Here’s one of my favorite summer dessert recipes. It’s no-bake, vegan and can be completely raw, if desired. Bonus: It takes about, oh, 5 minutes to prepare. Really. These no-bake brownie bites are completely addictive, but unlike regular sugar and flour based brownies, these are chock-full of heart-healthy nuts and stomach-friendly dates. So you can indulge in a bite (or two) and rest assured you’re giving your body a bit of nutrients with your wholesome dessert, not just refined starches. Bon appetite!

No-Bake Brownie Bites

(Makes about 24 brownie bites)

Ingredients:

1 cup toasted pecans

1 cup pitted dates

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ cup chopped dried cherries, optional

½ cup finely chopped pistachios, optional

Method:

1. Place pecans in a food processor; pulse until coarsely ground. Add dates, cocoa, cinnamon and salt; puree until a thick dough forms.
2. Spread mixture into a square 8-inch baking pan; pressing down lightly to make an even, thick layer. If desired, sprinkle with cherries and pistachios, pressing them into top of brownie layer to adhere.
3. For best results, chill 2 to 4 hours to firm up. Cut into squares and serve.

Image: roger_mommaerts