aren’t they?!
Dates are a really great substitute in baking. These look delicious and decadent!
Thanks definitely a healthier option to regular brownies
What wonderful sweet treats. They’re a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any other day!
Thanks so much!
These little bites definitely say, “I love you!!” So cute!
They sure do!
These are so adorable and they look delicious!! I wish we were able to do something for Valentine’s day, but unfortunately two of the girls have softball practice that night this year 🙁
Thanks! Yes I do not miss all the kids sports nights. I am visiting my college aged son that weekend so looking forward to that
What a great recipe! Love the rich flavors and how they are made with dates.
Thanks so much! Happy Valentine’s day 🙂
Yumm, these look delicious! I like that you used dates to sweeten the brownies. Natural sweeteners are great!
Yes they sure are! Thanks
These looks so delicious! I can’t wait to make them…perfect for Valentine’s Day!!!
Thanks so much!
Waohh…That hot date chocolate brownie was superb . I tried this and it came fabulous.
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed!