Brownies with Coconut-Date Swirl: A Naturally Sweet and Nutritious Treat
Indulge in rich, fudgy brownies enhanced by a luscious coconut-date swirl—free of added sugar and full of nourishing ingredients.
Brownies with Coconut-Date Swirl: Naturally Sweet Indulgence
Craving brownies but hoping for a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste? Brownies with Coconut-Date Swirl deliver everything you love about classic brownies—richness, moist crumb, and deep flavor—while relying on dates and coconut for natural sweetness, wholesome fiber, and delicious complexity.
Nature’s Candy: Why Dates Shine in Healthful Baking
Often referred to as nature’s candy, dates add a remarkable, caramel-like sweetness while providing a concentration of antioxidants and dietary fiber. Their unrefined sugars and nutrients bring both flavor and nutritional value to baked treats, making them a star ingredient for anyone who wants to bake smarter.
- Antioxidants: Protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps you feel fuller, longer.
- Natural sweetness: Reduces or eliminates the need for added sugar.
Pairing dates with coconut introduces a creamy texture and subtle tropical aroma, transforming ordinary brownies into a crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll feel good about sharing.
Ingredient Spotlight
What goes into these better-for-you brownies? Let’s break down the star ingredients and their roles:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Macadamia or Vegetable Oil | Provides moisture and a tender crumb; macadamia oil adds subtle richness. |
| Pitted Dried Dates | Natural sweetener, caramel flavor, and fiber source. |
| Eggs | Bind ingredients and help brownies rise. |
| Coconut Flour | Gluten-free alternative that adds fiber and structure. |
| Baking Powder & Baking Soda | Leaveners for lift and texture. |
| Coconut Milk | Delivers creamy richness to the swirl and enhances moistness. |
You can optionally serve these brownies with a dollop of cream or coconut cream, featuring even more lusciousness with every bite.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Brownies with Coconut-Date Swirl
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup macadamia oil or vegetable oil, plus additional for greasing
- 2 cups pitted dried dates, roughly chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- Cream or coconut cream for serving (optional)
For the Coconut-Date Swirl:
- 2 oz pitted dried dates (about 1/2 cup), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Directions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7- to 8-inch square cake pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-1/2 inch overhang on opposing sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the brownie base: Place 2 cups of chopped dates in a large heatproof bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water and the baking soda. Let this mixture soak for 10 minutes to soften the dates, then mash well with a potato masher until smooth.
- Make the coconut-date swirl: In a small saucepan, combine 2 oz dates and 1/2 cup coconut milk. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher to make a thick, spreadable paste.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil. Add the mashed dates (from step 2) and mix until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift in the coconut flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir until just blended, forming a thick, cohesive batter.
- Layer and swirl: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared tin. Dollop spoonfuls of the coconut-date swirl over the top. Use the tip of a small knife or skewer to gently swirl the coconut-date mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the brownies are just firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the pan cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 16 squares. Serve plain or with a spoonful of cream or coconut cream, if desired.
Tips for Success
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
- If your dates are dry or tough, soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes before using to achieve the smoothest mash.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each square (1/16 of the batch):
- Calories: ~188
- Fat: 8g (2.5g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 197mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g (0g added sugar)
- Protein: 3g
These brownies are free of added sugar, relying instead on dates for natural sweetness.
Why Choose Dates as a Sweetener?
Dates aren’t just sweet—they’re a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Compared to refined sugars, dates:
What others are reading
- Lower Glycemic Impact: Their fiber content helps moderate blood sugar spikes.
- Higher Nutrient Density: Contain potassium, magnesium, and other trace minerals.
- Antioxidant Boost: Rich in polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress.
These qualities make date-sweetened treats a smart choice for anyone looking to cut down on processed sugars while keeping dessert delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use another type of flour instead of coconut flour?
A: Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than regular flour, so direct substitution is not recommended. If you prefer to use almond or all-purpose flour, adjust the quantity and consistency accordingly—expect to need more by volume. The unique gluten-free and high-fiber qualities of coconut flour are key to the original recipe’s texture.
Q: Are these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes. Since the recipe uses coconut flour and no wheat or barley derivatives, it is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make the brownies vegan?
A: With two eggs as a binding agent, the basic recipe is not vegan. However, you might try substituting flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) though the texture will vary.
Q: How should I store the brownies?
A: Once cooled, keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze squares in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Q: Do the brownies taste strongly of coconut?
A: The coconut flour and coconut milk impart a mild, pleasant coconut undertone. The flavor is balanced by the caramel notes from the dates, so even those wary of coconut may find these appealing.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and visual flair.
- Enjoy slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent dessert.
- Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the batter for texture and added nutrition.
Adapted from Natural Bakes by Caroline Griffiths (Smith Street Books, 2023). Photography by Chris Middleton. If you love this treat, don’t forget to share your creations online or leave a comment with your tips and tweaks!
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a60100023/brownies-with-coconut-date-swirl-recipe/
- https://www.purelykaylie.com/no-bake-coconut-brownies/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20526851/raspberry-swirl-brownies/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20530008/irresistible-brownies/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20519985/enlightened-brownies/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
